6 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwano

Kiwano or horned melon is a nutritious fruit which is well known for its horn-like spines. It belongs to the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. It is native to Sub Saharan Africa but is now grown in other places too such as the United States, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.

Kiwano is a good source of various nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc. and presence of these compounds make them very beneficial for us, and in this article, we will know about the major health and beauty benefits of kiwano.

# Good For Eyes

Our eyes are our window to the world that allows us to enjoy the beauty of this world. It is important for us to take good care of our eyes and kiwanos can help in doing the same.

Consuming kiwano on a regular and moderate basis has been found to be very beneficial for our eyes and aids in keeping our vision sharp.

This benefit of kiwano is mainly due to the presence of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds in them. The antioxidants present in the kiwano protects our eyes from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals and thus reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, etc.

# Improves Metabolism

Eating kiwano on a regular and moderate basis has been found to be very beneficial for improving metabolism, which in turns helps in keeping us healthy.

This benefit of kiwano is mainly due to the presence of an essential nutrient like zinc in it. Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an essential role in the development of protein. This aids in muscular development heals wounds and aids in the production of blood cells. Zinc also plays an essential role in managing insulin secretion in our system which is necessary for the better metabolism of carbohydrates.

# Keeps Our Digestive System Healthy

Consuming kiwanos on a regular and moderate basis has been found to be very beneficial for our stomach and helps in keeping our digestive system healthy.

This benefit of kiwano is mainly due to the presence of dietary fibers in them. The dietary fiber present in the kiwano acts as a natural laxative which means it improves bowel movement and ensures smooth elimination of waste from our system.

This provides relief from constipation and also aids in treating gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, flatulence, etc.

# Relieves Stress

Kiwano has been found to be very beneficial for providing relief from stress and chronic anxiety.

This benefit of kiwano is mainly because of its organic constituent. The nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, etc. present in the kiwano aids in regulating stress hormones such as adrenaline and thus helps in relieving stress. It is also beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic anxiety.

# Make Our Bones Stronger

Eating horned melons or kiwanos on a regular and moderate basis has been found to be very beneficial for making our bones stronger and thus helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.Osteoporosis is a condition in which our bones get abnormally weak and are more prone to damage.

This bone strengthening benefit of kiwanos is mainly due to the presence of calcium in it Calcium is a vital mineral that is requisite for the growth and development of our bones. It makes our bones stronger and thereby reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

# Improves Cognitive Functions

Consuming kiwanos on a regular and moderate basis has been found to be very beneficial for our brain and aids in keeping our neurological system healthy.This benefit of kiwano is mainly because of the antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants compound like phytonutrients, polyphenols, etc. present in them.

These antioxidants and the relevant compounds fight with the free radicals of our body, stabilize them and prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our brain cells aka neurons.By protecting our neurological system from the oxidative damage, it reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Amnesia, etc.