benefits of cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are also rich in a compound called adenosine. Adenosine is typically administered to patients who have heart disease since this compound has bloodthinning properties. When your blood is thin, you can prevent bloodclotting in the cardiovascular system. The folate present in cantaloupes and all types of melons also help in preventing a heart attack.

Cantaloupe might also be an ideal fruit to eat during those times when you are feeling anxious and stressed. Cantaloupe is rich in potassium which normalizes the heartbeat and promotes the supply of oxygen to the brain. As a result, you feel more relaxed and focused.

Cantaloupe scores an excellent for both vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids). It scores very good for potassium, and good for a host of B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and folate) as well as vitamin K, magnesium, and fiber. When the edible seeds of the cantaloupe are eaten, this melon also provides a measurable about of omega3 fat in the form of alphalinolenic acid.

Cantaloupes nutritional strong suit involves its antioxidant and antiinflammatory nutrients. Even while it is relatively low in concentration of certain nutrients (like total polyphenols) in comparison to other fruits, cantaloupe still provides us with important amounts because we tend to eat it in larger serving sizes than other fruits.

Cantaloupe phytonutrients can improve insulin and blood sugar metabolism. In addition, intake of cantaloupe extracts has been show to reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys of animals with diabetes, and to improve insulin resistance in diabetic animals.

The key to purchasing a good quality melon is to find one that is ripe, which is sometimes a challenge because oftentimes they are picked while still unripe in order to ensure that they make it through the shipping process undamaged. There are many clues that you can look for to find a melon that is ripe. The first is by simply picking it up and feeling its weight. Does it feel fuller and heavier than you would expect it to? If so, thats a good thing, because its an indication of the cantaloupes ripeness.

Ripe cantaloupe immediately in the refrigerator, ideally in a crisper bin where there is usually slightly higher humidity. The temperature range of 3641F (2.25C) is best for storing whole ripe cantaloupe. About three to four days is the maximum amount of time that youll want to store whole ripe cantaloupe under these refrigerator conditions. If you decide to purchase an unripe cantaloupe, its okay to leave it out at room temperature (nonrefrigerated) for a couple of days to allow the texture of its flesh to become softer and juicier. However, it is very important to note that cantaloupe can be left at room temperature only if it is whole, intact, and not yet to the stage of full ripeness.

Cantaloupe is not a commonly allergenic food, is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines, and is also not included in the Environmental Working Groups 2013 report Shoppers Guide to Pesticides as one of the 12 foods most frequently containing pesticide residues. (In fact, in that report, cantaloupe was listed as a Clean 15 food that was lowest in pesticide residues among the fruits and vegetables studied.)

Cantaloupe contains a wide variety of antioxidant and antiinflammatory phytonutrients, including the carotenoids alphacarotene, betacarotene, lutein, betacryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin; the flavonoid luteolin; the organic acids ferulic and caffeic acid; and two cucurbitacins

Nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an indepth nutritional profile for Cantaloupe is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.