It’s hard to resist snacking on a crunchy and cool winter melon, due to its nutritional quality and impressive health benefits, many of which may include its strong ability to treat chronic disease, boost digestion, strengthen the immune system, help protect the heart, protect the eyesight, and improve energy levels.
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What is Winter Melon?
The winter melon is a large vine vegetable with white flesh and a fuzzy interior. It’s the sole member of the Benincasa genus and goes by many different names, including ash gourd, fuzzy gourd, and tallow gourd. As an immature vegetable, its flavor is slightly sweet but it becomes much more bland after it matures.
Every part of the winter melon plant can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes. The winter melon has been cultivated throughout Asia for many centuries and is used commonly in soups and stews, candied as well. The juice that comes from this vegetable can also be used to make healthy beverages like iced tea and fruit-infused water; on top of that, its edible buds and tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked as greens.
Health Benefits of Winter Melon
The health benefits of winter melon include the following:
May Boost Vision
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, has been linked to a lot of eye disorders related to vision issues. As your eyes age, it’s important to obtain at least the recommended level of riboflavin each day to promote healthy vision and reduce your chances of developing macular degeneration. Winter melon is a great source of this vitamin, with 11% in just one serving.
Might Protect the Heart
Winter melon may be helpful in protecting your heart. It is a popular fruit known for its high levels of potassium and vitamin C. This fruit can dilate blood vessels, reducing your likelihood of developing atherosclerosis by 50%. Vitamin C has also been linked to increasing your likelihood to have a stroke by 15%
May Boost Immunity
With perhaps more than 19% of your daily vitamin C requirement in one serving, winter melon can be called a powerful immune system booster. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells and act as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and protect healthy cells from mutation. Winter melon also boasts a possible amount of zinc, which is another critical component of immune system health.
Might Stimulate Growth & Development
Vitamin C is your body’s “designer” vitamin, and has a fascinating number of functions. It can benefit your immune system, help build new cells, tissues and bones, keep you healthy during the winter months, and aid in the creation of collagen.
Winter melon is a natural source of vitamin C—much more than you’re probably getting as part of your diet!
Can Help in Digestion
An important part of a healthy diet is dietary fiber. Yes, diverse and variegated types of dietary fiber can optimize digestive health, prevent unfortunate gastrointestinal issues, and heart disease, just to name a few.
May Increase Energy Levels
Vitamin B2 is one of the many important vitamins that play a part in human metabolism. It helps convert nutrients into usable energy. With its many other effects on hormonal balance and health, this vitamin can be found in high levels in winter melon–it will ensure your body uses nutrients efficiently!
Might Improve Cognitive Function
There is a significant level of iron found in winter melon, which may make it an ideal solution for increasing circulation to the extremities of the body. Iron plays a key role in red blood cell production, so consuming more can have a profound effect on your health and performance.
Winter melon not only helps counter symptoms of anemia but it provides vital oxygen to the brain, which can increase concentration, focus, and memory.
Can Detoxify the Body
Winter melon is a vegetable that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It helps the body to detoxify and reduce inflammation, which benefits the liver and kidneys.
May Aid in Weight Loss
Winter melon is often praised as a weight-loss tool because of its high fiber intake and low calorie content. This popular vegetable can help you reduce between meal snacking, which may prevent you from overeating overall and promotes muscle growth.
Additionally, winter melon’s rich blend of minerals and nutrients can support your metabolism and promote possible weight-loss effects.