Kiwano: Weight loss, anti-oxidant,anti-aging, and other health care properties

Kiwano: Weight loss, anti-oxidant,anti-aging, and other health care properties

Kiwano melon is an exotic, peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. It’s formally known as Cucumis metuliferus. However, it informally also goes by horned melon and African horned cucumber. When ripe, the thick outer skin of a kiwano melon is bright orange and covered in small spiny projections or horns. The inner flesh consists of a gelatinous, lime-green, or yellow substance that houses a multitude of edible seeds.

Benefits of kiwano

Weight Loss

Considering that this fruit is more than 80% water, it has the ability to make one feel full without packing on any pounds. People trying to lose weight without feeling hungry all the time often reach for a kiwano to stave off hunger pangs. The high concentration of nutrients also keeps your body nutrient-rich, even though the fruit is low in calories and fats.

Antioxidant Properties

There are high levels of alpha-tocopherol found in kiwano, which is a potent antioxidant form of vitamin E. This is very important for the health of nerves and blood vessels, while it also seeks out and neutralizes free radicals.

Eye Care

The significant levels of vitamin A found in kiwano make it an important booster for vision health. Vitamin A is a type of carotenoid, which acts as an antioxidant for the eye, eliminating free radicals that can cause macular degeneration, while also slowing down or preventing the development of cataracts.

Improves Cognitive Function

Although different nutrients can positively affect the brain, vitamin E is linked to slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The high levels of tocopherol variations in kiwano make it a favorite amongst all who want to keep their minds fresh.

Boosts Metabolism

Zinc is a mineral that is often overlooked in human health. However, it plays a key role in metabolism and producing protein. This is necessary for wound healing and repair of organs, tissues, blood vessels, and cells. The high content of vitamin C is a perfect complement to the zinc found in kiwano. This is because ascorbic acid is a key component of collagen, which is another key material in repair and growth.

Slows Aging

Between vitamin A, C, natural antioxidants, and abundant organic compounds, kiwano is wonderful for staying young, both inside and out. It is known to protect the integrity of the skin and reduce age spots and wrinkles, in addition to lessening the appearance of scars and blemishes. These important nutrients keep the body younger by preventing the onset of chronic diseases through their intense antioxidant activity.

Relieves Stress & Anxiety

Research has connected some of the organic compounds in kiwano with the regulation of hormones, particularly adrenaline and other stress hormones. Thus, if one suffers from chronic stress or feel anxious, eating some kiwano can quickly ease their mind and get the body back to a calm, relaxed state.

Aids in Digestion

Additionally, the high fiber content in kiwano makes it an ideal digestive aid. Dietary fiber helps to stimulate peristaltic motion and clear out the gastrointestinal tract, keeping your bowel movements regular and preventing cramping, bloating, constipation, and serious conditions like gastric ulcers. Dietary fiber is also a key element of heart health, as it helps to regulate the level of cholesterol in the body; it even helps to regulate insulin receptors, thereby preventing or managing diabetes.

Increases Bone Strength

Kiwanos are also turned to for their high mineral content, particularly for calcium, in order to boost bone strength and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. While the other minerals in kiwano, including zinc, are important for bone development, growth, repair, and integrity, calcium is the most desirable mineral for our bone health.

Adding kiwanos to your diet

Kiwanos can be consumed raw or added to salads, shakes and smoothies.

Kiwanos can be consumed anytime of the day.

Word of caution

The bitter forms of kiwano, before they are ripe, can have dangerous levels of chemicals that are not present when the fruit is ready to eat. This toxicity can cause stomach issues, headaches, and fevers, but is not known to be life-threatening. Also, kiwano is not commonly considered allergenic food.

Recipe for Kiwano salad

Ingredients

1  Kiwano

1 yellow pepper

1 bag of mixed salad

250 g cherry tomatoes

30 g pine nuts

1 tbsp. vinegar

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. honey

½ tsp. mustard

pepper & salt

Preparation

Cut the kiwano in half and cut in slices.

Halve the pepper, remove the seed and cut into small slices. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half as well.

Furthermore, roast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan until golden.

Mix the vinegar, olive oil, honey and mustard together to make the honey mustard dressing.

Mix thoroughly with a spoon.

Put the dressing into the salad and put the salad on the plates.

Divide the cherry tomatoes and the slices of pepper on the plates.

Place the slices of Kiwano on the salad and last but not least sprinkle the pine nuts over this.

Recipe for Kiwano yogurt blast

Serving Size: portion

Calories – 250 Kcal

INGREDIENTS

1 cup(s) Horned melon (Kiwano)

1 cup(s) Strawberries, Halves

 0.5  banana, medium

 4.01 oz(s) Yogurt, Plain

3 tbs Nutiva Organic Shelled Hempseed

 2 cup(s) Water

DIRECTIONS

 Lastly, blend all ingredients and enjoy!

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