Luscious Health Benefits of Cantaloupe

I love the smell, flavor and color of the cantaloupe. It is unique among produce. Its flesh looks luscious and smells very refreshing and appetizing.

Cantaloupe, also called muskmelon or rockmelon belongs to the same family as the cucumber, watermelon, squash and gourd. Although squashes and gourds are considered vegetables, cantaloupes, just like cucumbers and watermelons are considered fruits. The name cantaloupe originates from the Italian papal village of Cantalup, where it was first cultivated around 1700 AD.

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Cantaloupe is not only deliciously refreshing, it’s also a very nutritious fruit.

Vitamin A

The color of its flesh means that its bursting with vitamin A through its concentrated beta-carotene content. Vitamin A and beta-carotene promotes healthy vision and reduce risk of developing cataracts. A cup contains 103% daily value of vitamin A.

Vitamin A rich foods have also been found to be beneficial for lung inflammation and emphysema. A common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene, have been found to  induce vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin C

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin C, a very important nutrient which fights infection and kills bacteria and viruses in the body. Research has also shown vitamin C to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. A cup of cantaloupe has 112% daily value of vitamin C.

Vitamins B6 and B3

Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins B6 and B3. B vitamins performs various functions in the body including support and increase in metabolism rate and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

Potassium, Fiber and Folate

This low calorie fruit is also a very good source of potassium, an electrolyte that’s essential for the body’s growth and maintenance.

Its fiber content softens stools and shortens transit time through the intestinal tract reducing the risk of developing constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

It also contains folate, an important nutrient for pregnant and planning to get pregnant mothers and for men who are planning on fathering children.  

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