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9 Benefits of Antioxidant-Rich Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a variety of melon fruit that delivers an array of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and electrolytes which have been observed to have manifold health benefits. The nutrients present in cantaloupe can be observed in its rich, orange hue appearance and can aid at thwarting oxidative stress in addition to a vast range of inflammatory-caused illnesses that are common in America as well as other western nations.

Besides other nutrients, cantaloupe’s nutritional value is reputed for having two distinct, protective phytonutrients: cucurbitacins ad carotenoids. These two kinds of potent antioxidants that have been associated with the mitigation of illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative issues. They likewise aid to halt free radical injury inside the body as well as retard the aging process.

Vitamin A, found in extraordinary amounts in cantaloupe, is an antioxidant reputed for stimulating healthy sight and skin, enhancing immunity, and decreasing swelling. In conjunction with the antioxidant vitamin C, which is likewise found in cantaloupe in generous levels, these vitamins are important for preserving healthy mucus membranes, cellular health, and mitigating triggers to many diseases.

Nutrition Information

As other kinds of fruits such as berries may have greater amounts of antioxidants, cantaloupe is usually consumed in larger amounts which can compensate for its lesser antioxidant levels. Thus cantaloupe can in fact considerably raise beneficial levels of phytonutrients for the average diet.

Cantaloupe nutrition is an excellent source of vitamin A and C which comes in the form of carotenoids. In fact, cantaloupe is believed to be one of the best fruit sources of vitamin A, while likewise giving potassium, and B vitamins such as niacin, folate, thiamine, vitamin K, magnesium, in addition to fiber. (1)

9 Health Benefits of Cantaloupe

1. Cantaloupe is Digested Rapidly and Effortlessly

Being a melon, cantaloupe is digested very swiftly and easily especially if there is nothing else in the stomach. Nutritionists say melon should at all times be eaten by itself, on an empty stomach. (2) If you have trouble digesting cantaloupe, it is due to other food present in the stomach.

The least ideal time to have cantaloupe or other melons for that matter is after a meal as a dessert. What will happen is the heavier foods that comprised the meal will have to be digested first, hence the melon will remain in the stomach and ferment, creating disagreeable ‘side effects’.

If you’re looking for quick energy such as before a workout without consuming too much fiber, cantaloupe is a good choice.

2. Cantaloupe Provides a Rapid Boost of Energy

Cantaloupe does not necessitate pancreatic enzymes for it to be digested, since all the living enzymes required are present in the fruit. Hence, consuming cantaloupe boosts energy levels rather than draining it as some foods can do.

Since it is a simple carbohydrate, cantaloupe is digested quickly and rapidly assimilated into the bloodstream, making it a good choice for a rapid boost in energy. (3)

3. Cantaloupe is an Abundant Source of Beta-Carotene

The orange appearance of cantaloupes flesh is an indication of the elevated levels of beta carotene in the fruit. A study discovered that amounts of this key carotenoid are about 30 times more than what is present in fresh oranges, and the bioavailability of it is similar to that which is present in carrots.

While a cup of cantaloupe holds a mere 56 calories, it delivers more than the entire daily requirement of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also a forerunner of Vitamin A, taking the vitamin A form when that is required, and remaining as beta-carotene when it is not needed. (4)

4. Cantaloupe Reduces Your Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome

A 2008 study discovered that cantaloupe consumption can bring down the risk of metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions that comprises hypertension, high blood sugar, extreme fat deposition in the midsection, and abnormal cholesterol profile. Metabolic syndrome frequently raises the odds of heart disease, stroke as well as diabetes.

The study which involved females in the hundreds, revealed that the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome went to those who consumed the highest volume of fruit, or a minimum of 12 ounces per day. (5) Additional fruits creating a comparable effect were grapes watermelon, bananas and apples. Individuals with this amount of fruit consumption likewise exhibited the least amounts of C-reactive protein, a known cause of inflammation.

5. Cantaloupe Promotes Better Eye Health and Eyesight

Cantaloupe as well as some other fruits are beneficial for the eyes owing to their amounts of vitamin A and C. Certain studies have found that eating 3 or more servings of fruit every day may decrease the odds of contracting macular degeneration by as much as 36%.

Macular degeneration is the main disease responsible for the failure of vision in senior adults. Moreover, additional research discovered that eating cantaloupe and other fruits rich in carotenoids could prevent the formation of cataracts. The carotenoids in cantaloupe also contain the vision-enhancing compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, the same carotenoids that provide blueberries their health-boosting properties. (6)

6. Cantaloupe Helps Regulate Heart Rate

Cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, the mineral that works in conjunction with sodium to keep heartbeats regulated, in addition to containing lots of vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 as well. (7) These also add to cantaloupe as being an ideal fruit for the production of energy as B vitamins help in energy metabolism.

Always consult your doctor about altering your diet to regulate your heart rate or blood pressure to ensure that your protocols remain safe and in line with your diagnosis. Certain medications can interact with excessive cantaloupe intake, so make sure you don’t consume too much at one time to avoid negative side effects.

7. Cantaloupe Decreases the Risk of Death from All Causes

Cantaloupe delivers a comprehensive spectrum of antioxidants, since its vitamin C is water soluble and its vitamin A is fat soluble. Numerous studies have determined that ingesting fruits and vegetables loaded with vitamin C lessens risk of death from all causes, counting the most common causes of death, cancer and cardiovascular disease. (8)

Furthermore, cantaloupe is one of only a handful of fruits that continue to ripen even after being harvested. You can buy it even when they are hard and unripe and leave them to ripen in your kitchen. Purchase cantaloupes whole to guard their vitamin C content until it’s time to consume them. If it has been sliced up, you may have compromised a portion of the nutrients that was originally present.

8. Cantaloupe Protects the Body from Oxidative Stress

Cantaloupe is now being utilized to draw-out an enzyme known as superoxide dismutase or SOD. This is a powerful antioxidant found primarily in the rind of cantaloupe which has a key role as a foremost antioxidant protecting the inside of our bodies against oxidative stress.

9. Cantaloupe is a Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Although they are frequently thrown away and only the orange flesh is consumed, cantaloupe seeds also deliver vital omega-3 fatty acids and are in fact palatable to eat.

Conclusion

Cantaloupe provides a host of health benefits, from increased longevity to a rapid boost in energy. Whatever you use it for, remember that moderation is key. Excessive consumption of foods, regardless of how healthy they may be, may still result in fat gain over time. Monitor your intake as well as the serving sizes required to reap the benefits of this sweet, vibrant fruit.