Discover the 9 Benefits of kiwano or horned melon.
Some of the most impressive benefits of kiwano for health and the body, in general, include its ability to improve cognitive ability, prevent certain types of chronic diseases, aid in weight loss, protect the skin, increase metabolism, increase eye health, strengthen bones, optimize digestion and speed wound healing.
The horned melon is an odd-looking fruit that is native to southern Africa and has only recently (in the last century) been introduced to other parts of the world, namely Australia and New Zealand, which is where it got the name kiwano. , due to its similar consistency and appearance to kiwifruit.
However, this fruit is not biologically linked to kiwifruit and is closer in nutritional and evolutionary terms to cucumbers and zucchini.
The scientific name for the horned melon, the other popular name for the fruit, is Cucumis metuliferus, and the fruit is widely grown in sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and certain parts of Asia.
The name “horned melon” comes from the unusual appearance of the fruit, in that the outer layer of orange or gold skin is covered in small spines. The interior of the fruit has the gelatinous appearance of a kiwi, but the inner layer of fruit pulp is the main culinary ingredient.
The leaves and roots are also used for various applications, but the fruit is the most appreciated. The seeds also contain high concentrations of beneficial nutrients and organic compounds that make the fruit so healthy.
As a cultural element, the kiwano is considered vital in solving certain food shortage problems in sub-Saharan Africa, as it can retain significant amounts of water during the dry season and can also grow in harsh conditions while providing a wide range of nutrients. essential nutrients to those who may have limited access to food.
This fruit has spread outside its normal ranges as more health benefits have been discovered ; Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of kiwano.
9 Benefits of kiwano for health and the body.
Although it is an unusual fruit as we have discussed throughout this publication, within the benefits of kiwano, people will have access to a series of components and nutrients that will help strengthen various health characteristics of the human body.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these added values, not only so you know first-hand the real benefits of kiwano, but also how you can get them without any hassle.
1.- Promotes weight loss
Considering this fruit is over 80% water, it can fill you up without packing on pounds. People trying to lose weight without feeling hungry all the time often reach for a kiwano to stave off hunger pangs.
The high concentration of nutrients also keeps your body rich in nutrients, even though the fruit is low in calories and fat; therefore the benefits of kiwano allow you to hydrate naturally.
2.- It has antioxidant properties
There are high levels of alpha-tocopherol in kiwano, which is a powerful antioxidant form of vitamin E.
This is very important for the health of nerves and blood vessels, while also seeking out and neutralizing free radicals, the damaging by-products of cellular metabolism that can cause everything from heart disease to cancer, proving the benefits of kiwano are more than theories.
3.- Eyecare
The significant levels of vitamin A found in kiwano make it an important support for vision health. Vitamin A is a type of carotenoid, which acts as an antioxidant for the eye, scavenging free radicals that can cause macular degeneration, while kiwano benefits slow down or prevent the development of cataracts.
4.- Improves cognitive function
Although many different nutrients can positively affect the brain, vitamin E is specifically linked to slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The high levels of various tocopherol variations in kiwano make it a favorite among young and old alike who want to keep their minds fresh.
5.- Increases metabolism
Zinc is a mineral that is often overlooked in human health, but it plays a key role in metabolism, as well as in the production of protein, which is necessary for wound healing and the repair of organs, tissues, blood vessels, and cells.
The high content of vitamin C is a perfect complement to the zinc found in kiwano, as ascorbic acid is a key component in collagen, which is another key material in repair and growth.
6.- Slows down aging
Between vitamin A, vitamin C, natural antioxidants, and abundant organic compounds, kiwano benefits are wonderful for staying young, both inside and out.
It is known to protect skin integrity and reduce age spots and wrinkles, as well as diminish the appearance of scars and blemishes. These same important nutrients keep the inside of the body looking younger by preventing the onset of chronic disease through intense antioxidant activity.
7.- Relieves stress and anxiety
Research has connected some of the organic compounds in kiwano with the regulation of hormones, especially adrenaline and other stress hormones.
If you suffer from chronic stress or feel anxious, eating some kiwano can quickly ease your mind and return your body to a calm and relaxed state.
8.- Helps digestion
The high fiber content in kiwano makes it an ideal digestive aid. Dietary fiber helps stimulate peristalsis and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, keeping bowel movements regular and preventing cramps, bloating, constipation, and more serious conditions like gastric ulcers or even colon cancer.
Dietary fiber is also a key element of heart health, as it helps regulate the level of cholesterol in the body; It even helps regulate insulin receptors, preventing or controlling diabetes.
9.- Increases bone strength
Kiwano benefits are also famous and cited for their high mineral content, particularly calcium, to increase bone strength and prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
While the other minerals in kiwano, including zinc, are important for bone development, growth, repair, and integrity, calcium is the most desirable mineral for our bone health.
Word of Caution on Kiwano
The bitter forms of kiwano, before they are ripe, can have dangerous levels of chemicals that are not present when the fruit is ready to eat.
This toxicity can cause stomach problems, headaches, and fevers, but is not known to be life-threatening. Also, kiwano is not commonly considered an allergenic food.
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