Muskmelon is a delicious fruit that you never get tired of. It is a satisfying and refreshing summer fruit and a fantastic source of nutrition. According to researchit contains fiber, water and several nutrients.
Muskmelons are also popular as “sweet melons”. While the musky fillet-crust varieties and the unscented smooth-crust varieties are called cantaloupe, given their similar sweet flesh, the former was originally named so.
The nutritional profile of muskmelon
According to USDAhundred grams of muskmelon contain the following nutrients.
- Energy: 38kCal
- Carbohydrates: 8.16g
- Protein: 0.82g
- Calcium: 9mg
- Potassium: 157mg
- Selenium: 1.7 mcg
- Vitamin C: 10.9mg
- Folate: 14 mcg
- Vitamin A: 232µg
- Beta-carotene: 2780µg
- Vitamin K: 2.7 mcg
Research indicates that fruits are considered healthy due to their high antioxidant, vitamin, mineral, fibrous and phytochemical properties, since the metabolism of glucose, lipids and uric acid in our body is directly affected by the nutritional profile.
According to research, wild melons are potent antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic agents. Moreover, polyphenols, in particular, have a crucial role in oxidative stress and attenuate the severity of many inflammatory disorders.
Due to the presence of phenolic compounds, the fruit and the seed are well known for their ability to treat several ailments.
Muskmelons – An Overview
Muskmelon is a member of the gourd family, also known as Cucumis melo.
Other plants like squash, pumpkin, zucchini and watermelon are closely related to it. The cantaloupe has developed many distinctive variants over the years, including the cantaloupe.
Is cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) suitable for diabetic patients?
Muskmelon is a healthy and nutritious food for people with diabetes, according to research.
According to studiesBiological properties of muskmelons include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antiangiogenic activity.
Plus, it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and beta-carotene. It’s also low in calories, with a cup of diced muskmelon providing only about 60 calories.
Glycemic index of cantaloupe
One of the main benefits of muskmelon is that it has a moderate glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. High GI foods are more likely to cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. In contrast, those with a low GI are absorbed more slowly and have a less pronounced effect on blood sugar.
Muskmelon has a GI of 65, which is considered moderate. Therefore, it is absorbed relatively slowly and may not cause significant blood sugar spikes. Muskmelon is also a good source of fiber which can help slow sugar absorption and improve blood sugar control. It’s important to note, however, that people with diabetes should always be mindful of their overall carb intake, including those from fruits like muskmelon.
Benefits of Muskmelon for Diabetes
- Vitamin C is abundant in muskmelons. It helps to strengthen the immune system.
- Muskmelon is an energizing food option because it contains vitamins and electrolytes.
- Muskmelon helps reduce blood pressure levels due to its high potassium content.
- The abundant amount of antioxidants in muskmelon will help you fight free radicals.
It is recommended that you speak to a health care provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice on managing blood sugar through diet.
Does muskmelon raise blood sugar levels?
A person managing the symptoms of diabetes should track their GI count. The three categories of the glycemic index (GI) are as follows:
- Low GI – 1 to 55
- Medium GI – 56 to 69
- High GI – over 70
Muskmelon has a GI score of 65. Therefore, put it in the medium GI food category. It is a relatively safer fruit choice for people with diabetes, provided they are mindful of their portion sizes.
In addition, the glycemic load of muskmelons (GL 4) is relatively low. This indicates that it digests slowly, resulting in a very gradual release of glucose into the blood.
How much cantaloupe can someone with diabetes have?
The recommended daily intake for someone with diabetes is one cup of cubed muskmelon or about 120 grams.
To get the most benefit from eating muskmelon, avoid adding salt or sugar. Instead, you can add muskmelon to a mixed fruit dish or to a green salad with a fruit dressing.
Potential Dangers and Caution
There are no specific groups of people who should not eat cantaloupe. However, some people may be allergic or intolerant to muskmelon. Suppose you have a history of allergies or sensitivities to certain foods.
It is always a good idea to exercise caution when introducing a new food into your diet. It is also essential to wash the muskmelon well before consuming it to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
If you need clarification on a food or meal plan, download the HealthifyMe app and book a consultation with a nutritionist.
Conclusion
Numerous studies demonstrated the link between the properties of muskmelon and its potential benefits for diabetic patients.
Research suggests that it is rich in bioactive compounds. However, health professionals warn against excesses and remind that moderation is the key to good health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Does muskmelon raise blood sugar?
A. Cantaloupe has a medium glycemic index but a low glycemic load; thus, it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels. Muskmelon is a fantastic option for people with diabetes because it’s high in water, high in fiber, and free of fat, cholesterol, and calories.
Q. Can a diabetic patient eat cantaloupe?
A. Cantaloupe has a glycemic load of about 3.5-4. Therefore, blood sugar will slowly rise due to the low glycemic load. However, muskmelon should be consumed in moderation if you have diabetes.
Q. Who should not eat cantaloupe?
A. Avoid consuming muskmelon if you have a sensitive stomach as it can cause acidity. In addition, muskmelon provides a refreshing effect to our body. Therefore, you should not consume it if you suffer from cough or cold.
Q. Can a diabetic eat muskmelon at night?
A. Cantaloupe is best eaten in the morning after breakfast. However, it is also acceptable as a late afternoon snack. However, it should not be eaten late at night. The body finds it difficult to absorb the sugars from the fruit later in the day and you may also catch a cold due to the cold potency of this fruit.
Sources of support
1. Lester, G. (1997). Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Nutritional Quality and Health Functionality, HortTechnology horttech, 7(3), 222-227. Accessed January 5, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.7.3.222
https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/7/3/article-p222.xml
2. HA Park. Fruit consumption to prevent and control hypertension and diabetes. Korean J Fam Med. 2021 Jan;42(1):9-16. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0225. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33524250; PMCID: PMC7884895.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7884895/
3. Yadav JP, Grishina M, Shahbaaz M, Mukerjee A, Singh SK, Pathak P. Cucumis melo var. Momordica as a possible antidiabetic, antioxidant and anticovid alternative: investigation by experimental and computational methods. Chem Biodivers. Sep 2022;19(9):e202200200. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202200200. Published online August 25, 2022. PMID: 35950335.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35950335/
4. Fahamiya, Nazeem & Aslam, Mohd & Siddiqui, Aisha & Shiffa, Mohamed. (2016). REVIEW ON CUCUMIS MELO: ETHNOBOTANY AND UNANI MEDICINE. 621-636. 10.20959/wjpps201612-8223.
5. Lei Chen, Young-Hwa Kang. In vitro inhibitory effect of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L.var. Makuwa Makino) seed on the key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes: evaluating the antidiabetic potential of functional foods. Journal of Functional Foods, 5, (2), 2013, p. 981-986. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2020.02.005
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674638420300812
6. Manchali S, Chidambara Murthy KN, Vishnuvardana, Patil BS. Nutritional composition and health benefits of various botanical types of melon (Cucumis melo L.). Plants (Basel). 2021 Aug 24;10(9):1755. doi: 10.3390/plants10091755. PMID: 34579288; PMCID: PMC8469201.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8469201/
7. Ying Qian, Ong & Harith, Sakinah & Shahril, Mohd Razif & Shahidan, Norshazila. (2019). BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN Cucumis melo L. AND ITS BENEFICIAL EFFECTS ON HEALTH: A SCOPE REVIEW. Malaysian Applied Biology. 48. 1-13.
