The relentless heatwave melting us all right now is a great excuse to whack fruits, in solid or juice form. Luckily for us, we have an avalanche of thirst-quenching fruits to choose from – but among Malaysians, the cantaloupe (which goes by the drag queen alias ‘honeydew’ in Southeast Asia) is a runaway favourite. It’s plentiful, affordable, and above all, uniquely flavoursome. And though we tend to think that ‘deliciousness’ and ‘healthfulness’ don’t go together, the cantaloupe is highly nutritious (the fruit has mad skillz!). It contains an abundance of antioxidants (molecules that prevent cell damage) including choline, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, all of which provide protection against a range of diseases and conditions, such as the following:
High blood pressure
Cantaloupes are rich in potassium, which helps decrease blood pressure (getting as much potassium is as important as decreasing sodium intake). High consumption of potassium is also associated with reduced risk of stroke, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
Cancer
Research has shown that beta-carotene, which is abundant in cantaloupe, plays a protective role against a variety of cancers, particularly the prostate and colon varieties.
Bad skin
Cantaloupes’ beta-carotene stimulates the membrane of skin cells and aids in re-growth and repair. This helps keep skin supple, protects it against harmful toxins and wards off premature aging.
Age-related macular degeneration
Zeaxanthin, found in cantaloupe, filters out harmful blue light rays and is thought to play a protective role in eye health, and possibly wards off damage from macular degeneration.
Asthma
The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of beta-carotene, found in yellow and orange fruits like cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots and leafy greens like spinach and kale. Vitamin C (also plentiful in cantaloupe) is another important nutrient that helps boost our immune system and helps destroy bacteria, viruses and other toxic substances that infiltrate our bloodstream.
Diabetes
Studies show that cantaloupe is connected with improved insulin metabolism, which means a more stable fluctuation of blood sugar, and reduction in risk of developing diabetes. It has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress on the kidneys, which can prevent a number of kidney-related diseases.
Digestion
Cantaloupes are high in both fiber and moisture, both of which prevent constipation, promote regularity and help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Hydration
With its high water and electrolyte content, cantaloupe is a great snack to have after a workout.
Based on an article first published in www.healthfreakmommy.com