Why You Should Eat More Honeydew
Honeydew melon is a delicious fruit eaten all year round. It sports a pale green hue, a subtly sweet, cooling taste, and a dense, crisp, semi-soft flesh. Honeydew, sometimes called Balian or Wallace melon, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, which is comprised of melon fruits such as cantaloupe and watermelon, squashes, pumpkins, and cucumbers (via WebMD). It's a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed cut into cubes for fruit salad, chopped and used as garnish atop meats, blended into smoothies or cold soups, frozen into homemade popsicles, or incorporated into fresh salsa.
In all, honeydew is quite a wholesome fruit and it's easily available in most markets, no matter the season! (Quick tip: According to WebMD, when choosing a honeydew to take home, select one that feels a bit heavy for its size and has a wax-like rind.) Here are some amazing health benefits of honeydew melon that will surely make you add it to your upcoming grocery list.
What makes honeydew melon so good for you?
Honeydew melon is an excellent source of essential nutrients that promote a ton of health benefits. According to Healthline, a 1-cup serving of honeydew provides only 64 calories, along with 1.4 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and zero grams of fat. A honeydew serving offers 53 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, plus folate, potassium, and magnesium. Even the seeds are edible and are packed with antioxidants!
Among the main health benefits offered by honeydew melon are its aid in improving blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing the overall risk of heart disease. Honeydew is a fruit that's both low in sodium and high in potassium, a combination that helps maintain good BP levels. In addition, the folate, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, and zinc found in honeydew are essential nutrients to keep bones nice and strong, while the fiber helps with proper digestion. Honeydew's high vitamin C content also supports healthy skin and boosts immunity to protect your body from illnesses and infection.
Lastly, honeydew is also an awesomely refreshing hydration source: One melon contains about 90 percent water, just like watermelon. So, if you're looking for a sweet, healthy snack you can't go wrong with honeydew!