Their bright yellow colour coupled with their special aroma, make them naturally attractive as healthy fruit, but that’s not all. Recent studies have established that golden melons, scientifically known as Cucumis melo, are a powerhouse of nutritional and medicinal benefits, affirming their potentials in the management of diabetes.
Nutritionists have also validated that golden melons’ rich nutritional content and antiviral properties, underscore the importance of including them in our diet, especially for those seeking natural dietary solutions for diabetes.
In a study published in the United States National Library of Medicine led by Maria Huerta-Reyes, it was revealed that Cucumis melo extracts were used to treat diabetes due to their hypoglycemic effects.
Golden honeydew melons, belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes other melons like watermelons, cucumbers, and pumpkins. The names golden melon or honeydew melon are derived from the fruit's colour and aroma, respectively, with the honeydew scent attributed to compounds like 6-nonadien-1-ol and phenylethyl alcohol.
The research, conducted in Mexico and other countries, found that the plant-based traditional medicine is widely used to treat DM, as it reviewed the most commonly used plants from the Cucurbitaceae family including the cucumis melo for their anti-diabetic properties.
According to the study, most of the selected Cucurbitaceae species, except for I. sonorae, are edible and recommended as part of a diabetic-friendly diet. These plants exhibit several beneficial effects for diabetes milletus management, including lowering blood sugar levels, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, aiding in weight management, protecting various organs and cells from DM-related damage, and managing abnormal lipid levels in the blood.
Related studies, examined by the researchers also confirmed that golden melon extracts can control blood glucose levels and improve lipid profiles, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
However, the findings of the study encourage further research to develop effective antidiabetic agents from these plants, potentially leading to new clinical treatments.
It is worthy of note that this golden melons packed so many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for our health.
Other health benefits of golden melons
Researchers from the Rivers State University and Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education in Nigeria, also attested to the health benefits of golden melons from their study on the nutritional and pathological aspects of the sweet and juicy fruit. They found that freshly harvested golden melons have high moisture content, significant amounts of sucrose and total solids, and low levels of ash. This makes them hydrating and a good low-calorie sweetener, ideal for diabetes management.
Healthy bones and teeth:
Further analysis from the study revealed the mineral composition of golden melons, including high levels of calcium which is good for bones and teeth. It also has moderate amounts of potassium and sodium which can help regulate fluids in the body and low levels of phosphorus.
Immune booster :
Also, they are a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation, and fibre, which aids in digestion.They also provide vitamin A which is important for vision and skin health potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin K, lactic acid, and saponins, all of which contribute to their health benefits.
Antioxidative properties
Moreover, a study by Pandey et al. (2018) showed that golden melon extracts have antioxidative properties that help mitigate oxidative stress, a common issue in diabetic patients. The extracts improve overall metabolic health, supporting their use as a dietary supplement for diabetes management.
Thank you for this good information.
It’s actually better than taking high glucose food. A lot of people are unaware of the benefits of this golden melon.
I hope this will help in the management of diabetes. Thank you