Ajit Patel Sanda Wellness - Cantaloupe Keeps You Hydrated and Refreshed
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
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.
Nutrition
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.
Ajit Patel UK, Sanda Wellbeing and Sanda Wellness Group, Goldshield Group, WeMet