Abstract :
The kiwano belongs to the Cucumber family. The alien looking fruit has similarities with Pomegranate and
Passion fruit in its texture and is a traditional food plant in the African continent. Its increasing popularity in the health arena
is due to the abundance of health benefits it possesses. It improves cognitive function, used as a recovery aid for heart stroke;
kiwano melon slows down the ageing process and even neutralizes the free radicals in the body. The high fiber content in
kiwano makes it an ideal digestive aid. Due to the presence of essential nutrients, minerals and organic compounds in the
fruit, it got recognition by WHO, stating kiwano to be an essential fruit in fighting against illness and malnutrition. The health
benefits of the kiwano are in the nutrients it contains including vitamin C, Fe and K. It also has smaller amounts of P, Mg, Zn,
Ca, Cu, and Na. The seeds contain linoleic and oleic acid. Linoleic acid is an omega fatty acid which is required for human
health while oleic acid is thought to help in lowering the blood pressure. A couple of anti-oxidants recognized in kiwano seeds
are ?-tocopherol as well as ?-tocopherol. The yellowish-green colored pigments are located at the seeds. Its pulp contains the
carotenoid, beta carotene. The beta carotene strengthens the body's defense mechanisms and sustains eye and skin health. It
may also help to prevent cancer simply by suppressing the growth of free-radicals. This review article is aimed to discuss the
diseases or ailments that are treated with the plant Cucumis metuliferus.
Keyword :
Fatty acids, Free radicals, Illness, Malnutrition, Minerals, Tocopherol.