Many fruits are super, but to be a “superfruit” requires an incredibly rich amount of antioxidant polyphenols as well as enhanced marketing campaigns. An article in the Los Angeles Times claims melons are now considered superfruits by some public relations promotions.
The writer said she received an e-mail that said a particular melon extracts contained the “Enzyme of Life.” The enzyme the campaign refers to is the free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase, which has been shown to increase the lifespan in worms and fruit flies. While she doesn’t mention the name of the featured melon, she said the extract is the highlight of a new cosmetic product.
Melon isn’t mentioned by “Superfruits,” author Paul Gross, Ph.D., but maybe it soon could considered in the same category at acai and magnosteen. Melons are a good source of dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate, and a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. And, there have been quite a few studies that show various melons are good for eye and respiratory health. Maybe, with the right marketing behind it, melons can be the next new superfruit.