Cantaloupes which are also known as mush melons, muskmelon, rock melon and Persian melons are member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. Like all other summer melons Cantaloupes severs an awesome take-along snacks for barbeques and summer picnics. The high water content of this fruit helps us to ward off dehydration and thus combat heat, while its mildly sweet and juicy taste makes it a perfect fruit even for the pickiest palates.
Cantaloupes are an excellent source for Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It also score high in its potassium content and has a host of Vitamin B (Vitamin B1, B3, and B6) and foliates. Vitamin K is also found in this fruit along with Magnesium and dietary fibers.
When the edible seeds of this fruit is eaten it provides a good source for omega-3 fatty acids which is found in the form of alpha-linolenic acid in Cantalopes.
It is evident from these preceding list of phytonutrients that this fruit has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Here are some of the major benefits of eating this summer fruits which are listed below:
Cardiovascular benefits
As Cantaloupes are rich in its potassium content, eating this fruit helps in controlling blood pressure and thus keeps out heart healthy. This fruit also contains a compound known as adenosine which is a blood thinner that is beneficial for our cardiac health. Vitamin C present in Cantaloupes aids in preventing arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that keeps heart attacks at a bay.
Helps in preventing cancer
The beta-carotenes and Vitamin C present in Cantaloupe helps in effectively fighting and eliminating free radicals from our body. This way by eradicating free radicals, this fruit helps us from attacks of cancerous tissue growths.
Helpful for the eyes
The beta-carotenes present in Cantaloupes also helps in maintaining a healthy eyesight. As after absorption into our body these beta-carotenes gets converted to Vitamin A, studies have proved that regular consumption of this fruit prevents the formation of cataract in older people and aids in improving vision for all ages.
Prevents diabetic nephropathy
Cantaloupe extract known as “Oxykine’ helps in preventing kidney disorders like diabetic nephropathy which severely damages our kidney cells. Apart from this as this fruit has a low GI (glycemic index) thus Cantaloupe is also safe for diabetic patients and people who suffers from obesity.
Helpful for the health of our lungs
Eating Cantaloupes regularly helps in replenishing our body from the loss of Vitamin A, which happens due to smoking or even exposure to second hand smoke. This fruit has been clinically found particularly beneficial for long term smokers, those who have immensely damaged their lungs due to smoking habits.
Cures insomnia
Cantaloupes contains special compounds that helps in relieving our nerves and calm down anxieties. Thus eating this fruit regularly helps in curing sleeping disorders as it helps to relax our nervous system during our bedtimes.
Apart from this Cantaloupes is also well known for its laxative properties and is an excellent fruit that helps in treating menstrual problems in women. In the past Cantaloupes were frequently eaten by adult women during the summer times for inducing menstruation.
