What are health benefits of kiwano fruits?

Answer 1

The kiwano or otherwise known as the African horned melon is a member of the cucumber family which is related to the melon, zucchini and cucumber. A native of the southern areas of Africa it has since been cultivated in New Zealand and

Australiaand renamed the kiwano, and is now grown in other countries as well. The health benefits of the kiwano are in the nutrients it contains.

These nutrients are made up of good levels of vitamin C, iron and potassium. It also has smaller amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, calcium, copper and sodium. The seeds contain linoleic and oleic acid. Linoleic is an omega fatty acid which is required for human health while oleic acid is thought to help with the lowering of blood pressure.

There are two antioxidants which have been identified in the melon seeds and these are y-tocopherol and a- tocopherol. Both are organic types of vitamin E which have many health benefits. These types of health benefits of the kiwano means that many parts of the body benefit from, such as the red bloods cells, skin, muscles, nerves and heart. Vitamin E works in the body by helping to neutralize the damage from free radicals which can cause cancer and cardiovascular disease. It has been suggested that Vitamin E may be helpful in reducing the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Other health benefits of the kiwano are in the beta carotene or vitamin A contained in the pulp. Beta carotene is of importance to the immune system in helping to strengthen it. Vitamin A is also very good for the eyes and is important for night vision or being able to see in dim light, and it is important for skin health as well. Diets that are rich in beta carotene, lutein and lycoprene are said to help slow aging and may also protect and repair DNA.