Healthy skin and collagen rely on an adequate consumption of
vitamin C and honeydew supplies you with a good dose, Roberta Larson Duyff and
the American Dietetic Association note in their book, "American Dietetic Association
Complete Food and Nutrition Guide." A 1-cup serving of honeydew will
provide about half of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C can also boost your
immune system so you can help prevent illness and infection.
The
honeydew melon is one of the many varieties of melons available for you to
enjoy as a healthy snack or addition to a meal. This sweet tasting fruit is
packed with healthful nutrients. The peak harvest season for honeydew melons is
between May and October.
Honeydew
melons are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, making them a highly
nutritious food. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of
acquiring serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, certain
cancers and strokes.
Honeydew
is a member of the melon family of fruits and usually has pale green sweet and
juicy flesh inside a hard rind. Honeydew melons are a nutritious addition to
your diet because they contain several vitamins and minerals. With only 60
calories per half cup, honeydew is a nutritionally beneficial fruit to add to
your menu, note Michael T. Murray, Joseph Pizzorno and Lara Pizzorno in their
book, "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods."
A
ripe honeydew melon has more nutritional value than one that is overripe. When
purchasing a honeydew melon, look for one that is light green with a creamy
white rind, has a sweet scent and does not show signs of bruising or injury,
suggests Iowa State University Extension.
Potassium
A
potassium deficiency can result in an irregular heartbeat or an inefficency at
pumping blood throughout your body. Many fruits supply a good dose of potassium
and a 1-cup serving of honeydew will provide you with 12 percent of what you
need each day, report Murray, Pizzorno and Pizzorno. The water-potassium ratio
on honeydew may also help prevent an increase in blood pressure. Add some cubed
honeydew to your breakfast or lunch as a healthy side dish or mix with
cantaloupe and watermelon chunks to create a mixed melon fruit salad.
The
American Heart Association recommends honeydew melon as a good, low-calorie
source of potassium. Potassium is a vital electrolyte used by your body to grow
and maintain cells, initiate nerve response and contract muscles.
Vitamin C
Honeydew
melons are a good source of vitamin C. According to the American Institute for
Cancer Research, honeydew melons possess the highest vitamin C content of all
the melon varieties, except for cantaloupe. Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the
Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, recommends vitamin C as an important nutrient,
relating that it plays a vital role in encouraging tissue repair and
regeneration, promoting a health heart, as well as aiding in the absorption of
iron. Vitamin C may protect your body from the dangerous effects of free
radicals, which are associated with the development of certain types of cancer,
states Dr. Weil.
Zeaxanthin
The
light green pigment of the honeydew melon indicates the presence of the
carotenoid called zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is considered to be a powerful
antioxidant that can protect your vision by accumulating in the macula area of
your eye where it absorbs harmful blue light, as revealed by research conducted
by the Schepens Eye Research Institute. This research revealed a possible
correlation between eating foods high in carotenoids, such as honeydew melon,
and a reduced risk of acquiring age-related macular degeneration.
Copper
Copper
is essential for healthy skin because it helps aid in skin cell regeneration.
Honeydew is a good fruit source of this trace mineral, note Murray, Pizzorno
and Pizzorno. Your body's ability to repair its muscles and tissues also relies
on a sufficient intake of copper and adding honeydew to your diet may help you
increase your levels of this important mineral. Add honeydew chunks to a
smoothie or add some chopped honeydew to a bowl of oatmeal or carton of yogurt.
B Vitamins
In
addition to supplying potassium, vitamin C and copper, honeydew is also a good
source of several B vitamins, including thiamine and niacin. B vitamins help
your body get rid of toxins that can cause illness and disease. B vitamins may
also reduce your risk of heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael T. Murray, Joseph Pizzorno and Lara Pizzorno; 2005
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; Roberta Larson Duyff and the American Dietetic Association; 2006
- "Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality and Long-Term Health"; Frank Our Ohio: Mellow Out with Sweet Melons
- Dr. Weil: Facts on Vitamin C
- Dr. Weil: Lutein: Good for Your Eyes and Heart?
- Macular Degeneration Support: Study Demonstrates Essential Role of Zeaxanthin
- American Heart Association: Potassium
- Iowa State University Extension: Pick a Better Snack--Honeydew Melons
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