This article is reviewed by an expert
Have you ever eaten Kharbuja? Did you know that this summer fruit not only tastes great but also has numerous health benefits?
Kharbuja, also known as muskmelon, is native to India and Africa and is a popular fruit in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons and gourds. Rich in several nutrients, Kharbuja offers numerous health benefits to the body (1).
Let’s have a look at the benefits of Kharbuja in detail and incorporate this juicy and delicious fruit into our lives.
Nutritional Value of Kharbuja (2)
Kharbuja, also known as muskmelon, is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C as well as niacin. Low in fat and cholesterol content, it’s one of the healthiest fruits. Muskmelon also contains sodium, magnesium, protein, and carbohydrates, thereby supporting all your nutritional needs.
Benefits of Kharbuja (1)
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory
Primary Benefits: The methanolic extract of Kharbuja seeds possesses potent analgesic properties. Kharbuja also inhibits the leukocyte influx and diminishes LTB4 levels, thereby producing anti-inflammatory effects.
Secondary Benefits: As a result, Kharbuja not only controls inflammation but also reduces the risk of various chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
Antioxidants
Primary Benefits: The methanolic extract of muskmelon or Kharbuja has shown DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity in many studies. In addition, the leaf and stem extracts of muskmelon also exhibit potent antioxidant activity.
Secondary Benefits: As a result, Kharbuja or muskmelon helps prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage and reduce the risk of several chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Hepato-protective
Primary Benefits: Research has shown that the dried pedicel of Kharbuja helps improve hepatic function and increase gluconeogenesis. It has also shown a protective effect against CCl4 intoxication in many studies.
Secondary Benefits: By improving hepatic function and reducing lipid peroxidation, muskmelon exhibits protective effects on the liver, thereby preventing and treating several liver diseases.
Diuretic
Primary Benefits: According to studies, the ether extract of the muskmelon seeds can significantly increase the urinary volume and its chloride content.
Secondary Benefits: As a result, Kharbuja also helps in the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body.
Anti-microbial & Anthelmintic
Primary Benefits: The n-hexane and methanolic extracts of the Kharbuja seeds have shown potent antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity in several studies.
Secondary Benefits: As such, muskmelon’s seed extracts can help combat harmful microorganisms and intestinal parasites and contribute to improved gastrointestinal health and reduced risk of infections.
Immuno-modulator
Primary Benefits: In a study, the combination of SOD-rich melon extract and wheat gliadin significantly increased the production of type 1 helper T lymphocytes (Th1) as well as the expression of IFN-gamma and IL-12.
Secondary Benefits: This helps regulate immune responses and support a balanced immune system to fight diseases and infections.
Ulcers
Primary Benefits: The methanolic extract of Kharbuja seeds exhibits anti-ulcerogenic activity. In addition, triterpenoids and sterols present in Kharbuja also help prevent ulcers.
Secondary Benefits: As such, Kharbuja can be used to prevent and heal ulcers while promoting overall digestive health.
Cancer
Primary Benefits: Cucurbitacin B is a natural anti-cancer agent isolated from the stems of muskmelon. It inhibits STAT3 activation and the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in leukaemia cell line K562.
Secondary Benefits: This helps muskmelons or Kharbuja to inhibit specific cellular pathways involved in leukaemia and prevent cancer.
Hypothyroidism
Primary Benefits: Research has shown that administration of three test fruit peel extracts (Mangifera indica, Citrullus vulgaris and Cucumis melo) significantly increased both the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) with a concomitant decrease in tissue lipid peroxidation.
Secondary Benefits: As such, muskmelon or Kharbuja can potentially support thyroid function and help manage the associated symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism.
Diabetes
Primary Benefits: Studies show that the fruit peel extracts of Kharbuja can reverse the CCT-diet-induced increase in the levels of tissue lipid peroxidation, serum lipids, glucose, and creatinine kinase-MB.
Secondary Benefits: This may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall glycemic control in people with diabetes.
Atherosclerosis
Primary Benefits: The chronic consumption of muskmelon juice has been proven to be effective in the prevention of atherosclerosis and liver steatosis.
Secondary Benefits: This protective effect may contribute to cardiovascular health.
How To Consume Kharbuja?
The most common way to consume muskmelon or Kharbuja is by eating it fresh and ripe. Alternatively, you can also blend the fruit and make it into a juice or smoothie.
Kharbuja Sherbet is another popular beverage you can make with this fruit. All you have to do is blend it with sugar syrup, water and a hint of rose water or cardamom.
You can also prepare desserts from muskmelon like ice-creams or halwa.
The Takeaway
Kharbuja, or muskmelon, is a delightful fruit with a plethora of health benefits. The various properties of muskmelon, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepato-protective, can help promote overall well-being and combat various ailments.
Rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C and niacin, Kharbuja is an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Disclaimer: This article is written from a health and lifestyle perspective.
