8 Health Benefits Of Honeydew Melon + Nutrition Facts

Honeydew melon (Cucumis melo) is a low-calorie fruit. It is a yellowish and oval-shaped with a smooth rind and a pale center with a distinct aroma. The many benefits of honeydew melons can be attributed to their fiber, carotenoids, and plant compounds. They may help reduce blood pressure, prevent dehydration, promote eye health, and improve heart health. This article explores the nutrition facts of honeydew melons, health benefits, side effects, and some delicious recipes. Keep reading.

Trivia

Egyptians considered honeydew melon as a sacred fruit because of its sweet and juicy flavor.

What Do Honeydew Melons Taste Like?

Honeydew melons have a sweet, subtle fruity-floral taste. Their degree of sweetness depends on the variety. A fully ripe honeydew melon is sweeter, juicier, and has a soft texture (not mushy). On the other hand, an unripe honeydew melon may taste a bit bland, has a crunchy texture, and a strong musky aftertaste, which reduces a bit when the fruit is fully ripe. It is perfect for snacking and is loaded with nutrients. Let’s take a look at its nutrient profile.

Kassie, a Youtuber, shared her personal experience with tasting a honeydew melon for the first time and how much she relished the sweet flavor. She states in her video, “That is candy, this is nature’s candy (i).” She further shares, “But this is very very good and it is so sweet and sugary that my fingers are getting sticky the way that they get when I’m eating a mango, like when I’m eating a good mango.”

Honeydew Melon Nutrition Facts

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of raw honeydew melon contain (1):

• Calories: 36
• Protein: 0.54 g
• Fat: 0.14 g
• Carbohydrate: 9.09 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Sugar: 8.12 g
• Calcium: 6 mg
• Iron: 0.17 mg
• Magnesium: 10 mg
• Phosphorous: 11 mg
• Potassium: 228 mg
• Sodium: 18 mg
• Zinc: 0.09 mg
• Copper: 0.024 mg
• Manganese: 0.027 mg
• Selenium: 0.7 µg
• Vitamin C: 18 mg
• Riboflavin: 0.012 mg
• Folate: 19 µg

Honeydew melon is also rich in carotenoids and polyphenolsⁱ  XOrganic compounds of the phenol group that naturally occur in plants and provide defense against ultraviolet radiation. , making it a healthy food option. Scroll down to learn more about its health benefits.

8 Health Benefits Of Eating Honeydew Melon

1. May Lower Blood Pressure

Honeydew melon is low in sodium and high in potassium (1). A review published in Plants suggests that the high water and mineral content in melons can help reduce blood pressure (2). From studies, a high intake of fruits and vegetables is linked with a reduced risk of high blood pressure (3). In addition, reduced sodium consumption and increased potassium intake can help control blood pressure (4).

2. May Help Prevent Dehydration

Your body can become dehydrated when you lose more water than you consume. Honeydew melon contains about 90 percent of water (1). Studies suggest that the high potassium in honeydew melon helps with electrolyte balance in the body (5). The water and potassium content in honeydew melon helps in maintaining hydration.

3. Promotes Eye Health

Honeydew melon is rich in carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help promote vision health (1). Lutein plays a key role in vision performance and reduces the risk of age-related macular degenerationⁱ  XA disease that causes damage to the retina of the eye and results in blurred or reduced vision in people between the age of 50 and 60. , which is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness (6), (7). A review published in nutrients suggests that these carotenoids act as blue light blockers and prevent damage by free radicals (8).

4. Improves Heart Health

The carotenoids and polyphenols in honeydew melon possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, and help treat and prevent cardiovascular disease (9). In addition, the folate and other vitamins in the melon offer protection against stroke (10).

5. Supports Healthy Skin

Honeydew melon is rich in vitamin C and carotenoids that boost skin health. Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production and offer protection against UV-induced photodamage (11). This potent antioxidant can help prevent photoagingⁱ  XPremature aging of the skin that is characterized by dark spots and fine lines due to prolonged exposure to solar radiation. and aid in the treatment of hyperpigmentationⁱ  XA condition in which the skin produces excess melanin and causes darkened spots and patches on the skin. (12). However, more studies are needed to understand the benefit of honeydew melon in humans.

Insufficient Evidence For

6. May Enhance Bone Health: Honeydew melon is rich in vitamins K and B complex and minerals like magnesium that are essential for maintaining bone mineral density and bone health (13), (14), (15).

7. May Boost The Immune System: The vitamin C in honeydew melon helps prevent many infections like the common cold and pneumonia. The nutrient also plays a key role in supporting immune system function (16).
8. May Support Fetal Development: Honeydew melon can be a refreshing and nutritious choice during pregnancy. A study found that nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin play a crucial role in pre-natal development and may aid in a baby’s vision and brain development. Honeydew melon is a rich source of these nutrients (18). Consuming this fruit during pregnancy may support the health of both the mother and the child.

In addition, the carotenoids in honeydew melon may help reduce the risk of cancer (18).

Are there any adverse effects associated with excess intake of honeydew melon? Scroll down to find out.

Side Effects Of Honeydew Melon

Intake of honeydew melon in moderation is considered safe. However, excess consumption may lead to several side effects. These include digestive issues like diarrhea or elevated blood sugar levels.

Honeydew melon may also cause allergic reactions in a few people. However, little research is available on these side effects. If you develop mouth itching, rash, hives, cramps, trouble breathing, and nausea after consumption of honeydew, stop intake and consult your doctor. In general, symptoms will develop right after eating honeydew.

Are honeydew melon and cantaloupe the same? If not, how are the two different? Learn more in the next section.

Honeydew Melon Vs. Cantaloupe

While honeydew melon and cantaloupe have many similar qualities, they have some differences too. Honeydew melon has a smooth, light-colored rind with green flesh. Whereas cantaloupe is dark and netted with orange flesh.

Honeydew is sweeter with firm flesh, while cantaloupe has softer flesh. Cantaloupe is more likely to get contaminated due to its netted rind.

Cantaloupe is a richer source of vitamins A and C than honeydew (1), (19).

Did You Know?

Galia melon is a unique hybrid melon created from honeydew melon and cantaloupe.

How To Store Honeydew Melon?

Honeydew melons will last for about two weeks if stored at room temperature. Leftovers, if stored in the refrigerator, can look fresh for four to five days. You can also store them in the freezer where they may stay fresh for ten to twelve months.

Are you wondering how to eat this oval-shaped fruit? Check out the next section to learn how to prepare honeydew melon.

How To Prepare Honeydew Melon?

You can prepare honeydew melon in the following ways.

1. Remove the ends with a knife and halve the melon.
2. Remove the seeds with a spoon and cut the melon into wedges.
3. Hold each wedge, remove the melon skin from the flesh, and cut it into cubes.
4. Serve on a plate.

(Or)

1. It is also possible to remove the skin first.
2. Slice lengthwise and cut into small cubes.
3. To make melon balls, use a measuring spoon and scoop out small balls.

You can also try this method:

1. Cut honeydew melon lengthwise into wedges and then into chunks.
2. The melon is ready to be served or used as an ingredient in a dish.

You can prepare delicious yet simple honeydew melon recipes at home. Scroll down to find out more.

Honeydew Melon Recipes

1. Honeydew Melon Sorbet

What You Need

• Honeydew Melon – 1
• Honey – ¼ cup

Process

1. Cut honeydew in half and remove the seeds.
2. Cut into slices and remove fruit from the skin.
3. Transfer melon pieces to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until hardened.
4. Add the frozen melon and honey to a food processor and combine until evenly mixed.
5. Transfer to a loaf pan and then to the freezer until completely frozen.

2. Honeydew Melon Smoothie

What You Need

• Chopped honeydew melon – 2 ½ cups
• Coconut milk – 1 cup
• Matcha – 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon – 1/8 teaspoon
• Lime zest and lime juice – ¼ teaspoon, each

Process

1. Add 2 cups of honeydew melon to a blender along with the coconut milk, cinnamon, matcha, lime juice, and zest.
2. Blend until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Pour into serving glasses. Cut another ½ cup of honeydew into very small pieces and top the smoothie with the chunks of honeydew.

3. Honeydew Melon Jam

What You Need

• Honeydew melon – 1
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Pure lime juice – 2 tablespoons

Process

1. Scoop out and discard the seeds from the melon, slice and remove the peel, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
2. Chop the flesh of the melon into very small chunks (about a quarter inch).
3. Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized pot.
4. Cook and stir constantly on high/medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Let it bubble and boil for the full amount of time.
6. Either boil the excess liquid or drain after cooking.
7. Store in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator.

Infographic: Top 7 Amazing Benefits Of Honeydew Melon

Honeydew melons are perfect for quenching your thirst on hot summer days. Additionally, their ample health perks are good for the rest of your body too! Check out the following infographic to learn the top health benefits of this refreshing superfruit.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Conclusion

Honeydew melon is a pale green fleshed sweet fruit with white or yellow rind. It is rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and plant compounds. The presence of these nutrients in honeydew melon benefits your health in a multitude of ways. From reducing blood pressure to supporting healthy skin, honeydew melon helps maintain optimal health. It can be eaten alone or as an ingredient in salads, soups, or smoothies. However, excess intake of honeydew melon has some side effects. Hence, consume it in moderation and consult your doctor in case of any emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is honeydew good for your stomach?

The presence of water in honeydew melon helps facilitate smooth and easy bowel movements. It also eliminates acidity and improves digestion (19). In addition, the presence of fiber in this melon may help improve digestive health and constipation.

Does honeydew help with bloating?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the fiber and other nutrients in honeydew melon help with bloating. Being low in calories it is also weight loss friendly food. However, limited data is available in this regard.

Is honeydew melon acidic or alkaline?

Honeydew melon is mildly acidic.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Nilofar PendhariCertified Clinical Nutritionist

     

Nilofar Pendhari is a physiotherapist, dietitian, and certified clinical nutritionist having over 9 years of professional experience in the field of dietetics. She specializes in providing effective diet plans for her client’s fitness and weight loss goals. She also provides customized meal plans for weight loss/weight gain through online consultations. Nilofar Pendhari did her bachelors in physiotherapy (BPth) at DY...more

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