It's the first official week of summer and many of you and your clients are enjoying backyard barbeques and beachside picnics incorporating fresh, juicy melon. More than a sweet, refreshing treat, these fruits have super powers within the tasty flesh. A number of published, peer-reviewed studies have shown that melon extracts have significant effects on slowing and even stopping cancer cell growth as well as the prevention of certain cancers including, neck, breast, and more. Though more research is ongoing, Ratna Ray, Ph.D., professor in the department of pathology at Saint Louis University, says, “This extract can be utilized as a dietary supplement for the prevention of breast cancer.” Lycopene, an antioxidant found in melon varieties, is also known for helping to prevent and treat cancer. Bitter melon extra has also been shown to have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and used in folk medicines for diabetes in India, China, and Central American.
For more skincare benefits of melons in spas, check out Melon Ball.