Amazing Health Benefits Of Kiwano/Horned Melon

What do you get when you cross a melon and a cucumber? No prizes for guessing! It is Kiwano, yet, another exotic fruit that is packed with loads of goodness that you can benefit from!

Grown primarily in the southern parts of Africa, it is also known by other names such as horned melon, African cucumber, blowfish fruit, etc. Also, it comes with a host of health benefits!

Would you like to know more about Kiwano? Do give this post a read!

1. Packed With Antioxidants:

Kiwano is rich in a powerful antioxidant known as alpha-tocopherol. This antioxidant keeps the blood vessels and nerves healthy. It also helps in the neutralization of free-radicals in your body, keeping you safe from serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, etc.

2. Helps In Weight Loss:

This fruit is made up of over 80% water. This means that you get full faster without packing on the pounds. Although it is low in fats, the nutrients that it contains keep your body healthy while you try to lose weight. This fruit, like most others, contains carbs too. However, it is of a type that does not make you pile up pounds (1).

3. Helps In Vision Health:

Kiwano has high levels of Vitamin A that boosts eye health significantly (2). Since this vitamin is a type of carotenoid, it acts as an antioxidant and eliminates free-radicals that can cause eye conditions such as macular degeneration (3).

4. Boosts Cognitive Functioning:

Vitamin E is known to slow down the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (4). Kiwano is also rich in different tocopherol variations that will help in keeping your mind fresh and boost cognitive function.

5. Aids Digestion:

Kiwano has loads of dietary fibre that helps in the digestion process. The main function of fibre is aiding in proper digestion and keeping the digestive system healthy (5). It regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation, bloating, cramping, as well as other serious conditions such as colon cancer and gastric ulcers.

6. Keeps Bones Strong:

With the high content of minerals in kiwano, the strength of your bones can be boosted. It also helps in preventing osteoporosis. Its richness in various minerals makes it a great fruit that helps in the development, repair and growth of bones.

7. Slows Down The Aging Process:

Kiwano is packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and loads of organic compounds. It is due to these essential nutrients that you can stay young, inside and out. They help keep your skin healthy and reduce wrinkles and age spots. You stay young on the inside as well because of the intense antioxidant action that keeps various chronic diseases away.

8. Boosts Metabolism:

The zinc present in kiwano helps in boosting the metabolic processes in your body. It also aids in protein production that is important for the repairing of different organs, cells, tissues and blood vessels.

9. Relieves Stress:

According to research, the various organic compounds in this fruit help in hormone regulation, especially in the regulation of stress hormones such as adrenaline. Kiwano is recommended if you suffer from chronic anxiety or stress as it helps in keeping the mind calm and relaxed.

10. Keeps Heart Healthy:

Kiwano has very low cholesterol levels, and its seeds are rich in linoleic acid, which has unsaturated omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains oleic acid, which is important for a healthy heart as it is mono-saturated. Your cardiac muscles gain strength and health with this yummy fruit.

Remember that this exotic fruit is sensitive to room temperature. Make sure to store the fruits at about 15 degrees to ensure they do not get spoilt too soon (6).

It is time to start eating healthier foods so that you can benefit from them. You should definitely introduce kiwano melon to your daily diet and stay fit and vibrant!