Horned melons are some of the most unique and interesting fruits on the planet. They look like a cross between cucumbers and lemons, and they have spikes all over them. A lot of people say that these eyecatching treats taste like bananas, lemons and cucumbers all rolled into one. When fully ripe, horned lemons smell like bananas.

Originally from Africa but are now also grown in many places such as New Zealand, Australia, Chile and various parts of the US, horned melons are also known as African horned cucumbers, kiwanos, melanos, hedged gourds, jelly melons and blowfish fruits. Aside from having so many names, these fruits also offer a wide variety of health benefits.

If you can spot horned melons at your local farmers’ market or grocery store, do place them in your shopping cart. The following are some of the amazing things that these one-of-a-kind fruits offer:

Excess Weight Reducer

As much as 80% of horned melons are water. That is why consuming them allows you to feel satiated quickly and for a really long time. What’s more, they are very low in calories and they contain zero fat. So instead of reaching for a ]2|g of chips or a slice of chocolate cake, get your hands on some horned melons and snack away.

Vision Sharpener

Horned melons are a rich source of vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for the maintenance of your good vision. Vitamin A is important for the proper functioning of the retina, which is a layer of light-sensitive cells situated at the back of your eyeballs. If you wish to keep your vision sharp and dodge night blindness, introduce horned melons in your diet.

Skin Beautifier

Aside from vitamin A, horned melons are also packed with vitamin C. You need this vitamin if you want skin that’s healthy and young-looking. An antioxidant, vitamin C protects your skin cells from being damaged by free radicals. Additionally, the said nutrient promotes collagen production, thus keeping your skin soft, elastic and wrinkle-free.

Immune System Strengthener

Do you often get allergies and infections? Maybe you have a weak immune system. An effective way to make your body more protected to invading microbes is by consuming more antioxidant-rich foods such as horned melons. Eating these unique fruits may also help you bounce back from colds and flu much quicker.

Constipation Preventer

Because horned melons are packed with water, regularly eating these fruits helps regulate your bowel movement. They also contain lots of dietary fiber, something that helps in warding off constipation. According to medical experts, the consumption of fiber-rich foods may help significantly lower your risk of ending up with deadly colon cancer.

Digestive Problem Fixer

If you have acid reflux, consider eating horned melons. Their water content can help in diluting excess stomach acids, thus putting an end to your digestive dilemma. These nutritious fruits can also come in handy if you have ulcers because they are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help promote the healing of those painful ulcerations.

Brain Booster and Protector

Consuming horned melons is a wonderful idea especially if you need to perform a lot of mental tasks. That’s because they are loaded with vitamin E, a nutrient important for the proper functioning of your grey matter. Medical experts add that vitamin E may help prevent the damage of brain cells that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Osteoporosis Stopper

Calcium is not the only mineral you need to keep your bones strong, but also zinc. Guess what? Both nutrients can be found in every serving of horned melon! In other words, the inclusion of these spiked fruits in your diet may help prevent osteoporosis, a medical condition wherein the bones end up brittle and prone to getting fractured.