Cantaloupe: A Health Booster in Disguise

Among fruits, Cantaloupe is the one that is overlooked even though it shoudn’t. If people were aware how beneficial it actually is, they would be running to buy it.

Most people can’t even tell the difference between a cantaloupe and a honeydew melon. 

Historians are also not sure about the origin of this fruit because it is a close relative of the melon family. However, some experts trace it back to parts of Africa.

About Cantaloupes

Fresh ripe melons on the wooden table
Fresh ripe melons on the wooden table

Widely known as cantaloupe, this fruit is also called muskmelon in the US. Cantaloupes or Cucumismelo var cantalupensis has a netting pattern on its outside. 

This netting is deeply grooved as opposed to other melons you will find in the store. Cantaloupe is from the same family as cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. Because it is easy to cross-pollinate, you will find many varieties of muskmelon around the world.

The flesh of a cantaloupe is colored.The coloring of a cantaloupe usually depends of the kind of hybrid it is. It tastes sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day. 

Cantaloupe Varieties

Fresh sweet orange melon and green mint
Fresh sweet orange melon and green mint, selective focus

There exists many varietues of Cantaloupes all around the world. Two varieties of cantaloupe that are most popular are: European cantaloupe and North American cantaloupe

Both types of cantaloupe are orange on the inside and are quite similar in taste. 

Other kinds of Canataloupes include:

  • European Cantaloupe.
  • North American Cantaloupe.
  • Asian Cantaloupe.
  • Japanese Cantaloupe.
  • Galia Cantaloupe.
  • Charentais Cantaloupe.

Each kind of cantaloupe differs slightly in taste and colouring which makes each variety unique. 

For example, the European watermelon is somewhat ribbed on the outside while you will find that the North American variety has a net-type pattern. Seeds of Cantaloupe are famous and edible in Latin America, Middle East, and Asia.

If a cantaloupe is not on your lists of fruits to buy then that will be rectified after you read this article. Here we will list all the health benefits that one can obtain if they consume Cantaloupes regularly. Read on to find out.

Nutritional Details

Adding any type of fruit to your diet is a good idea. Cantaloupe makes an ideal candidate because of its refreshing and antioxidant properties. Some key nutrients in cantaloupe are:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Fiber
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Selenium
  • Fluoride
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta carotene
  • Folate
  • Tocopherol
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc

Health Benefits of Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are extremely healthy and they can help nourish your body. There are many benefits that come with consuming Cantaloupes. These benefits include:

  • Asthma Prevention
  • Fighting Cancer
  • Hydrating the body
  • Beautifying the skin
  • Improving heart health

Prevents Asthma

Eating a large amount of vitamin-A rich foods can prevent your body from getting asthma later in life. beta carotene in cantaloupes turns into vitamin A in our bodies and provides this defense. Vitamin C is also an essential vitamin and provides antioxidant properties that fight against premature aging. One cup of muskmelon provides 65 mg of vitamin C which is an excellent source compared to supplements. A study also found out that people with asthma get relaxation from consuming choline, which is also present in muskmelon.

Fighting Cancer

 Beta carotene, tocopherol, and other antioxidants in cantaloupe fight the free radicals in our bodies. Their antioxidant properties form a healthy defense against signs of cancerous cells in our body. Lung, prostate, and other types of cancers can be avoided by consuming foods rich in these nutrients. A cup of cantaloupe is 1.6 g fiber and also becomes a source of avoiding colorectal cancer.

Hydrating the Body

The water content of cantaloupe makes it a great summer fruit. The high water and electrolyte content in cantaloupe can be ideal to hydrate the body. Some electrolytes in cantaloupe are sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

For Beautiful Skin

Vitamin A helps our body grow and maintain skin cells. Vitamin C helps our body produce collagen that tightens skin cells. These vitamins are a part of cantaloupes and thus help you beautify your skin naturally. The hydrating properties of cantaloupe add extra water to your skin, helping it stay supple.

Heart Health 

Fiber, potassium and vitamin C in cantaloupe can boost heart health. potassium-rich foods help in regulating blood pressure. American Heart Association recommends consuming Potassium each day to maintain healthy cardiovascular function. While bananas are the go-to fruit for potassium, don’t disregard the value of cantaloupe which helps you meet at least 10 percent of RDA.

How to add Cantaloupe to your Diet

Sweet melon ice cream dessert on white
Sweet melon ice cream dessert on white isolated

If you are trying out this wonderful fruit for the first time, you can try various ways of making it a part of your diet. Melons are generally easy to eat by slicing and cutting in cubes.

  • Cantaloupe Sorbet: Looking for a healthy dessert for the summer? Cantaloupe sorbet can be a refreshing, new addition to your dessert menu.
  • Cantaloupe Meringue Pie: A modern recipe that will make you forget about lemon meringue. Of course, it’s going to have a sweeter taste than lemon.
  • Cantaloupe Cupcakes: For those who are bored of chocolate or red velvet, try making cantaloupe cupcakes that smell amazing and taste delicious.

FAQs: Cantaloupe: A Health Booster in Disguise

1. Why is Cantaloupe considered a superfood?

Cantaloupe is considered a superfood because of the many health benefits it has. Like other fruits such as oranges, Cantaloupe is considered an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin is particularly useful in helping strengthen our immune system against various different kinds of diseases and infections.

Additionally, Cantaloupe also contains various amounts of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, potassium, and niacin. All these help us maintain healthy levels of blood sugar. In turn, our metabolism remains top-notch and we are our healthiest selves.

Additionally, Cantaloupes are high in beta carotene. This beta carotene assists our body in producing two antioxidants which are lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help reduce age-related eye diseases and ensure that our eyes remain healthy.

2. Can Cantaloupes be consumed before bed?

Yes, you can safely consume Cantaloupe before bed. This is because cantaloupes are a rich source of vitamins and anti-oxidants.

It is estimated that a cup of diced cantaloupe provides us with just 50 calories. Additionally, this cup can also ensure that we get our daily dosage of Vitamin A and C. Just imagine, one cup provides us with our entire daily requirement!

You can safely consume cantaloupe an hour before bed and the antioxidants packed in this fruit will ensure that you get an antioxidant boost. This boost will surely help you sleep better.

3. Is eating cantaloupe good for detox?

Yes, eating cantaloupe will help in detoxing your body of all harmful substances. As every food has its purpose, a cantaloupe is well known for cleansing various parts of your body. This fruit has the power to cleanse your heart, arteries, blood, and even the colon. 

This means that it contains within its fleshy parts various antioxidants that can help rid your body of harmful substances. Additionally, it is also super nutritional so it will take out the bad and put in the good. What more could you want from a fruit?

4. Does Cantaloupe help fight anxiety?

Cantaloupe has many benefits and among those are the fact that only a cup of it can provide you will your daily requirement of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is crucial for those who suffer from stress and stress-related ailments such as anxiety.

It is proven that those who suffer from prolonged periods of stress can have their levels of vitamin C depleted. Especially in the adrenal glands. Hence, it is necessary that we consume foods that contain high levels of vitamin C.

Conclusion

You stand to gain many health benefits by eating cantaloupe sold in a sphere, whole, or sliced varieties. It’s worth mentioning that the fruit will continue to ripen days after being picked. As a rule of thumb, avoid pieces with nicks and other damage. Also, if you buy a cantaloupe that’s not fully ripe, we recommend storing it at room temperature till it becomes edible.