Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

Reviewed by SIAHMSR medical team.

Cantaloupe 

The cantaloupe, sweet melon is a melon that is a variety of the muskmelon species (Cucumis melo) from the family Cucurbitaceae. There are different varieties of cantaloupes. The European cantaloupe [C. melo var. cantalupensis] has a sweet and flavorful flesh and a gray-green skin. The North American cantaloupe [C. melo var. reticulatus] is a common type consumed in the United States, Mexico, and some parts of Canada.

Cantaloupeis a type of muskmelon with a reticulated  peel. It is a round melon with firm, orange, moderately sweet flesh. 

Cantaloupe is commonly consumed as a fresh fruit, as a salad, or as a dessert with ice cream or custard. The seeds also are edible and they are dried to eat as a snack. 

Nutritional facts

Cantaloupes are good sources of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. 

The nutrients include:

·       Vitamin C

·       Potassium

·       Selenium

·       Beta carotene

·       Lutein

·       Zeaxanthin

·       Fiber

Health benefits of cantaloupes

 In addition, cantaloupes have high water and electrolyte content which help your body keeping hydrated.

 The  cantaloupes are foods having low glycaemic load and they can be consumed even by people with diabetes.

Cantaloupe flesh is rich in fiber which can boost digestive and cardiovascular health. Fibers help gut health improving digestion and preventing constipation. Fiber rich food consumption is important for preventing colorectal cancers. Fibers keep your blood sugar and cholesterol levels low and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. 

The orange, netted melons (cantaloupes) are the richest source of Vitamin C .Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant against oxidative stress and DNA damage resulting from it. Vitamin C helps in boosting immunity and prevents infections also. Vitamin C rich food consumption is vital for your skin also, as it can boost collagen formation improving firmness and youthful appearance of your skin.

Cantaloupes are good sources of amino acids, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamine, and citrulline. However, the levels of these amino acids vary among different cantaloupe varieties grown in different locations. Amino acids act as a source of energy and precursors of proteins. They help in metabolism, reduction of blood sugar, and improvement of cardiovascular health, and they act as neurotransmitters and antioxidants. 

Cantaloupes have some polyphenolic antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent free radicals induced damage to body cells.

Cantaloupe varieties grown at different locations show differences in their phenolic content and antioxidant activities.

Potassium in cantaloupes can support your heart health and maintain blood pressure in normal level.

Selenium is an effective antioxidant as well as a nutrient important for heart health and hair growth.

Cantaloupes help your eyesight or vision due to the presence of beta carotenoids , zeaxanthin and lutein. Beta carotenoids are converted to vitamin A and improves health of eyes. Zeaxanthin and lutein help prevent macular degeneration of eyes.

It is observed that cantaloupe helps to reduce the frequent attack of asthma. It is thought that its antioxidants boost immunity particularly vitamin C, which fight against inflammatory triggers.

Other antioxidants in cantaloupe, such as carotenoids also have role in modulating immune functions. Carotenoids modulate immune function by enhancing lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic T cell activity.

Safety:

Cantaloupes grow at ground level and therefore the chances of contamination with microbes is very high. As the surface of a cantaloupe can contain harmful bacteria—in particular, Salmonella .It is advised that a melon be washed and scrubbed thoroughly before you consume. The fruit should be refrigerated after cutting it and consumed within2-3 days to prevent it get spoiled. You may also eat it after proper cooking.

                                SIAHMSR                                                      

How to include cantaloupe in your diet?

·       Cantaloupe  vegetable salad

·       Cantaloupe lemon honey drink

·       Cantaloupe granite

·       Cantaloupe smoothie

·       Fruit salad

·       Cantaloupe martini

·       Cantaloupe salsa

·       Cantaloupe &carrot milk shake

 Written by dr sanjana vb[ copyright]

References

1.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30255223/

2.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7570236/

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1974844/

4.    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/muskmelon

5.    https://www.britannica.com/plant/cantaloupe

6.    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantaloupe