Note:  Even though melons exhibit great nutritional benefits, they are not a complete food.

Melons provide a good source of potassium and vitamin C.  Like many other fruits, they
are also fat and cholesterol free, high in water content, and are relatively low in calories.
Many melons originated in the Middle East and their popularity was gradually spread
across Europe.  Of all the melons, ancient Egyptians and Romans mostly consumed
cantaloupes and muskmelons. Christopher Columbus transported melon seeds to the
United States and Spanish explorers eventually cultivated them.  

Melons are in the same gourd family as squashes and cucumbers.  Most melons are
similar in appearance to winter squash.  Both groups have thick flesh and an inner
seed-filled midsection. The main difference between melons and squashes is in the way
that they are used.  Squashes are consumed as vegetables while melons are consumed as
fruits due to their much sweeter, juicy flavor.  References

All fruits and vegetables offer outstanding health benefits.  Nutritional research shows
that each one contains its own set of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other
important nutrients.  To get the maximum health benefits, experts recommend eating a
variety of fruits and vegetables along with other natural foods.