Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is a species of melon that has been developed into many cultivated varieties. These include smooth skinned varieties such as honeydew, crenshaw and casaba, and different netted cultivars (cantaloupe, Persian melon and Santa Claus or Christmas melon). The large number of cultivars in this species approaches that found in wild cabbage, though morphological variation is not as extensive. It is a fruit of a type that botanists call a pepo. Muskmelon is native to Persia (Iran) and adjacent areas on the west and the east. Persia and the trans-Caucasus are believed to be the main center of origin and development, with a secondary center including the northwest provinces of India, also Kashmir andAfghanistan. Although truly wild forms of C. melo have not been found, several related wild species have been noted in those
Benefits of Muskmelon
Muskmelon is one of the most popular fruits in tropical countries and it is available in numerous varieties. The two main types of the fruit are those with smooth skin and those with netted skin. The health benefits of muskmelon are many, as it has high nutritional values. The fruit contains Vitamin A, B, C and minerals like magnesium, sodium and potassium. It has zero cholesterol and is safe for blood cholesterol patients.
Muskmelon tastes well and can satisfy your dessert needs. It can be a great substitute for high calorie snacks and can aid in losing weight healthily. Since it is rich in potassium, it can help control blood pressure and can prevent the risk of strokes. Potassium in the fruit can also reduce the problem of developing kidney stones.
Muskmelon has great amount of dietary fiber (1.3gram in 1 cup of muskmelon) and thus it can provide great relief for those who suffer from constipation problem. The health benefits of muskmelon are recognized by many physicians all over the world. They believe the fruit can prevent age-related bone loss.
Muskmelon is a good source of vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant. This helps to prevent heart diseases and even cancer. It has beta-carotene too. Researches reveal the fact that the combination of beta-carotene and vitamin c can prevent many chronic conditions.
There are yet some other health benefits offered by muskmelon. Regular consumption of muskmelon juice can help to treat lack of appetite, acidity, ulcer and urinary tract infections. It can reduce the heat in the body largely and therefore can prevent heat related disorders. It can relieve tiredness. It has effective laxative properties and so can help curing insomnia.
