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Discovering The Pepino Melon : Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits and Side Effects of This Little Known Fruit

What Is Pepino Melon?

Pepino melon is a delicious, juicy, and exotic fruit that belongs to the Solanaceae family, or the family to which eggplants, tomatoes, and capsicum belong. The pepino, also known as pepino dulce, is an herbaceous Andean crop that is cultivated for its edible, sweet, and juicy fruits.(1) This is a little-known fruit that is grown from the foothills of the South American Andes Mountains. In the United States, California produces these fruits at a commercial scale, however, its production is limited for local consumption. Now, New Zealand and Australia are the countries that grow pepino melons for exporting purposes.

Scientifically, pepino is known as Solanum muricatum. Mellow fruit, melon pear, sweet cucumber, and melon shrub are some common names for pepino melon. These fruits come in different shapes, colors, and sizes.(2) However, generally, they are ovate to elongated, light yellow, smooth-surfaced fruits with purple streaks. They measure about the size of a mini orange and weigh 300 grams to 500 grams. The fruit is juicy, smooth, cream-textured that is sweet, and tastes similar to that of honeydew melon or watermelon. The best thing about pepino melon is that their seeds can be eaten.

Nutritional Facts Of Pepino Melon

Pepino melon is packed with some excellent nutrients, that make it one of the healthiest fruits to add to your diet. It has a high content of water (i.e. more than 92%) and also comprises significant amounts of potassium (less than 1000 mg/kg), and vitamin C (i.e. less than 200 mg/kg). However, it is low in calories (250 kcal/kg)(3, 4, 5)

Apart from all these, the pepino melons are also loaded with vitamins like vitamins A, C, K, and vitamin B complex, and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and copper, which are required for the human body. It is also full of beta-Carotene, which shows antioxidant properties. Pepino melons are rich in dietary fiber (and help in digestion). However, the best part while considering the nutritional facts of pepino is that there is not a single gram of bat fats.

Health Benefits Of Pepino Melons

Health Benefits Of Pepino Melons

Apart from being delicious, these fruits are quite healthy and offer a lot of health benefits for us. The pepino fruit has been known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and anti-diabetic properties.(6) However, the list of health benefits continues. Let us read further to know about the health benefits of pepino melons in a better way.

  1. Pepino Melon Fights Cancer

    Pepino melon is a storehouse of antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C, along with beta-carotene, all of which are potent antioxidants and beneficial in fighting the spread of cancerous cells. Research conducted by the Department of Biotechnology at Karunya University proves the effectiveness of these fruits against cancer. In the study, it was found that the fruit extract has excellent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune-modulatory properties.(6)

  2. It Is An Excellent Immunity Booster

    The fruit is an excellent immunity booster. Polyphenols are present in the fruit extracts of pepino melon and these polyphenols give it antioxidant characteristics. Both, ripe and unripe Pepino Melon offer antioxidant properties. However, the ripe variety of pepino melon has a higher content of phenol and flavonoid. So, this should be added to your daily diet.(7)

  3. Soothes Away Pains And Aches

    What could be better than this that pepino melons can help in soothing your pains and aches? These fruits possess excellent anti-inflammatory properties and are known to help soothe pains and aches in your body. It is used for fighting inflammation. Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, pepino fruit is also known for its antioxidant, antitumoral, and anti-diabetic properties.(8, 9, 10)

  4. Pepino Melon Reduces Cholesterol

    Pepino Melon fruits are packed with soluble and insoluble fibers. However, its juice contains only water-soluble fibers.(11) The high soluble fiber content found in pepino melon keeps your cholesterol levels in check. Soluble fibers can reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) into your bloodstream and allow the good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to do wonders for your body.

  5. Can Cure Or Control Diabetes

    Pepino melons are known for their properties of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-glycative. These properties help in reducing the effects of the progression of diabetes. Research has found that flavonoids, ascorbic acids, and phenolic acid from the fruit had positive results for diabetes on the model. Because pepino melon aids in the progression of diabetes, it is also considered ideal for preventing chronic kidney disease.(12)

  6. Regulates High Blood Pressure

    Pepino melons can effectively cure problems like high blood pressure, stroke, heartburn, diabetes, and many more.(13) The fruit contains no sodium, however, it has considerable potassium in it and is beneficial in regulating high blood pressure. Potassium is the mineral that aids to balance the harmful effects of salt, and ultimately, helps in lowering your blood pressure. Pepino melons are also known for their potent diuretic properties. The fewer fluids you have in your kidneys, the lesser will be your blood pressure.

  7. Pepino Melonds Help In Weight Loss

    Pepino melons have a low amount of calories.(14, 15) Moreover, the calories in the fruit are stored as carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are broken into glucose in the body and used as fuel. If you are looking to lose weight safely Then consume pepino melons regularly as they make your stomach feel full longer and you won’t have enough chance to eat more or gain weight.

  8. They Are Good For Strong Bone

    Pepino melon (Solanum muricatum Ait.) has large deposits of vitamins A, B, C, and vitamin K.(16) It is known that calcium is quite essential for having stronger and healthier bones. However, it is not well known to most of us that vitamin K keeps our bones healthy and strong, keeping the calcium in our bones and also avoiding it getting accumulating in our arteries. Vitamin K can still maintain healthy and good bone health even during aging when the bones begin to weaken. So, if you are looking to keep your bones strong and healthy for a long then add pepino melon to your diet.

  9. Pepino Melon Has Excellent Digestive Health Benefits

    Pepino Melon has many health benefits and one of the major benefits is its excellent digestive health benefits for mankind. It can cure heartburn or indigestion, constipation, and other digestive issues.(13) Being loaded with fiber, the fruit can work as a wonderful remedy for those who suffer from constipation and irregular bowel movements. Moreover, the vitamin C content found in pepino melon enables our body to optimally absorb nutrients from the food that we eat. This can also be used as a great remedy to soothe gastric ulcers. Pepino melons can also be beneficial for people suffering from digestive problems due to kidney diseases.

  10. The Fruit Is Good For Liver Health

    Pepino melon can also be beneficial for people suffering from liver diseases. One of the best ways to boost energy, balance weight, and improve your overall health is to strengthen the liver. The fiber content found in pepino fruit removes toxins from our body, cleansing the liver, and enhancing its overall health.

  11. Eases Anemia And Reduces Creatinine Level

    Anemia is a complication associated with kidney disease. Apart from general medical treatment, pepino melons can help in the process of treating kidney disease. Anyone suffering from kidney disease experiences higher levels of creatine since their kidney cannot discharge it from the blood.

    Pepino is a diuretic and can accelerate the passage of urine.(16) The diuretic properties of pepino melon help in reducing waste via urine.

  12. Natural Energy Booster

    Pepino melons are natural energy boosters. The calories in the fruit come from the carbohydrate content found in it.(17) During digestion, the carbohydrates in the fruit are broken down into glucose, which is used as the main source of fuel for the body. So, whenever you feel weak, grab a pepino melon and feel the instant boost in energy.

Side Effects Of Pepino Melon

Usually, pepino melon is harmful and does not cause any serious side effects. This is one of the most wonderful fruits that can be taken in breakfast for quick energy and the feeling of fullness. This is also quite safe to take, even on an empty stomach.

However, if you are diagnosed with allergic conditions to eating foods like tomatoes or eggplants, then you should take special precautions before taking pepino melons. Apart from this, the fruit is usually safe to eat.

Final Words

Out of the numerous exotic fruits that are found in the world, pepino melon is one of the best fruits. It not only tastes great but also provides you with tremendous health benefits. So, next time you are shopping for exotic and healthy fruits, do not forget to add pepino melon to your list.

References:

  1. Anderson G.J., Jansen R.K., Kim Y. The origin and relationships of the pepino, Solanum muricatum (Solanaceae): DNA restriction fragment evidence. Econ. Bot. 1996;50:369–380. doi: 10.1007/BF02866519. LINK: [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
  2. Herraiz F.J., Vilanova S., Andújar I., Torrent D., Plazas M., Gramazio P., Prohens J. Morphological and molecular characterization of local varieties, modern cultivars and wild relatives of an emerging vegetable crop, the pepino (Solanum muricatum), provides insight into its diversity, relationships and breeding history. Euphytica. 2015;206:301–318. doi: 10.1007/s10681-015-1454-8. LINK: [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
  3. Pluda D, Rabinovitch HD, Kafkafi U, Pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Ait.) quality characteristics respond to nitrogen nutrition and salinity, J Am Soc Hortic Sci 118, 86-91, 1993.
    Redgwell RJ, Turner NA, Pepino (Solanum muricatum): Chemical composition of ripe fruit, J Sci Food Agric 37, 1217-1222, 1986.
  4. Sánchez M, Cámara M, Prohens J, Ruiz JJ, Torija E, Nuez F, Variation in carbohydrate content during ripening in two clones of pepino, J Sci Food Agric 80, 1985-1991, 2000
  5. Shathish K, Guruvayoorappan C, (2014 Jul-Sep), ‘Solanum muricatu Ait. Inhibits inflammation and cancer by modulating the immune system’; Journal of Cancer Research and Therpeutics; v. 10(3), p.p 623-30. DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.138198 LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25313750
  6. Sudha G, Sangeetha Priya M, Indhu Shree R, Vadivukkarasi S (2012. Nov), ‘Antioxidant activity of ripe and unripe pepino fruit (Solanum murictum Aiton’, Journal of food science, v. 77(11); C1131-5. DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02944.x LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23057510
  7. Hsu C., Guo Y., Wang Z., Yin M. Protective effects of an aqueous extract from pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) in diabetic mice. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2011;91:1517–1522. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.4345. LINK: [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
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  9. Sudha G., Sangeetha P.M., Indhu S.R., Vadivukkarasi S. Antioxidant activity of ripe pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum Aiton) Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci. 2011;3:257–261. [LINK: PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
  10. Yalçın H, Effect of ripening period on composition of pepino (Solanum muricatum) fruit grown in Turkey, Afr J Biotechnol 9(25), 3901-3903, 2010.
  11. Hsu C,Guo Yu- Ru, Wang Zhi-hong, Chin Yin M, (2011, Jun) ‘Protective effects of an aqueous extract from pepino ( Salanum muricatum Ait.) in diabetic mice’ Journal of the science of food and agriculture. V. 91(8), pp. 1517-22. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4345 LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21445856
  12. Anonim. 2007. Pepino Solanum muricatum Aiton Sang Buah Ajaib. http://www.pepino. uni.cc/Katalog Produk : Bibit Buah-Pepino-Melodi-Buah Berkhasiat Obat. Tanggal akses 28 Februari 2013
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  14. Alimirah F, Chen J, Basrawala Z, Xin H, Choubey D. DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines express androgen receptor: implications for the androgen receptor functions and regulation. FEBS Lett 2006; 580 (9): 2294–2300.
  15. Debbarma J, Alila P, Banik M, Mandal A, Chakma A (2017); ‘Effect of different levels of nitrogen and potassium on the growth and yield of Pepino ( Solanum muricatum Ait.)’, The Pharma Innovation Journal. v. 6(11), pp. 817-821. LINK: 6-11-110-989.pdf (thepharmajournal.com)
  16. Maheshwari R K, Malhotra J, Mohan L, Upadhyaya B. (2014), ‘Exotic pepino: A shrub for prophylactic consequence & Nutritional regime.’ International Journal Of Pharma Research And Health Sciences. Volume 2 (1), 2014, Page-42-48 47. LINK: 1-MS_1411.pdf (pharmahealthsciences.net)
Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 14, 2023

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