Cantaloupe – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 by Tim Wesley

Cantaloupes may not be as popular as other fruits but they are not behind when it comes to health benefits. In fact, this tasty yet odd-looking fruit shares the same family with melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and gourds, is packed with nutrients.

List of known nutrients

They contain a wide variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as:

Ascorbic acid
Beta-carotene
Carotenes
Carotenoids
Choline
Copper
Folic acid
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are popular for their beta-carotene content. In fact, cantaloupes are known to have more beta-carotene than grapefruits, apricots, tangerines, oranges, peaches, mangoes, and nectarines. They may even share the same amount of beta-carotene with carrots. Carotenoid is beneficial because when converted to vitamin A, it aids in improving vision. It also effective in fighting free radicals to ensure you have a healthy immune system.

These may also have anti-cancer properties. Vitamin C may have positive effects in preventing cancer along with asthma and diabetes. Folate is also believed to be effective in staving off cancer cells. Beta carotene has also been shown to have a significant effect in preventing prostate cancer.

Regular intake should also help you prevent constipation and lower blood pressure. This should minimize your risk of suffering a stroke as well as kidney stone formation, muscle loss, and bone demineralization.

Zeaxanthin is an antioxidant found in cantaloupes. This helps filter out blue light rays and is believed to have a significant role in warding off macular degeneration. Eating three or more servings of cantaloupe daily should reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. You can also lower your risk of asthma by eating this on a regular basis.

We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for the skin. Cantaloupes contain plenty of vitamin A, which is essential in sebum production. Sebum helps keep hair and skin moisturized. The fruit also helps keep the body hydrated, which is also important in maintaining healthy and young-looking skin.

Body systems supported by cantaloupe

For a healthier cardiovascular system, make sure to include cantaloupes into your diet. Its potassium and fiber content can help treat hypertension and protect you from any incident of stroke. It’s also beneficial to your respiratory system because of beta carotene that help prevent asthma.

Additionally, the fiber content is very helpful in taking care of the digestive system. It prevents constipation and keep you from binge-eating because you’ll feel fuller longer.

Those who exercise will love cantaloupes because these promote proper muscle contraction. The potassium will also help replenish electrolytes depleted during exercise and promote nerve health. Speaking of depletion, cantaloupes keep the body properly hydrated, which is important in staving off kidney stones. Staying hydrated will help you avoid dizziness, constipation, dry skin and mouth, less urination, rapid heart rate, shriveled skin, low blood pressure, and unconsciousness.

Ways to use cantaloupes

The great thing about these fruits is they’re so easy to consume. You can eat them as is or make smoothies or shakes, salads, or salsa. Here are other ways to enjoy this fruit.