Incredible Health Benefits Of Muskmelon

Introduction

Muskmelon or kharbuja fruit is an incredibly refreshing evening snack for the summer. It has a mild sugary and watery taste that intensifies as the fruit ripens. 

Muskmelon is a type of melon belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its scientific name is Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis. Muskmelon, also referred to as ‘sweet melon,’ got its name from its strong musky smell. It is a yellow-coloured fruit with a pleasant aroma. Muskmelon is said to have originated in the region stretching from India to Africa. It is a summer fruit and is usually available in April to August. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key health benefits that make muskmelon a fruit worth adding to your seasonal diet¹. 

Nutritional Facts of Muskmelon

Muskmelon is more than just a delicious summer treat, it is packed with essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. Its rich nutritional profile may make it a powerful addition to your seasonal diet. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients found in muskmelon^1,2: 

• Carbohydrates 
• Dietary fibres   
• Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B complexes such as B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine) 
• Minerals: Copper, iron, magnesium, Manganese, zinc, and calcium 
• Electrolytes: Potassium 
• Carotenoids 

Health Benefits of Muskmelon

1. Keeps the Body Hydrated

Muskmelon is high in water content, which keeps the body hydrated in the hot summer season. It also cools the body and protects it against heat as it consists of a good supply of essential vitamins and minerals². 

2. Immunity Booster

Muskmelon can help improve and strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight diseases. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A which helps boost immunity by stimulating the white blood cells in the body. The vitamin A and phytochemicals present in muskmelon may help keep the gut healthy. It is important to note that gut health is directly associated with the immune system³. 

3. Good for Vision

Since muskmelon is rich in vitamin A, it is beneficial for eye health. It helps improve eyesight and prevent cataracts. Research⁴ shows that regular consumption of foods with high vitamin content can reduce the risk of developing cataracts. 

I recommend incorporating musk melon into your diet as it has potential anti-ulcer properties. It can help protect the stomach by reducing blood vessel leakage, scavenging free radicals, and strengthening the mucosal barrier. The presence of phytoconstituents like triterpenoids and sterols in musk melon is responsible for these beneficial effects⁹.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. Good for Cardiovascular Health

These melons are rich in potassium which helps control blood pressure, thus helps in keeping the heart healthy. They are also rich in a compound called adenosine which is beneficial for the heart as it has blood-thinning properties⁵. 

5. For a Healthy Gut System

Muskmelon is high in fibre and water content, which makes it an essential fruit for gut health. The fibre content in muskmelon helps in regulating proper bowel movements with a calming and cooling effect on the stomach^1,6. 

6. Help in Weight Loss

Muskmelon or shamam fruit is low in fat and calories which makes it beneficial for weight loss. It takes a long time to leave your stomach and enter the digestive tract, thus making you feel full for a longer time⁷. 

7. Prevent Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a dangerous complication of diabetes. In this serious complication,  the kidney cells get damaged. A powerful antioxidant in muskmelon called  ”oxykine” may help protect these kidney cells in such conditions. Muskmelon extract is also known to have a low glycaemic index (GI) which means that fructose and glucose present in muskmelon are absorbed more slowly in the blood. Thus, this fruit is safe for individuals with diabetes and those who are obese⁸. 

Including melon fruits or its extract in your diet may help protect the liver from drug-induced toxicity. The extract from Cucumis melo (melon) may have a protective effect on the liver. These specific plant compounds in melons can help reduce free radicals, and help in protecting the liver⁹. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

8. Reduce Stress

Muskmelon is a stress buster fruit that may help relieve stress and keep your mind calm. It contains minerals such as potassium, which is considered a stress-relieving food to help you feel more focused and relaxed¹. 

9. Promote Hair Growth

Vitamin A present in muskmelon may help stimulate the production of sebum which helps in keeping hair healthy. When you directly apply muskmelon fruit pulp to your scalp it may encourage hair growth, leaving it looking long and lustrous¹. 

10. Healthy Skin

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, muskmelon or kharbuja benefits to keep the skin looking healthy and radiant¹. It is also rich in collagen (a protein). Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, keeping tissues firm, soft, and well-hydrated while preventing sagging and dryness. 

While the sweet flesh of muskmelon is great for eating, the seeds, pulp, and even the skin can be ground into a paste and used as a natural skin treatment. When applied topically, this paste can help nourish, hydrate, and refresh the skin all over the body. 

Over the years, I have observed that muskmelon may be a diuretic. Muskmelon has potential diuretic properties, which means it can help increase urine production and its removal and reduce fluid retention. It can be effective both individually and in combination with other diuretic foods⁹.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Also Read: Ice Apple: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Conclusion

Muskmelon is a naturally hydrating and refreshing fruit that can be a valuable addition to a balanced summer diet. Traditionally enjoyed for its pleasant taste and cooling properties, muskmelon also offers nutritional support with its content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibre. While muskmelon is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, its regular consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle may contribute to general well-being during the summer months. 

Also Read: 10 Health Benefits and Recipes of Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)

References

1. Skjonsberg L. June Fruit of the Month: Cantaloupe [Internet]. HealthySD.gov. 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 28]. Available from: https://healthysd.gov/fruit-of-the-month-cantaloupe/ 

 2. Shivapriya Manchali, Murthy C. Muskmelon. Elsevier eBooks [Internet]. 2020 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 28];533–46. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128127803000337  

3. Din A, Nadeem M, Saeed F, Ahmad MH, Tufail T, Huma, et al. Development and optimization of processing techniques for intermediate moisture muskmelon chunks. Food Science & Nutrition [Internet]. 2019 Aug 30 [cited 2025 Apr 28];7(10):3253–60. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6804771/  

4. PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN-VITRO ANTI-CATARACT ACTIVITY ON THE SEED OF CUCUMIS MELO L. ETHANOLIC EXTRACT [Internet]. ResearchGate. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 28]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374167474_PHYTOCHEMICAL_SCREENING_AND_IN-VITRO_ANTI-CATARACT_ACTIVITY_ON_THE_SEED_OF_CUCUMIS_MELO_L_ETHANOLIC_EXTRACT  

5. Manchali S, Chidambara Murthy KN, Vishnuvardana, Patil BS. Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits of Various Botanical Types of Melon (Cucumis melo L.). Plants [Internet]. 2021 Aug 24 [cited 2025 Apr 28];10(9):1755. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469201/  

6. Gao Y, Cai RL, Xie C, Lin YL, Zhang L, Qi Y. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of muskmelon base (Pedicellus Melo.) for abdominal distention and constipation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [Internet]. 2012 Apr 19 [cited 2025 Apr 28];142(1):129–35. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112002528?via%3Dihub  

7. K. Gopalasatheeskumar, G. Ariharasivakumar, V.K. Kalaichelvan, T. Sengottuvel, Devan VS, V. Srividhya. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of wild musk melon (Cucumis melo var. agrestis) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Chinese Herbal Medicines [Internet]. 2020 Sep 4 [cited 2025 Apr 28];12(4):399–405. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9476773/  

8. Naito Y, Akagiri S, Uchiyama K, Kokura S, Yoshida N, Hasegawa G, et al. Reduction of diabetes-induced renal oxidative stress by a cantaloupe melon extract/gliadin biopolymers, oxykine, in mice. BioFactors [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2025 Apr 28];23(2):85–95. Available from: https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/biof.5520230204?sid=nlm%3Apubmed  

9. Meghashree N, Satish S. A review on clinical and preclinical pharmacological studies in muskmelon fruit. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2022 May-Jun;74(2):100-103. doi:10.47583/ijpsrr.2022.v74i02.015. Available from: https://globalresearchonline.net/ijpsrr/v74-2/15.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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