Cantaloupe Keeps You Hydrated and Refreshed – Ajit Patel Sanda Wellness
It is cantaloupe
season! This is the time to eat lots of this delicious, juicy fruit while it’s in its peak and reap
the health benefits carotene. Melon season is from June to August, so there
is plenty of time to eat lots of cantaloupes.
Research found about cantaloupe
when they measured the carotenoid contents of six California-grown cantaloupes,
they found that the beta-carotene content was almost 30 times higher
than the content of fresh oranges. Still, carrots have
the highest amount of beta-carotene.
So what is Carotene (AKA
Beta-Carotene)?
·
It is the yellow/orange/red
pigment found in some fresh fruits and vegetables
·
It is converted into vitamin A which is an essential vitamin
·
It is a carotenoid and an antioxidant
The Many Benefits of Carotene
·
Boosts Immunity
Carotenes found in cantaloupe
have been found to boost the immune system and prevent infections, according
to research. Other studies have indicated that beta-carotene can
improve the function of immune
cells and can be very useful in cancer.
·
Protects Eye Health
Including Macular Degeneration
Cantaloupes are full of nutrients
that are protective for eye health (beta-carotene,
vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin).
Zea-xanthin is a carotenoid that
is responsible for antioxidant
and protective UV light-filtering functions in the eye. Carotenoids have
been found to delay some destructive processes in the eyes which lead
to macular degeneration. Severe vitamin
A or vitamin C deficiency can lead to macular degeneration; eating
cantaloupe is a great way to help prevent it from developing.
·
Reduces Diabetes
Diets high in β-carotene and
α-carotene were found in a study to reduce Type 2 diabetes.
·
Lowers Risk of Colon Cancer
Diets high in carotenoids were found
to be associated with a lower risk.
·
All-cause Of Mortality
Goes Down
Seven studies with 149,774
people clearly showed that a high intake of beta-carotene was connected to a
reduced risk
of all-cause mortality.
“Cucumis melo [musk melon, or
cantaloupe] has been shown to possess useful medicinal
properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, free radical
scavenging, anti-platelet, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer,
anti-microbial, hepato-protective, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic and
anti-fertility activity,” according to the International Research Journal
of Pharmacy.
Other Health Benefits of Cantaloupe
1. Great for keeping hydrated
The high water
content with electrolytes makes cantaloupes a great snack during the hot summer
months, which will prevent dehydration and help keep you cool.
2. Good for
Body’s pH Level
Cantaloupes are one of
the alkaline foods;
they help bring the pH level of the body back to a balance.
3. Helps With Weight
Loss
A cup of cantaloupe has only 60
calories, is high in water and is nutritious which is good for part of
a weight loss plan.
4. Assists the Body to Detox
It is rich
in electrolytes which help the body to detox,
ridding it of excess water. It also helps balance water in the intestines so
you don’t become dehydrated, stopping diarrhea from happening.
5. Helpful for Digestion
It is a hydrating fruit, with a high
percentage of water,
which helps the digestive system to move toxins along. Being a melon, it is
easy to digest.
The rough outer skin of the cantaloupe is susceptible to contamination,
trapping bacteria
that can enter the inner fruit. Also, it is best to purchase organic
cantaloupes, because they often are sprayed with five of the longest-lasting chemicals.
Do take some extra care when cutting
it:
·
Make sure it is not bruised or damaged
·
Always refrigerate cut cantaloupe
within two hours
·
Just before cutting, wash it in water using a scrub brush
·
Always, cut off the stem end; research says that is where the most
bacterial contamination can be.
·
After cutting, wash the cutting board, knives
and utensils well.
One cup of cantaloupe has only 54
calories, 270 mg vitamin A (120% DV), 59 mg citamin C (108% DV), potassium and
B vitamins
including thiamine, niacin, folate, as well as vitamin K, magnesium and fiber.
For the full details go to Cantaloupe Nutrition.
How to find a ripe cantaloupe
·
First, pick it up and feel its weight. It should feel full and heavy.
·
Now, tap on the cantaloupe
to hear the sound it makes. If it sounds dull and deep, it is a ripe
cantaloupe. If it sounds hollow, it probably is not ripe.
·
Next press gently on the top (where the stem was) with your thumb,
if it gives way slightly, it is perfect. If it feels soft it is likely
overripe.
·
Finally, make sure that there is no bruising or damage.
Other Tips
·
A ripe cantaloupe’s
rind usually will be cream-colored or yellow or golden. An unripe rind of a
cantaloupe will contain some green or gray.
·
When you smell the bottom of a cantaloupe,
an unripe one will have a faint scent or none at all. Ripe ones will have that
distinctive cantaloupe aroma; if the fragrance is strong, it may be overripe.
How to Store
·
Place a ripe cantaloupe
in the crisper of the refrigerator and it will last for three to four days.
·
An unripe cantaloupe is best left out at room temperature for a few days
to ripen and be softer and juicier.
·
When a cantaloupe is fully ripe it must be refrigerated.
·
Never wash a ripe or unripe cantaloupe
while it is whole and uncut. You will not be able to dry it well and the
problem is that its surface will absorb moisture during washing. The moisture
will increase mold forming thus lessening its shelf life.
·
Only wash the whole cantaloupe
just before cutting so there will be little risk of mold forming.
Tips for eating
You can simply cut up the cantaloupe or scoop out with a ball
maker and make a salad with watermelon and honeydew melon.
Cantaloupe seeds are a
good snack food. First wash the seed in a fine mesh wire strainer, rinsing
under cool running water while removing the pulpy fibers. After they have been
cleaned and drained, place the seeds on a cookie sheet and
lightly roast them at 160-170°F in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
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