People “tasted” the melon about 6 thousand years ago, appreciating the taste,
the smell and ability of the fruit pulp to quench thirst and restore
strength. Later, healers discovered the therapeutic properties of others.
parts of the plant: seeds, peel, leaves and roots. However, even today
discoveries don’t stop. Modern scientists find confirmation
antioxidant properties of melon, reveal the potential of plant extracts
in the fight against diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and skin
pathologies.
Melon health benefits
Composition and calorie content
Fresh melon contains (per 100 g): .
Calories 34 Kcal
Vitamin C 36,7 Potassium, K 267 Vitamin
B4 7,6 Sodium,
Na 16 Vitamin
B3 0,734 Phosphorus,
P 15 Vitamin E 0,05 Magnesium, Mg 12 Vitamin
B1 0,041 Calcium, Ca 9
Full composition
The given table for honeydew melon shows that in its pulp
contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, but almost
all of them are presented in a relatively small amount in relation to
to the recommended daily requirement -% RSP / 100 g. (For more
one popular plant species – cantaloupe melon – indicators
may differ slightly).
In the list of minerals, the most noticeable content of potassium (about 10%
RSP). But the iron, for which the melon is often praised, in the pulp,
as a rule, only 0,17-0,21 mg / 100 g, which corresponds to about
1,5-2% RDI (although in some varieties this percentage can reach
7% RI). There are quite a lot of vitamins C in fruits (20-40% of the RDA), there is
also vitamins B1, B6, B9, PP (about 4% of the RDA). Melon stands out
and the content of beta-carotene (provitamin vitamin A) – up to 40%
RSP. A number of essential amino acids are also found in melon pulp:
valine, histidine, leucine, lysine, isoleucine, etc. (1-2% RSP).
Medicinal properties
Although the medicinal properties of various parts of the melon are known
since ancient times, modern science has also been interested in them, rechecking
the statements of ancient doctors.
So, for example, there are several works at once in which
antitumor effects properties of the peel of fruits, seeds .
and stalks of melon. Triterpenoid compound isolated from stems
plants (cucurbitacin B) in China have been trying for some time
use in the treatment of hepatitis
and hepatomas (hepatocellular carcinoma), and new works with cucurbitacin
B confirm its therapeutic efficacy. .
Due to its antioxidant
properties, melon extracts also demonstrate antihemolytic action,
that is, their introduction can stop the premature decay
erythrocytes. . Discovered,
that melon pulp, when consumed regularly, has anti-atherosclerotic
effect on blood vessels. A number of studies have documented the ability
melon extracts prevent abnormal increases in glucose levels
in the blood, as well as the level of lipoproteins and lipids. And all together
this makes it possible to use extracts of plant parts for
alleviating the condition of patients with cardiovascular diseases
and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes
Diabetes
usually included in the list of contraindications for the introduction of melon in
diet because of the sugars in fruits, but animal experimentation
showed that oral administration of melon to obese mice
leads to an improvement in the inflammatory status associated with a change
gut microbiota, and then – to improve glycemic control.
And this has the potential to prevent the development of insulin resistance.
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. .
Another study found that fruit-based supplementation
melon (especially with date preparations) has a hypoglycemic
influence, weakening the primary pathologies of the heart muscle in diabetic
rats.
Melon leaf extract is also likely to have the potential to prevent
damage to the nervous system and inhibit the increase in the number of cognitive impairments
in animals with diabetes mellitus (more about this and the previous
research see below).
Cardiovascular pathology.
At the end of the last century, studies showed that an aqueous extract
melon is able to inhibit platelet clumping, thereby potentially
preventing the formation of blood clots in the vessels. .
More recent experiments in rats have shown that eating
melon concentrate may have therapeutic benefits in preventing
development of myocardial hypertrophy and inhibition of cardiac fibrosis.
.
Due to its diuretic properties, melon can be treated
as a herbal remedy to reduce high blood pressure. In one
summarizing study identified melon extract as one of the most promising
concentrates for the development of natural medicines with diuretic
effect. .
There is evidence that the consumption of melon has
sedative effect on the central nervous system, extracts
melon peels are able to stimulate thyroid function .,
a combined preparation with pulp extract when used externally
can provide safe repigmentation in people with vitiligo.
Sometimes melon is included in the complex diet of patients.
with anemia,
hemorrhoids.
Use in medicine
There are a number of extract preparations on the market today
melons belonging to the group of food additives. Supplement manufacturers
position their products primarily as antidiabetic
drugs to help maintain normal blood sugar levels
by ensuring proper glucose metabolism.
Additional therapeutic effects include a decrease in
blood pressure and antioxidant effect. Such drugs
most often made from wild bitter melon (Wild Bitter
Melon), but cantaloupe melon extracts are also found.
In folk medicine
Ancient folk medicine (on the postulates of which were based
the first systematized medical theories and practices) attributed
melon to products that can cleanse with regular use
internal organs, nourish the body and saturate the brain with moisture. Thanks to
jaundice was treated with melon pulp
and dropsy
provoked menstruation with a delay, increased the amount of milk
in lactating women, removed edema
and restored the kidneys.
Folk “herbalists” prescribed to eat melon pulp to improve
mood (as an antidepressant), for stomach problems,
cinge,
tuberculosis,
hemorrhoids,
rheumatism,
gout
The people traditionally differed in the medical effects of weed-field
and varietal sweet and savory melons. Field melon used
to get rid of a very wide range of diseases and pathologies:
- To get rid of epileptic
seizures, paralytic spasms (including on the face),
tetanus and headaches. With migraines
melon juice thickened in the sun was mixed to relieve seizures
with the milk of nurses and injected into the patient’s nose. In the treatment of epilepsy
also used thickened field juice mixed with milk
melons, however, before introducing the mixture, the body needed to
clear. A mixture of milk with leaf juice was considered more effective.
or just the leaves of a plant. Milk was often replaced (or supplemented)
ammonia. - For the elimination of bile (with feces), urine and uric acids
(in gout treatment programs). Choleretic and diuretic effects
achieved by the use of fruit juice (approximately 1 gram per dose).
But increasing the dose of juice to 3 grams within three days can
was to achieve excretion of bile through vomiting. - For the treatment of colds and the elimination of their symptoms.
Ancient folk healers believed that the drunk juice of the fruits in
pure form will ease shortness of breath. And if you mix it
with olive
oil and this mixture to anoint the neck or palate, this will help
get rid of a sore throat.
Unsweetened melon was used as a poultice for eye inflammations. And her
dried and powdered pulp, mixed with wheat
flour, removed freckles, age spots and various skin
pathology. However, in addition to pulp, in folk medicine for a long time
pore melon peels, seeds, flowers, leaves,
stems and roots.
- Corky. Traditional healers with melon crusts
used to lubricate the body to provoke urination,
and the head – to eliminate inflammation in meningitis.
Eating 5-7 grams of crushed crusts was applied
for removing calculi of the bladder and kidneys. And to activate
movement of feces daily was recommended to eat about
5-6 grams of field melon peel, washed down with a healing agent
honey water. - Flowers. The dried flowers of the plant were frayed
into powder, which was then sprinkled with lichen.
To eliminate various skin diseases, warts, blemishes,
itching, honey, wine or vinegar was added to the flower powder. Sometimes
flower powder fought with joint pain. - Seeds. In traditional medicine, it was believed that melon seeds (and juices of crushed
seeds) in a dose of 7 to 17 grams enhance male potency,
add milk to lactating women, open kidney and liver channels,
Bladder. Milk of seeds removed inflammations, cured diseases
eyes and freckles. They were eaten raw to relieve fever.
and relief from cough and thirst. - Leaves. A decoction of melon leaves was drunk for treatment
leprosy
(leprosy) – a disease caused by mycobacterium (Mycobacterium
leprae). - Roots. Melon root is considered a strong emetic
means, but use it not only in this capacity.
‣ For the treatment of dropsy, 150 grams of crushed plant roots
insisted on 1 liter of wine for a week. With a therapeutic effect
the product should be consumed three times a day, 100 ml. For outdoor
use for dropsy melon roots were first boiled in water, ground
and, mixed with wine, added to the dough, which was applied
on the accumulation of transudate.
‣ The juice of the roots of the plant was used to get rid of worms.
To do this, it was slightly warmed up and applied to the navel.
Lubrication of testicular juice should have led to a decrease
pain and swelling of the glands. With the same condensed root juice, they activated
monthly. However, its introduction directly into the vagina of a pregnant woman
women could provoke a miscarriage.
‣ Compress of boiled roots mixed with barley flour,
contributed to the more rapid maturation of inflammation on the mucous membranes
surfaces.
‣ Enemas from decoction of roots (up to 3,5 grams of concentrate) were placed
traditional healers for the treatment of sciatica.
External compresses soaked in root decoction and vinegar,
treated gout and joint pain.
In oriental medicine
In Chinese dietetics, melon refers to foods with an average
the degree of Yin concentration. She quenches thirst like a cold food
and relieves inflammation heat. Melon is used in the absence of appetite,
discomfort in the chest area, problems with urinary excretion and
slags.
Melon overuse can trigger acute diarrhea.
But, in addition, it drains Yang energy and is able to create inner
accumulation of cold.
In traditional Indian medicine, melon fruits have been used to
treatment of diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, obesity.
In scientific research
Melon has not yet become a popular subject of scientific research, especially
the part that is associated with a therapeutic effect on the body
person. However, from time to time, this melon culture still
falls into the field of vision of scientists.
Melon extract as part of a complex preparation has shown effectiveness
in the treatment of vitiligo. .
In the above study, the scientists wanted to assess the degree of effectiveness
topical application of a new gel composition containing the extract
melons, phenylalanine and acetylcysteine, with vitiligo (pigmentation disorders
due to the absence of melanin in some areas of the skin).
The safety of the drug was also checked (including when using
0,05% clobetasol ointment).
Scientists examined 149 patients with symmetric vitiligo,
affecting less than 10% of the skin surface. (Patients affected only by
vital coil were excluded from the analysis). Duration
treatment was 12 weeks, after which excellent repigmentation
(> 75%) was achieved in 38-73% of patients,
depending on the treatment regimen. Small to moderate side effects
effects were observed only in patients using additional
0,05% clobetasol ointment. When used independently, tested
the gel composition has shown good efficacy in improving
repigmentation of vitiligo, and no side effects are recorded
did not have.
Melon Leaf Extract Reduces Nervous System Damage
and cognitive impairment in animals with streptozotocin-induced
diabetes. .
Since the central nervous system is considered one of the most
vulnerable objects of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus,
scientists are considering ways to provide antioxidant protection
the brain through healthy foods and herbal supplements: for example,
melon leaf extract.
In the experiment, adult male albino rats were divided into 5
groups of 6 rats each. In 4 groups, diabetes was caused by a single
intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg / kg body weight
body), and the 5th group was the control.
One in four diabetic groups left untreated
and was considered a diabetic control group, while
the other three groups received treatment with melon leaf extract in
doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg / kg of body weight for 30 days.
After the experiment was completed, the plasma and the brain were used to
assessment of biochemical changes. The data obtained showed that
melon leaf extract treatment reduced blood glucose levels,
glycated hemoglobin, brain tumor necrosis factor,
interleukin level, malondialdehyde content in the brain
and caspase-3 activity. In addition, the treatment resulted in a noticeable
an increase in the level of dopamine, melatonin in plasma, the level of endothelial
growth factor A in the brain, brain catalase and superoxide dismutase.
Based on the results obtained, scientists concluded that
melon leaf extract has a neuroprotective effect against
oxidative damage associated with diabetes.
Serpentine melon has a prophylactic effect directed
against the development of cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. .
Cardiomyopathies are called pathologies due to which it is affected
the middle layer of the muscle fibers of the heart. One of the reasons for the occurrence
such pathologies can be endocrine diseases and in particular
diabetes.
In the above study, scientists tested the ability of water
snake melon fruit extracts (Cucumis melo var. Flexuosus)
and dates suppress type 2 diabetes-induced cardiomyopathies
in laboratory rats.
Plant extracts (together and separately) at the rate of 200 mg
/ kg body weight of diabetic rats was taken daily for
months. The results showed that both the intake of individual funds and
the combinations significantly reduced glucose levels and increased concentration
insulin in the blood. Plant extracts significantly reduced
inflammatory serum molecules, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)
and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as changes in cardiac malonic
dialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In addition, extracts
weakened the increase in the enzyme of apoptosis of the heart (caspase-3) and oxidative
fragmentation of DNA. Treatment of diabetic rats with herbal extracts
also reduced the level of an enzyme in serum heart function, creatine phosphokinase-MB
(CPK-MB).
This study proved that both herbal extracts and especially
their combination has a potential hypoglycemic effect
and may attenuate cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats.
For losing weight
Due to the high enough content of fast carbohydrates – sugars
(about 8-9 g per 100 g of product) melon is not considered dietary
product. But methanol extracts of melon (500 mg / kg) in some
animal studies on a high diet
cholesterol, have shown the ability to slow down body weight gain,
lower low-density (“bad”) cholesterol, while increasing
high-density (“good”) cholesterol in serum
already 28 days after the start of treatment. .
Often, a 1-3 day mono-diet is built on the basis of melon. Usually for
they choose unsweetened fruits and share 1-1,5 kg of pulp per day
for 5-6 meals. It is not recommended to drink a melon, but in between
between meals, those who have experienced a diet are advised to drink a cup of herbal
tea.
In cooking
Most often, the melon is eaten fresh and chilled, removing the inedible
peel and chop the flesh into cubic or ball-shaped slices
forms. Before cooking for the stability of the “pole” of the fruit
usually cut off. But the order of cutting off the remaining crust depends on
what exactly the cook is supposed to do: for example, melon
balls are more convenient to make without preliminary cleaning, and fruit and vegetable
salads and dishes – after peeling.
The peeled peel is also not always thrown away, since it can
become an excellent tenderizer for tough meat. When cooking dishes
the rind is thrown directly into the pot in which the meat is boiled. And when
preparation of raw materials for barbecue, with the addition of the peel will work well
marinate the meat of even old animals.
Despite the widespread opinion among the people that
melon is best eaten separately to maintain normal digestion
from other products, the culinary traditions of the peoples of the world are not so unambiguous
on this account. For example, in England it is customary to serve melon for breakfast,
in the USA – at the beginning of lunch to eat it with “dense” dishes, and
in Central Asia, meat and fish are traditionally cooked with melon. Combination
ham with
the pulp of the fruit has become a classic today in many cuisines of the world.
And melon taste goes very well with the taste of seafood,
various herbs, spices, berries.
Depending on the type and variety, the culinary purpose of the melons can
vary: “Galia”, “Kassaba”, “Kreshno” are good for
desserts or snacks, winter melons are more appropriate in soups and dishes
from seafood, “Bukharka” with its pear-like shade can
become a fragrant base for homemade wine. (By the way, although melon
pulp and tasty alcoholic drinks are obtained, it is believed that
place the preparing grape wine next to the fragrant fruits
should not – the melon smell will ruin it).
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, melon extracts are used to even out the tone.
skin, sun protection, hydration and inflammation, and
to normalize the production of sebum. Famous supermodel
Cindy Crawford uses the Charente melon from the south
France, as one of the main ingredients of its cosmetic
line “Meaningful Beauty” (which can be translated as “Meaningful beauty”).
The cosmetics of this line are intended for mature women who
melon antioxidant properties and recovery are important
skin elasticity.
But melon extracts in the composition of its products include not only
Cindy Crawford. Leading cosmetic companies in Europe, Asia and
America uses similar ingredients in creams, serums, toilet
water, shampoos and soaps. Moreover, the use of melon components
in hair care is not an invention of recent years. Inhabitants
the highlands of Tajikistan for a long time have been using fruit seeds in
as a shampoo that softens hair and removes dandruff.
In modern home cosmetology, pulp is mainly used.
melon, including it in complex masks:
- with lemon
– to lighten age spots, - with honey,
sour cream
and egg yolk
– to tone up and smooth out fine wrinkles, - with milk
and mineral water – for moisturizing, although often for this purpose
the face is simply rubbed with the ground and squeezed pulp collected
into a gauze knot.
We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible dangers of melon
in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share
a picture on social networks, with a link to our page:
Today, you can find many different varieties of melons on the shelves,
differing in color, size, shape. But there are several
universal indicators of product ripeness:
General rules for the storage of melons imply preliminary selection
fruits without damage to the skin and initial signs of decay.
The Uzbek experience shows that melon as a whole is best stored
suspended in a ventilated wicker mesh so that
the fruits did not touch each other. But if there is no suitable
beams, melons can be placed in boxes on soft sawdust on a small
distance from each other. The desired effect will help to achieve and shifting
fruit with paper or cloth. From time to time (about once every 3-4
weeks) they need to be checked and rejected fruits, on the peel of which
dark spots began to appear.
Melons are perfectly stored in dark rooms with a fairly low temperature
(1-3 ° C) at 70-80% relative humidity. But even with ideal
conditions, late-ripening varieties will be better stored: “Habalon”, “Zimovka”,
“Chiano”, etc. Some fruits can lie for up to six months, but
melons should not be placed next to apples or potatoes that
accelerate ripening. Without special temperature conditions, uncut
melon will retain its freshness for at least a week if not put
in direct sunlight.
Melon cut into pieces can also be stored frozen
very long (until the next harvest). After defrosting, the pulp changes
its physical properties, while maintaining aroma and taste. But if
do not freeze the cut melon, then even in the refrigerator it should not be
keep longer than a week. In this case, it is better to cover the slices with cling film,
preventing drying out.
If there is no space in the refrigerator, the melon can be dried
and wither. Often unsuccessfully chosen unripe or dryish withers
fruit. Firstly, they do not have to be thrown away, and, secondly, they will be prepared
they are faster than juicy. To do this, cut the pulp into long slices.
1-3 cm thick, getting rid of the green layer near the peel, lay out
on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment, and then either
placed in the oven to speed up the process, or kept for about
2 weeks in air for natural withering.
In the first case, the temperature in the oven should be around 70-75 ° C
taking into account the slightly ajar door for the escape of vapors. Cooking time
– up to 8 hours. If the slices are not placed on a wire rack, but on a baking sheet,
then it is better to change the baking paper regularly (in the first hours it
will get wet very quickly). In the case of natural drying on
air, the cut slices should be covered with gauze to protect against
insects and gently turn them every 2 days during all
2 weeks of cooking.
The resulting dried strips are stored in a sealed jar (glass,
plastic, wooden). To make the slices stick together less, they are rolled
in sesame,
coconut flakes,
poppy seed
or lightly sprinkled with watermelon juice. Sometimes they are rolled up in pigtails.
or rolls.
Melon loves light and warmth, tolerates saline soil and drought and almost
does not tolerate high humidity. And although in the Russian Empire
in the .th century, they successfully tried to grow it in greenhouse conditions
even in the suburbs, it still grows better in a dry Asian
climate on an open melon.
There are many varieties and varieties of melons, including
there are also quite exotic representatives. They all belong to the genus
Cucumber of the Pumpkin family, so it is not surprising that in alternative
the names of some of them contain the word “cucumber”, and the fruits themselves
melons are called “pumpkins”.
Melon cultivation took place about 4 thousand years BC. e. peoples
inhabiting regions of Central Asia, India and Iran. And then probably
about 3 thousand to. n. e. once again, independently, by the peoples of Africa. Then
yes, since the moment a person got acquainted with this melon culture,
for about 6 thousand years, and during this time the melon was praised, and literally
condemned. Here are just a few interesting facts and myths from a long
melon stories:
