The juicy, savory and undoubtedly delicious, cantaloupe is one of the favorite summer fruits. Almost everyone loves it for its refreshing taste. But do you know that besides having a good flavor, cantaloupe benefits your health in numerous ways? Learn about the incredible benefits of this fantastic fruit here.
Cantaloupe also known as muskmelon, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a type of melon which is light yellow or orange and grows on the surface of grounds on trailing vines. Ripe cantaloupe has juicy texture and sweet, tempting aroma. It is one of the prime summer fruits.
The two common varieties of cantaloupe are:
Cantaloupe abounds in antioxidants which contribute to several cantaloupe benefits. Besides, it is an excellent source of vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, magnesium, and folate. A cup of cantaloupe provides you with high amounts of calcium and iron. It is also a good source of fiber and proteins. Cantaloupe calories in a cup amount to only 53 while cantaloupe carbs are13 g. Vitamins in Cantaloupe(1) like Vitamin A and Vitamin C are found in abundance.
Cantaloupes not only appease your taste buds but are beneficial for your health too. Have a look at some of the significant cantaloupe benefits:
Muskmelons are high on Vitamin C as well as Vitamin A. These are the most vital nutrients that stimulate the production of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells are your body’s natural defense army against foreign organisms. These prevent the accumulation of microbes in your body and effectively fight the infections. Also, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals that cause premature aging. Thus eating cantaloupe benefits you in remaining active, healthy and young.
[Read: Special Tips To Boost Immune System ]
Cantaloupe benefits smokers whose lungs have got severely damaged due to smoking. Consuming the fruit on a regular basis replenishes Vitamin A in the body which one loses due to excessive smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke. Thus, eating cantaloupe strengthens the lungs and rejuvenates them.
Muskmelon is an excellent fruit for the heart. It is rich in potassium which keeps your blood pressure under check. Potassium counterbalances the effect of sodium in the body which can cause hypertension. Further, cantaloupes are rich in adenosine, a compound with blood thinning properties that aid in preventing blood clotting while folate prevents the risk of heart attack. Also, vitamin C present in cantaloupe prevents arteriosclerosis, a condition wherein arteries harden.
Cantaloupe is an excellent fruit for those suffering from digestive troubles. The refreshing cantaloupe fruit has a cooling effect on your body. Further, the abundant amount of dietary fiber present in it helps in regulating proper bowel movements. It ensures smooth flow of food along the digestive tract and its adequate absorption.
Evading stress in the hectic lifestyle of today is hard. Burdened with so many things, it is likely for one to feel stressed and exhausted. If you too feel stressed out, then grab a cantaloupe immediately. Enjoy a glass of cantaloupe juice and refresh yourself instantaneously. The fruit provides you with a high amount of potassium which helps in normalizing the heartbeat and promotes oxygen supply to the brain, thus relaxing you. It also contains a compound, superoxide dismutase which lowers down the blood pressure level and relaxes the nerves. Cantaloupe benefits you by combating oxidative stress and preventing cellular death.
[Read: Natural Tips To relieve Stress ]
If you are trying to lose weight, then cantaloupe is a healthier and delicious option that you must include in your weight loss diet. It is high in fiber and low in calorie-content which keeps you full for longer and promotes weight loss. Fiber takes long to digest hence you do not feel hungry. It helps in preventing untimely hunger pangs that result in overeating. Thus, consuming cantaloupe can keep your weight under check.
[Read: Secret Tips To Lose Weight ]
Want to look young? Wish your age does not reflect on your skin? Immediately add cantaloupe to your daily diet. It is rich in folic acid which helps in regeneration of skin cells. With new cells taking up the place of dead and damaged ones, your skin remains healthy, supple and glowing. Further, the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C found in cantaloupe help fight free radicals that are a prime cause of skin aging symptoms like wrinkles and pigmentation. In all, cantaloupe aids in keeping your skin youthful and supple.
Cantaloupe can be enjoyed the way you want. Not only the pulp of the fruit but cantaloupe seeds are also great for your health. You can roast them and enjoy their numerous benefits. However, cantaloupe leaves are quite bitter. The fruit can be eaten raw, blended into a juice or enjoyed as a salad. Here are some exciting recipes of cantaloupe.
Bored of the regular lemonade every summer. Try this summer twang, and you are never going back to the lemonade.
This cantaloupe soup is a healthy and refreshing recipe for luncheons.
This healthy cantaloupe salad recipe is excellent for health-conscious people.
Muskmelons are delicious. On top of it, the numerous cantaloupe benefits make them the favorite of all. No matter how good they are for your health, it is necessary to eat them in moderation. Like every other food, an excess of cantaloupe is also bad for your health. Below listed are some risks of excessive consumption of muskmelons:
Cantaloupe is an amazing summer fruit. You can enjoy it in numerous ways. Eating cantaloupe benefits your overall health; hence, you must include it in your diet. No matter you enjoy it as a soup or a salad, it will provide you with adequate nutrition that keeps you hale and hearty.
Take a lemon and cut it in half. Scoop out the cantaloupe seeds and after that, cut it into wedges. Take one wedge at a time and remove the skin. After that chop each slice into small cubes.
You can identify a rip melon easily without even cutting it. The very first sign of melon to be rip is that it should weigh heavy. Next, you should smell it. If the cantaloupe has a sweet and musky aroma, then it is probably ripe. After that, press your thumb at the bottom of the melon, if there is no lip around the stem, then you have picked up the right melon.
Melons are your summer fruits. The season of cantaloupe starts from May and extend through August.