5 Health Benefits of The Cantaloupe

5 Health Benefits of The Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe (also cantaloup, mushmelon, muskmelon, rockmelon or spanspek) refers to a variety of Cucumis melo, a species in the family Cucurbitaceae which includes nearly all melons and squashes. Cantaloupes range in size from 0.5 to 5.0 kilograms (1.1 to 11 lb). Originally, cantaloupe referred only to the non-netted orange-fleshed melons of Europe; however, in more recent usage it has come to mean any orange-fleshed melon (C. melo).

Cantaloupes have been linked to listeriosis illness caused by Listeria bacteria that contaminated the fruit while they were being stored and sorted in cold conditions after harvest. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the link between cantaloupe Listeria contamination and human sewage sludge that may have become airborne from a nearby farm.

There are 5 health benefits of the cantaloupe :

1. Promotes fertility

Planning to have a baby? Don’t forget to include one of the richest source of folate in your diet—the cantaloupe. Folate, also called folic acid, is widely known for its importance in pregnancy especially in its vital role in reducing the risk of nervous system problems in newborn babies.

2. Helps prevent anemia

Have you heard of macrocytic anemia? It is a condition due to a deficiency of folate and/or vitamin B12 in the body. When there is a lack of folate, the red blood cells becomes bigger than their normal volume.

Cantaloupe is also a good source of vitamins K and B6, niacin, fiber, magnesium and thiamine.

3. Promotes healthy teeth and gums

Loose teeth and bleeding gums may be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin C in the body. Load up on vitamin C-rich foods such as the cantaloupe for that beautiful smile.

4. Prevents UTI

In addition to its high water content which helps flush out the bacteria from your system, the cantaloupe’s high vitamin C content also works to increase the acidity level of the urine, decreasing the harmful microbes that may be present in the urinary tract.

5. Promotes fast healing of wounds

Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients which make them the most widely-used supplements. But with the cantaloupes high dose of vitamin C, who needs supplements? Add them in salads or eat as is to help form collagen, the protein which makes skin and scar tissue.