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3 Surprising Benefits of Honeydew Melon

Honeydew melon, or honeymelon, is a fruit that belongs to the melon species cucumis melo (muskmelon).
The sweet flesh of honeydew is typically light green, while its skin has a white-yellow tone. Its size and shape are similar to
that of its relative, the cantaloupe.
Honeydew melon is available worldwide and can be eaten by itself or used in desserts, salads, snacks and soups.
Though its greatest appeal may be its flavor, honeydew is also nutritious and may provide several benefits.
Here are 3 surprising benefits of honeydew melon.

1. Rich in Nutrients

The diverse nutrient profile of honeydew is arguably its most valuable asset.
In fact, the various nutrients and plant compounds may be responsible for its many potential health benefits.
A 1-cup (177-gram) serving of honeydew melon provides:
* Calories: 64
* Carbs: 16 grams
* Fiber: 1.4 grams
* Protein: 1 gram
* Fat: 0 grams
* Vitamin C: 53% of the reference daily intake (RDI)
* Vitamin B6: 8% of the RDI
* Folate: 8% of the RDI
* Vitamin K: 6% of the RDI
* Potassium: 12% of the RDI
* Magnesium: 4% of the RDI

In addition, the honeydew fruit and seeds also contain compounds with strong antioxidant capacity, including beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), phytoene, quercetin and caffeic acid

2. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

In general, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
More specifically, it’s well established that a low-sodium diet and an adequate potassium intake can positively influence your
blood pressure regulation.
As honeydew melon is a low-sodium and potassium-rich fruit, it may help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
If you’re looking to increase your potassium intake, try adding honeydew to your diet. It’s a good source of potassium, with a
1-cup (177-gram) serving providing 12% of the RDI

3. Contains Nutrients Vital to Bone Health

Honeydew melon contains several nutrients that are vital for repairing and maintaining strong bones, including folate, vitamin K
and magnesium.
In particular, the melon is a good source of folate — with 1 cup (177 grams) providing 8% of the RDI.
Folate is essential for the breakdown of homocysteine — elevated levels of which have been linked to reduced bone mineral density
over time.
Though more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions on the relationship between folate and bone health, eating foods
that contain folate, such as honeydew, may promote healthy bones by ensuring homocysteine levels stay within the normal range.
Vitamin K is involved in the production of a major structural protein in bone known as osteocalcin. Therefore, adequate vitamin K
intake is essential for healthy bones. A serving of honeydew provides 6% of the RDI of this vitamin.
In addition, you can meet about 4% of your daily magnesium needs with one serving of honeydew.
The cells responsible for building and breaking down bone tissue require magnesium to function properly. Thus, magnesium is another nutrient vital for bone health.
Honeydew also contains small amounts of other bone-supporting nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus and zinc.
While these nutrients are not highly concentrated in honeydew, adding the fruit to your diet can still support your bone health
when paired with a balanced diet that includes a variety of other nutrient-dense foods.