The benefits of cantaloupe for health are very diverse. This fruit, which is widely consumed as a mixture of drinks and fruit ice, has abundant nutritional content and is good for health.
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo ver cantalupensis) is a fruit that is easy to find in many areas, because it can grow in various soil conditions. Its delicious and refreshing taste makes this fruit favored by many people.
Cantaloupe contains quite low calories, but is rich in nutrients and water. This makes cantaloupe a good fruit for those of you who are on a diet.
In a serving or the equivalent of 150 grams of cantaloupe, it contains about 60 calories and the following various nutrients:
- 1.3 grams of protein
- 13 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.5 grams of fiber
- 0.3 grams fat
- 12 grams of sugar
- 25 milligrams sodium
- 15 milligrams of calcium
- 18 milligrams of magnesium
- 420 milligrams of potassium
- 250 micrograms of vitamin A
- 55 milligrams of vitamin C
Cantaloupe also contains many other nutrients, such as vitamin B complex, folate, vitamin E, vitamin K, zinc, choline, selenium, iron, and antioxidants, such as flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotene.
Benefits of Cantaloupe for Body Health
Thanks to its abundant nutritional content, there are many health benefits of cantaloupe, including:
1. Maintain eye health
Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin A for maintaining eye health. In addition, cantaloupe also contains antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which can prevent eye damage due to the effects of free radicals.
Several studies so far also mention that adequate intake of vitamin A and antioxidants can prevent eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. Prevent dehydration
Want to meet your body's fluid intake, but are tired of drinking water? Cantaloupe can be the solution. This is because fruits, including cantaloupe, have a high water content so they are good for consumption to meet the body's fluid needs and prevent dehydration.
3. Maintain healthy skin
One of the benefits of cantaloupe that is no less important is to nourish the skin. The content of vitamin C in cantaloupe can support the production of collagen which plays an important role in the formation of skin tissue. This substance also plays a role in keeping the skin supple and strong.
In addition, cantaloupe also contains many antioxidants which are important for preventing premature aging and protecting the skin from free radical damage.
4. Supports fetal growth
The various nutrients in cantaloupe are also beneficial for pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy when the fetal organs begin to develop.
The content of various nutrients, such as folate, protein, and carbohydrates, in cantaloupe is efficacious to prevent neural tube defects in babies, premature babies, and low birth weight babies.
5. Prevent constipation
The content of fiber and water in cantaloupe is also good for digestion. Therefore, this fruit is good for consumption to prevent and overcome digestive problems, such as constipation.
In addition, consumption of high-fiber foods can also prevent constipation and help those of you who are on a diet to feel full longer without consuming excess calories.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and potassium minerals that can lower blood pressure and keep it stable. Potassium is also useful for maintaining fluid balance in the body and allows the muscles of the body to contract properly.
In addition to the various benefits above, cantaloupe is also good for consumption to increase endurance. This is thanks to the high content of vitamin C in cantaloupe.
In order to optimize the efficacy of cantaloupe, you also need to meet your nutritional intake by eating balanced nutritious foods that come from various types of vegetables and other fruits.
Not only that, doing regular physical activity, getting enough rest, and managing stress are also important for maintaining health.
Some Tips for Choosing Cantaloupe Fruit
In Indonesia, cantaloupe is often consumed as an iftar menu during the month of Ramadan. However, so that you can get the benefits optimally, choose cantaloupe that has good conditions.
The following are some criteria for cantaloupe fruit that is good for you to consume:
- Symmetrical round shape
- Has fine strokes on the surface of the skin
- Has a yellow to slightly orange color
- Smells good
- Has no soft texture
If you still have questions about the benefits of cantaloupe for health or want to make sure whether this fruit is safe for consumption for those of you who have certain medical conditions, try to consult a doctor.