As far as fruits go, the horned melon or kiwano is about the strangest looking one having spikes on its skin. It has no connection to kiwi fruit and is more akin to the cucumber. When ripe the horned melon is a bright orange. An antioxidant fruit juice can be made with the pulp and seeds in a blender. For a special treat the pulp can be used as a topping for ice cream, sorbets or yogurt. Kiwano can be stored for up to 10 days at room temperature, however in the refrigerator it can be kept for some weeks. When chilled it is much more flavorful.
Research shows that because this melon can be grown and thrive in dry regions it can help with the diets for people in Africa and other places in the underdeveloped world. The kiwano is a source of vitamin C, potassium and iron. Other things found in the kewano are magnesium, phosphorous, zinc calcium and sodium. It also contains linoleic acid an omega 6 fatty acid necessary for health.
While vitamin C in fruits benefits the immune system, two of the antioxidants found in the melon are a-tocopherol and y-tocopherol, forms of vitamin E antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the body in many ways including skin, heart, muscles, nerves and red blood cells. All good reasons to know which fruits are good antioxidants.
Vitamin E fights against free radicals which can cause heart disease and some cancers. The seeds and pulp contain vitamin A. It has been shown that vitamin A may help mend DNA perhaps slowing the aging process. The horned melon or kiwano is packed with many things essential to our health.
