Together, they've been delving into evidence-based reasons to recommend melons for health and nutrition. Through their research, they've highlighted the significant health effects of the vibrant bioactive pigments found in fruits and vegetables1. The study revealed that consuming a diverse array of colours, originating from these bioactive pigments, offers remarkable health advantages. Specifically, unique health benefits were found for each colour group. Moreover, the study emphasized that incorporating a variety of colours into your diet amplifies these health benefits compared to consuming fruits and vegetables of the same daily. Surprisingly, research indicates that approximately eight out of ten individuals aren't achieving sufficient colour variety from their fruit and vegetable intake2. Consequently, they may be missing out on key nutrients, bioactives and the associated health benefits, thereby heightening their susceptibility to chronic ailments like diabetes and cancer. Melons emerge as a hero in this narrative, not only for their great taste, but also for their ability to provide a broad spectrum of colours – red, orange, yellow, green, and white. This makes melons an exceptional choice for enhancing colour diversity in your diet.
Dr Emma Beckett from FOODiQ Global has said, “The research showing the health benefits of eating the rainbow provides evidence for what nutrition professionals have been saying for years. Melons are a unique fruit family for all the colours, nutrients and joy they can provide in this context.”
Using the whole melon is a great evidence-based way to reduce waste and get more out of your melons – there are lots of great ways to use the rinds and the seeds, dried, pickled, candied, stir-fried, or blitzed up into a smoothie base!” The vibrant colours of melons are attributed to the diverse bioactive pigments produced during the ripening process. Each variety of melon boasts its unique blend of health-promoting colourful bioactives, providing essential nutrients necessary for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. In essence, melons contain goodness in every colour, making them a delightful and nutritious addition to any diet!
Johnathon Davey, from Melons Australia who has been working closely with FoodIQ on the project said, “I'm thrilled with the results from this project research, and that we can now promote the profound health benefits packed within the amazing array of melons grown right here in Australia. From their vibrant reds, brilliant greens, to sunny yellows, melons are nature's palette of health, offering a spectrum of benefits. All of which are grown right here in Australia by our fantastic Australian growers."
Dr Anthony Kachenko from Hort Innovation said the research equips the melon industry with valuable insight into how to encourage more Aussies to embrace melons in their diet.
“It is fascinating that melons are unique among all fruit because they represent the full spectrum of colour across their varieties, which provides the full range of colour-associated nutrients required to achieve optimal health and wellbeing,” Dr Kachenko said.
“This levy-funded program has a strategic focus on delivering evidence-based information about the health benefits of Australian melons to health professionals in Australia so that they can recommend melons to Aussies as a vital part of their diet.”
Recently, FOODiQ Global released two educational animations focused on Melons. The videos delve in to the reasons why melons are recommended for a healthy diet, and methods for effectively preparing, storing, and utilising melons in a diverse range of culinary uses to maximise their nutritional benefits, minimise food waste, and save costs. The emergence of these insightful research findings and resources from this project is commendable, underscoring the significance of melons in maintaining a well-rounded diet. The videos are available to both health professionals and consumers, and we trust that these materials will aid consumers in recognising the pivotal role of melons in fostering a healthy lifestyle.
References
1. Blumfield, M. et al., Molecules 27 (2022)
2. Hall, JN. et al., Am. J. Prev. Med., 36, (2009).
This project has been funded by grower levies through the Hort Innovation Melon Fund.
