Melon properties and contraindications / melon disadvantages / melon contraindications The melon plant is a vine that can reach up to 10 feet (3 m) in length, and has alternate, simple, rounded leaves with long, hairy petioles.
The melon vine produces yellow flowers, and its fruits come in different sizes and colors. They are usually rounded out with a white or gray rind and orange, pink, or green flesh. Melon seeds are smooth, flat and elliptical.
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Its origin and history
While melons have been used for therapeutic purposes since before recorded history, they are believed to have been domesticated in the Mediterranean region around 1500 BC. C. and considered a luxury food for the next 3,000 years, as they adorned banquet halls and royal parties from England to India.
Once the melon was introduced to Spain during the 16th century and its availability increased, Western herbalists were able to study its medicinal properties. Supposedly, melons reached the New World on Columbus’s second voyage, where the American Indians began cultivating them. By the next century, large-scale melon plantations had developed along the southeastern coast of what is now the United States.
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Economic data
Melons have been highly prized since their discovery, and remain a popular sweet snack and dessert today. Melons play an important role in the food industry due to their popularity all over the world. China, Turkey, Iran and the United States collectively produce more than half of the world’s melons.
In 2010, the world production of melons was around 31 million tons, with a leading production in China. Let’s see, next the melon properties and contraindications.
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melon properties to health
To learn about melon properties and contraindications, we must start by indicating that melons are not only tasty and juicy fruits, but scientific research has also shown their medicinal properties, which are commonly used for:
Stimulate urine production. The diuretic properties of melon facilitate the elimination of sodium through the urine, which helps reduce blood pressure.
Improve the digestive process. Melons provide many essential nutrients and are low in fat, aiding digestion and weight loss as part of a healthy diet.
Helps improve vision The consumption of foods rich in beta-carotene, such as melon, reduces the possibility of developing cataracts by 50% and even protects against other age-related eye diseases, including macular degeneration.
Helps treat arthritis The phytochemicals in cantaloupe have anti-inflammatory qualities, which is why consuming cantaloupe can help your oxidative stress on joints and bones, thus reducing infection.
It is considered anti-aging The melon is rich in water. That is why it prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and delays the appearance of aging.
Helps reduce diarrhea The water content of melon makes it an extraordinary snack in the summer season because it prevents dehydration.
Rich in vitamin C and helps improve immunity Melon provides vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene and phytochemicals that act against free radicals. Vitamin A acts as an important line of protection for a healthy immune system, it also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which seek out and destroy risky bacteria, viruses and different toxic substances or foreign bodies that may have found their way into our bloodstream.
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How does it work
Not much is known about the specific compounds responsible for melon’s medicinal properties, although different types of flavonoids have been identified and are believed to play a role in its antioxidant properties.
Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of cantaloupe are primarily related to its ability to induce the production of interleukin 10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine that affects immunoregulation and inflammatory processes in the human body.
The diuretic properties of cantaloupe are attributed to its high amounts of antioxidant compounds, mainly beta-carotene.
Furthermore, although its exact mechanism of action is not yet known, it seems that linoleic acid, one of the main fatty acids contained in melon seeds, has an enzymatic effect on the gastrointestinal tract, easing the digestive process and improving the absorption of nutrients.
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Contraindications and disadvantages
Despite being a very rich and healthy food, it must be taken into account that melons can be indigestible when eaten green or immature. Here are its contraindications and disadvantages:
Contraindications and disadvantages of melon #1 Diabetics should take it in moderation.
Contraindications and disadvantages of melon #2 People who take diuretics should take them in moderation as this can enhance their effect.
Contraindications and disadvantages of melon #3 melon allergy There are people allergic to melon who cannot consume it.
Contraindications and disadvantages of melon #4 Cantaloupe can cause digestive disorders In very specific cases, melon can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea).
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How to choose melons?
To have a ripe sweet melon, you must pay attention to the stalk at one end. If it is too hard, the melon is not ready to eat yet, but if the stem is soft and seems dry, it is an indication that the melon is sweet and ready to be tasted.
Another way to tell if the melon is ripe is to squeeze one end of the melon lightly but firmly. If it gives a little, it means that the melon is ripe. But if it’s hard, you’re not ready.
We must also pay attention to the smell. If the melon has a pleasant, sweet aroma, this is another indication that it is done. But if it doesn’t feel like something, we have to let it mature for a few more days.
If you want to know more about melon properties and contraindications, you can ask your question in the comments section.
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