Top 13 Muskmelon/Kharbuja Seeds Benefits You Need to Know Today

What about Muskmelon?

The muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is a nutritious and therapeutic fruit in the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and gourds. Commonly known as musk melon or cantaloupe, it is a fast-growing annual vine believed to have originated in regions of India, Africa, or the Levant. It thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates. 

Scientific Classification of muskmelon:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopride
• Order: Cucurbitales
• Family: Cucurbitaceae
• Genus: Cucumis
• Species: C.melo
• Binomial Name: Cucumismelo L

Muskmelon Nutrients Facts

Muskelon contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complexes, zinc,  magnesium, potassium, copper,  and calcium, which support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health. Here’s the nutritional value of muskmelon (per 100 grams):

Health benefits of muskmelon seeds

Muskmelon seeds are a nutritious plant-based protein source. They typically contain around 32–33 g protein, 37 g fat (mainly poly- and monounsaturated), and around 23 g carbs per 100 g. They also provide minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins.

Recent analysis of seed fatty acids shows they are rich in omega‑6 linoleic acid (around 62–67% of total fats), with moderate omega‑9 and saturated fats. Their amino acid profile, while missing some lysine (“first limiting amino acid”), still supplies essential amino acids such as leucine and phenylalanine.Magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are  abundant in muskmelon seeds.

1. Protein & plant nutrition: Muskmelon seeds are a rich plant-based protein source (~32 g/100 g), favorable for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Digestive health: High fibre content supports bowel health and regularity.
3. Heart health: Rich in heart-healthy fats (omega‑6, omega‑9) and potassium, they may improve cardiovascular function and assist in blood pressure regulation.
4. Bones: Contribute calcium, magnesium, phosphorus—essential for bone strength.
5. Immunity & antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E and minerals like zinc offer antioxidant support, immunity enhancement, and potential anti‑inflammatory benefits.
6. Skin & hair: Antioxidants and protein help maintain healthy skin and hair.
7. Blood sugar regulation & weight management: Fibre and protein slow sugar absorption, supporting satiety and steady blood sugar levels.
8. Anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial: Seed compounds may reduce inflammation; some extracts show antimicrobial and potential gastroprotective effects—though most evidence comes from animal or lab studies, not conclusive human trials.
9. Brain health: Some seed extracts contain amino acids (like tryptophan, arginine) and antioxidants which may support cognition—evidence so far is preliminary.

Muskmelon Seeds Side Effects

Muskmelons are beneficial when consumed in moderation. However, if you are overeating musk melon, it can lead to some side effects:

1. Digestive Discomfort: Consuming large quantities of muskmelon at a time may cause digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
2. Spike in Blood Sugar: Muskmelons has a relatively high glycemic index, meaning they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed in excess, which may be problematic for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
3. Weight Gain: While this fruit is low in calories, overeating it can contribute to weight gain due to their natural sugar content. Consuming excessive amounts of muskmelons regularly may lead to consuming more calories than needed, potentially resulting in weight gain over time.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance: This fruit has high water content and contain electrolytes like potassium. Consuming too much potassium from muskmelons, especially in individuals with kidney problems or taking certain medications, can disrupt electrolyte balance and lead to complications such as hyperkalemia.

How to Eat Muskmelon Seeds

There are numerous ways to consume muskmelon seeds. However, the most common and straightforward method is to include  them into your meals.

To prepare seeds:

1.  Remove pulp, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
2. Roast lightly for a crunchy snack or to sprinkle over salads, fruits, yogurt, or smoothies.
3. Grind into powder for dips or spreads (e.g., seed butter) or bake into breads, cakes, or cookies.
4. Use as thickeners in soups or stews.
5. Make homemade seed milk (soak, blend, strain).

Conclusion:

Muskmelon seeds are a nutrient-dense snack rich in plant protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating them in moderation can support digestion, heart health, skin, hair, and metabolic wellness. However, claims of curing disease, alleviating stress by increasing brain oxygen, or topical cosmetic effects are not proved in studies. Always consult a healthcare provider before using them for therapeutic purposes. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Gupta, Rajinder K. “Estimation of Nutritional, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Seeds of Musk Melon (Cucumis Melo) and Water Melon (Citrullus Lanatus) and Nutritional Analysis of Their Respective Oils.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2015, www.academia.edu/download/98248102/3-6-24.1.pdf Accessed 7 July 2025.
• Hassan, Syed Ali, et al. “Unlocking the Potential of Muskmelon Seeds as Sustainable Ingredients for the Food Industry.” Food Chemistry Advances, vol. 7, 10 May 2025, p. 101008, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X25001248, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2025.101008.
• Khalid, W., Ahmad, A., Wani, I. A., & Masoodi, F. A. (2021). Chemical composition and health benefits of melon seed: A review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351109040_Chemical_Composition_and_Health_Benefits_of_Melon_Seed_A_Review
• Chaudhary, M, et al. “An Overview: Health Benefits, Nutritional Profile of Cucurbitaceae Family Plants (Muskmelon and Pumpkin) Seeds and Their Possible Usage in Energy Bars for Athletes.” Food Research, vol. 8, no. 2, 16 Apr. 2024, pp. 397–401, https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.8(2).161.