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The name melon originates from Greek words meaning 'apple' and 'gourd' reflecting its prized taste. There are many different varieties of melon, all members of the Cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumbers, gourds and loofahs. Melons are of course low in fat so are invaluable for dieters, but all have other valuable health-giving properties that can protect against certain cancers, eye problems, kidney and heart disorders and even erectile dysfunction. So even though melons consist of between 95% to 99% water you'll be getting a great nutritional boost when you eat them, as well as a refreshing and tasty snack or desert. Here are ten incredible health benefits from melons that you may not have been aware of.1. Amazing Anti-oxidants
Canteloupe melons, with their ribbed, netted skin and deep orange fragrant flesh, are extremely rich in natural antioxidants such as phytonutrients like beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta carotene is responsible for the bright orange colour of foods which contain a rich source.
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These antioxidants play a key protective role in the body's defence system and are particularly believed to help protect against cancer. In fact canteloupe melons are currently being used commercially to extract the enzyme antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD). Canteloupe melons contain 30 times more of the antioxidant beta carotene weight for weight than oranges, though less than its namesake the carrot which is the richest source.
2. Metabolic Miracle
Studies into metabolic syndrome, a disease associated with high levels of blood fats, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, suggest that the syndrome is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle resulting in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body. 
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Researchers found that individuals who consume large amounts (defined as 12 ounces per day of five fruit including canteloupe) had low levels of a reactive marker protein (CRP) in the body compared to people who ate little of the fruits. This marker can be used to assess inflammation in the body, so the study concluded that the consumption of the fruit had a protective effect against inflammation and oxidative stress. Antioxidants that fruit and vegetables contain are an invaluable defence against a range of diseases and environmental pollutants that attack our bodies, making them a vital ingredient in the body's front line immune system.3. Care For Your Kidneys
Watermelons contain high levels of potassium, essential for healthy kidney function. It's believed that the potassium aids the kidneys in flushing out toxins and reducing the concentration of uric acid which can cause kidney stones.
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In addition, the high levels of water content aid the hydration of the body ensuring regular urination, flushing toxins from the body. The antioxidants watermelon contains can further protect the health of your kidneys amongst other organs. A watermelon slushie is a delicious way to enjoy the fruit for something different - just dice and freeze first if you wish, then whizz up in a blender.4. Red Hot
Watermelons are a among the most striking of fruit, with their distinctive dark green, striped exterior contrasting with the brilliant red flesh inside sprinkled with its glossy black seeds. What could be more refreshing than a slice of watermelon on a hot day? And have you ever tried watermelon salsa - it's delicious! Simply dice the watermelon flesh and combine with finely chopped red onions, chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime.
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The distinctive red colour of watermelon and other red fruits like red pepper and tomatoes is associated with the antioxidant lycopene, which may protect against certain cancers and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Watermelon contains nearly twice as much lycopene as tomatoes. Many foods provide the optimum nutritional content when eaten raw, but lycopene is unusual in that cooking can aid the its absorption by the body, possibly by breaking down the cell walls and releasing more of the anti-oxidant, so cooked tomatoes could provide a lycopene content similar to that of raw watermelon.
5. Sugar Rush
Watermelon is a great sweet treat which diabetics can safely indulge in. Despite its sweet taste, it is comprised of 99% water and fibre, so a large amount can be consumed without endangering blood sugar levels. 
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Even the rind of the watermelon is edible and in some countries is diced and added to salads! Additionally, the high levels of potassium and magnesium watermelon contains are beneficial in the functioning of insulin in the body therefore having a potential contributory effect to help lower blood sugar levels.6. A+ Vision
The fruit of the melon plant contain high levels of Vitamin A, with only 100g providing over the body's recommended daily allowance (RDA). Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for healthy vision and the orange flesh of the canteloupe contains particularly high levels of the vitamin although it is present in useful amounts in all melons.
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In addition, the dietary carotenoid zeaxanthin that melon contains is believed to be absorbed selectively by the retina and so the fruit could offer specific protection against the problem of failing eyesight caused by age-related macular degeneration in the elderly.7. Gorgeous Galia
Galia melons are a hybrid of canteloupe and honeydew melons. Externally they resemble a smaller netted canteloupe, while the flesh is a pale green colour. The soluble dietary fibre such as pectin contained in galia and other melons can help to reduce cholestorel levels and protect against atherosclerosis.
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The fibre content will aid your digestion and prevent constipation. In addition, the soluble fibre makes you feel fuller reducing what you need to eat to be satisfied, so is especially helpful for people trying to lose weight. Melons are also naturally fat free so can be indulged in without restriction or guilt!8. Love Life
Watermelon is a good source of arginine, an amino acid believed to have an important role in heart health as well as erectile function. So why not enjoy a seductive treat of watermelon with a loved one?
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Dark chocolate is another source of arginine, so why not pair up the two for a delicious desert of chocolate dipped watermelon? Things could get messy...so have fun with it! Watermelon rind also contains a compound called citruline, believed to help the body with blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Perfectly edible while less tast than the watermelon flesh, it is often used for making pickles.9. Skin Deep
Beauty companies have become aware of the beneficial properties of melons, with ranges incorporating melon extract available to help care for the face, eye area, lips and hands. Melon extract, with its anti-oxidant properties, is believed to protect the skin against ageing, wrinkles and age spots.
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You can try some of these benefits for yourself at home with some simple melon beauty preparations. Try applying the juice of canteloupe as a soothing lotion for exzema or sunburn, or to fade freckles and age spots. Make a face pack by blending some melon together with a little oatmeal and yoghurt. Canteloupe can even be used as a hair conditioner - mash or blend a cupful of the flesh, massage well into your hair and leave to work it's magic for 30 minutes before rinsing off.10. Sow What?
Most people are familiar with nibbling pumpkin seeds. It's perhaps less well known that melon seeds are also very edible when dried and roasted as well as nutritional. They are a high protein snack as well as phytonutrients rich, containing many of the amino acids such as arginine present in the melon flesh.
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In South Asian cuisine they are used frequently, sometimes crushed or ground and used as a thickener in curries or added to breads. The teardrop shaped seeds of all the melon varieties are edible and can be purchased ready roasted, hulled or unhulled. To prepare them yourself at home, simply rinse in a colinder, dry on some kitchen towel then spread out on a large baking tray and rub through with olive or sunflower oil and a little salt. Roast in an oven at 325F for 20 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don't burn. They can also be toasted in a frying pan, shaking and stirring over a medium heat until toasted and nutty brown.
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