Horned melon, fibre content, micronutrient contents, antioxidant activity, cardioprotective activity, hypoglycemic activity, hypolipidemic activity and neuroprotective activity
Description : Horned melon is a nutritious fruit belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Africa and it
Article Details :
Horned melon is a nutritious fruit belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Africa and it has been extensively used for various therapeutic purposes.
General information regarding horned melon
- Horned melon is also known as kiwano
- It has similar appearance and consistency with kiwi but it is not biologically related to kiwi
- Whereas, it is relatively more closer in evolutionary and nutritive term to zucchini and cucumber
- The outer layer of the skin is gold or orange in colour and the skin of the outer layer is covered with small spikes
- The inner portion of the fruit has gelatinous appearance like kiwi
- Seeds of horned melon also contain various important organic compounds and nutrients that make the fruit relatively healthier
- The roots and leaves of the plant are also used for numerous applications
Nutritional profile
- It contains lesser amount of carbohydrate
- It contains desirable amount of fibre
- It contains too some extent of proteins
- It also contains negligible amount of fats
- It does not provide enough calories on its oxidation as it contains lesser amount of carbohydrates and fats thus it is considered as low calorie food
- It is rich in moisture. It has seen that it contains about 88 to 89% of water
- It is loaded with several vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9
- It contains numerous trace elements as well, which include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc and iron
Health benefits
Role on immunity
- Vitamin C, Vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, zinc and magnesium components of horned melon are accountable for strengthening the overall body’s immune system
- It helps to improve immunological responses and also increases body’s ability to fight against infections
Role on skeletal system
- Its high mineral contents especially calcium and phosphorus play vital role in strengthening bones
- It is associated with repairing bone damages and also promotes the growth and development of entire skeletal system
- Consumption of horned melon plays imperative role in decreasing the prevalence of osteoporosis
Role on digestive health
- Nutritional composition of horned melon especially its fibre content makes it an ideal food for gastrointestinal health as it plays important role in keeping the digestive system healthy
- Horned melon aids in digestion process
- It helps to improve colonic motility thus helps in promoting colonic health and significantly decreases the susceptibility of colon cancers
- It is also associated with enhancing bowel movement that ultimately helps to maintain regularity. Its fibre content is also responsible for preventing constipation as it helps to increase the softness and bulkiness of stool, which aids in easy defecation
- Its consumption is also considered as very effective for decreasing the prevalence of stomach cramping, gastric ulcer and bloating
Role on nervous system
- Horned melon has a relation with nervous system. It has seen that its antioxidant activity as well as micronutrient components play vital role in protecting nerve cells from damages thus promotes their functionality
- Vitamin E component of horned melon is associated with slowing down the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- It also helps in boosting up cognitive functions and also helps to improve memory
Antioxidant activity
- It is not only a nutritious fruit but also it is a fruit with various antioxidants that play important role in reducing oxidative stress within body
- Oxidative reactions are considered as a normal part of human metabolism but excessive oxidative strain may interfere with cellular functions and also increases the susceptibility of inflammatory diseases thus it is better to consume antioxidant rich food like horned melon for minimizing these above sated potential damages
Role on mental health
- Individual suffer from stress or anxiety or depression should include horned melon in their diet as it helps to improve mental health
- It contains various important organic substances that are responsible for regulating the secretion and activity of stress hormones thus helps to keep the mind relaxed and calm
Role on vision
- Its Vitamin A content plays imperative role in boosting up eye health
- Its antioxidant activity is also associated with protecting the retina from oxidative damages, which ultimately promotes vision
- It has seen Read more
