The benefits of Kiwano, thorn or horned melon is very well known in its native country of Africa and even now already grown to several countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and other countries. In Africa, Kiwano fruit called health fruit and a symbol of eternal life.
The original name is the horned melon, but when the fruit began cultivated in other countries, then the name was changed to Kiwano because of its flash a bit similar to kiwi fruit.
Health Benefits of Thorn Melon (Horned Melon)
Kiwano fruit has tremendous health benefits, so no wonder Africans call the symbol of eternal life. Among the health benefits of Kiwano is improving cognitive, prevent chronic diseases, keep skin healthy, lose weight, good for eye health, increase metabolism, optimize digestion, accelerate wound heal, strengthen bones.
Also See: Health Benefits of Goldenseal
The Horned Melon (Kiwano) loaded with nutrients and organic compounds. It makes Kiwano excellent for health. In Africa, the fruit is very important its existence, not only for health but also great to meet food needs. Especially when the food situation worsens, this plant can grow even with a very hot atmosphere such as Africa. Extraordinary health benefits of this fruit make replanted in some other countries as we have mentioned in the original article. Below we see the amazing benefits of horned melon.
9 Health Benefits of Horned Melon
1. Lose weight
Health benefits of Kiwano are very noticeable for weight loss. The water content of up to 80% to make Kiwano perfect for filling the stomach and hold food. The fruit is also loaded with nutrients and fiber that prevent hunger. Kiwano consumes every day reportedly could face weight problems. Those who have problems with weight usually use this fruit in the diet.
See more: White Health Benefits for Weight loss
2. Source of natural antioxidants
Fruits that contain undoubtedly antioxidants that beneficial for health such as watermelon, dragon fruit, etc. Likewise with Horned melon (Kiwano). Kiwano compounds containing alpha-tocopherol is an antioxidant than vitamin E. These antioxidant benefits are essential to the health of nerves and blood vessels. On the other hand, horned melon benefits for health is to get rid of free radicals that trigger degenerative cancer.
3. Improving eye health
The Horned Melon is useful for improving eye health. The content of vitamin A which is very significant in Kiwano is making it an important fruit for the eyes. Vitamin A Carotene types found in Kiwano useful as antioxidants for eye health, eliminate free radicals that cause macular degeneration and prevent the development of cataracts.
4. Improve Cognitive
The content of vitamin E in a horned melon is very useful for cognitive health. Indeed, brain health is not only dependent on vitamin E, but vitamin E that found within is a vitamin that can inhibit and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The high tocopherol in horned melon fruit to be the reason for many young and old man consume. Tocopherol is beneficial for maintaining a healthy brain and keep the memory remains sharp.
5. Increase your metabolism
Horned melon benefits to metabolic health. The content Zink seems often overlooked in human health. Though zinc plays a major role in maintaining people’s health. Zink is also useful in producing proteins to accelerate the healing of wounds, repair of tissues, organs, blood vessels and cells in the body.
6. Prevent premature aging
Kiwano benefits in the beauty world are enormous as an ageless agent. The content of antioxidants, organic compounds as well as vitamin A and vitamin make good Kiwano prevent premature aging. So, if you always want to look young and beautiful, Kiwano is the answer.
7. Eliminate stress and anxiety
Based on the study, the health benefits of horned melon is also good for relieving stress. Because according to research, there is a relationship between organic compounds in Kiwano with regulatory hormones in the body. Especially adrenaline hormone and stress. Consuming horned melon is useful for preventing and relieving stress, the fruit is immediately reset so that stress hormones in the body can be easily removed.
8. Maintain digestive health
This fruit contains a lot of fiber, so it is good for digestion. Fibers in Kiwano good for bowel movements, cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates peristalsis, prevent cramps, bloating, stomach ulcers and even dangerous conditions such as colon cancer.
The fiber also contents a positive impact on the heart because the fiber is useful for removing bad cholesterol in the body and helps regulate insulin response so as to prevent diabetes.
9. Healthy bone
Health benefits of Kiwano for bone health. Kiwano fruit contains high levels of calcium which is useful for maintaining bone health. The content of Zink in horned melon also has a significant role related to bone development, growth, and integrity.
More: Bone Broth Healthy foods
Horned Melon Nutritional Value
Nutritional value of 233-gram Horned Melon fruit:
233 gram contains 103 Kcal. Calories from Fat 26.46 Kcal.
| Nutrients | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 2.94 g | 8.40% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | NA |
| Protein | 4.15 g | 8.30% |
| Carbohydrate | 23.63 g | 5% |
| Water | 207.3 g | ND |
| Ash | 1.03 g | ND |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 12.3 mg | 13.67% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.147 mg | 11.31% |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.426 mg | 8.52% |
| Vitamin B3 | 1.316 mg | 8.23% |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.058 mg | 4.83% |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.035 mg | 2.69% |
| Amino Acids & Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Flavonoids | 23.63 g | 5% |
| – | – g | -% |
| – | – g | -% |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 2.63 mg | 32.88% |
| Magnesium | 93 mg | 22.14% |
| Phosphorus | 86 mg | 12.29% |
| Zinc | 1.12 mg | 10.18% |
| Potassium | 287 mg | 6.11% |
| Copper | 0.047 mg | 5.22% |
Source: USDA
How to Consume Kiwano?
The raw Kiwano is a bitter taste, at this time, Kiwano contains some chemicals that are sometimes harmful to the body. When Kiwano is ripe, then it removed chemicals and turned into a fruit wich very healthy for the body.
The Side Effects of Thorn or Horned Melon
Consuming horned melon in young or raw condition can cause abdominal pain, headache, and fever. So, if you want to eat fruit Kiwano, choose ripely.
Horned Melon History (Kiwano)
Kiwano fruit was introduced to New Zealand in 1930 AD, originally planted as an ornamental plant and then developed into a production plant. New Zealand man named by Kiwano because the flesh is similar to kiwifruit. Now melon barbed often found in European and North American markets.
