30 Amazing Benefits Of Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis) or muskmelon is a variety of melon that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It originated in Iran but is now grown in many parts of the world.
This delicious fruit provides many health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc.
Health Benefits Of Cantaloupes
Some major health benefits of cantaloupes are as follows.
(1) Protection Against Various Cancer(s)
Cantaloupes contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, etc.
These compounds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and reduce the risk of various cancers such as colon cancer, intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
(2) Boost Immune System
Regular and moderate intake of cantaloupes boosts our immune system.
The immune system is the defense mechanism of the body that helps in the prevention and treating of infections, diseases, injuries, and wounds, etc.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in cantaloupes protect our immune cells or white blood cells from free radical damage.
This strengthens our immune system and reduces the risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Vitamin C in cantaloupes further strengthens immunity by enhancing the production of white blood cells.
The antimicrobial properties of cantaloupes protect us from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins in cantaloupes also play an important role in boosting immune health.
Source-Pixabay.com(3) Good For Eyes
Cantaloupes are good for the eyes and help in maintaining our ocular health.
They contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds such as carotenoids, etc.
These compounds protect our eyes from free radical damage and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and reduces the risk of night blindness.
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(4) Provides Relief From Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can harm our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is important to keep stress under control, and cantaloupes help in doing the same.
B vitamins and magnesium in cantaloupes relax our nerves, calm our nervous system, and provide relief from stress and anxiety.
B vitamins enhance the production of feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin.
These hormones improve our sleep quality and provide relief from stress.
Potassium in cantaloupes improves blood circulation, increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, and reduces stress hormones.
(5) Regulates Blood Sugar
Despite the high glycemic index of 65, moderate consumption of cantaloupes helps in regulating our blood sugar levels.
It has a low glycemic load of 4, and a 100 grams serving of cantaloupes only provide 8 grams of sugar.
Because of its low sugar content, it doesn’t cause a sudden increase in the blood sugar level and helps in managing diabetes.
It improves insulin metabolism and keeps blood sugar under control.
Dietary fibers in cantaloupes slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in managing diabetes.
Despite this advantage, eat cantaloupes in moderation as otherwise, they may interfere with normal blood sugar levels and cause symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, dry mouth, etc.
If you take diabetic medication, eat cantaloupes only after a doctor’s consultation to ensure there is no food-drug interference risk.
(6) Prevents Diabetic Nephropathy
The oxykine and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds in cantaloupes reduce the risk of diabetic nephropathy.
Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disorder ( caused by diabetes) in which kidneys get damaged due to damage to capillaries in the kidneys’ glomeruli.
It is characterized by nephrotic syndrome and diffuse scarring of glomeruli.
Antioxidants protect our kidneys from free radical damage and improve kidney health.
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(7)Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C, choline, and dietary fibers in cantaloupes reduce pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
Choline reduces chronic inflammation and provides many other benefits such as maintaining the proper structure of the cell membrane, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, and fat absorption.
(8) Good For Digestive System
Cantaloupes are good for the stomach and improve our digestive health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in cantaloupes protect our digestive system from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in cantaloupe improve bowel movement and provide relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.
Other nutrients like potassium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, etc in cantaloupes also play a major role in improving digestive health.
(9) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers in cantaloupes reduce LDL cholesterol and help with cholesterol management.
By reducing LDL cholesterol, it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls.
It is a leading of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
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(10) Regulates Blood Pressure
Cantaloupes contain potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health condition that affects millions around the world and is a leading cause of cardiovascular and other health problems.
Eat cantaloupes in moderation as otherwise high potassium levels may drop pressure below the healthy range and cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, chest pain, heart palpitation, muscle weakness, nausea, or vomiting.
If you take blood pressure medication, consult your doctor before consuming cantaloupes to ensure there is no food-drug interference risk.
(11) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Cantaloupes improve our cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds such as flavonoids, etc in cantaloupes protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Potassium in cantaloupes relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Cantaloupes contain dietary fibers that lower LDL cholesterol and helps with cholesterol management. It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery diseases.
Adenosine in cantaloupes benefits the cardiovascular system by dissolving blood clots.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium, etc in cantaloupes also play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health.
(12) Improves Respiratory Health
Cantaloupes are good for the lungs and improve our respiratory health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in cantaloupes protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and reduces the risk of lung cancer.
Anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and choline in cantaloupes reduce lung inflammation and reduces the risk of asthma and bronchial asthma.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for respiratory health as it reduces lung inflammation and protects from harmful effects of smoking, secondhand smoking, pollution, and other environmental factors.
(13) Treats Sleeping Disorders
Cantaloupes provide relief from stress and anxiety and help in treating sleep disorders.
Magnesium and B vitamins in cantaloupes relax our nerves, calm our nervous system and reduce stress.
It increases the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and melatonin and encourages quality sleep.
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(14) Provides Relief From Menstrual Cramps
Vitamin C in cantaloupes is an anti-inflammatory compound that regulates the menstrual flow and reduces pain caused by menstrual cramps.
(15) Promotes Weight Loss
Cantaloupes promote weight loss because of their low calorific value of 34 calories per 100 grams.
Natural sugars in cantaloupes provide energy without too much calorie load.
Dietary fibers in cantaloupe provide stomach satiety and control overeating, a major cause of obesity.
The abundance of water ( around 90 percent) in cantaloupes helps with weight management as it improves digestion and assimilation of nutrients from the food.
(16) Aids In Quitting Smoking
Regular and moderate intake of cantaloupes helps in quitting smoking as it replenishes the Vitamin A that gets lost due to smoking.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for our respiratory health as it helps in the formation of lung alveoli, the gas exchange region of the lung. It is responsible for embryonic lung development.
The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin A reduce lung inflammation and lower the risk of asthma and bronchial asthma.
Vitamins and minerals in cantaloupes help in dealing with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
(17) Eating Cantaloupes During Pregnancy And Nursing
The abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc in cantaloupes plays an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in cantaloupes protect the fetus from free radical damage.
Folate or folic acid in cantaloupes promotes brain development and reduces the risk of neural disorders such as spina bifida and neural tube defects.
Cantaloupes regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Natural sugars in cantaloupes fulfill energy needs without causing too much calorie overload.
Cantaloupes contain potassium that regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Dietary fibers help with detoxification and reduce LDL cholesterol.
It helps with cholesterol management and promotes cardiovascular health.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, etc in cantaloupes also play a significant role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Despite these advantages, pregnant women should eat cantaloupes after consulting with the doctor to ensure there is no food-drug intolerance or complication involved.
Nursing mothers should follow the same precaution and have a word with their doctor before adding cantaloupes to their routine.
There may be other factors such as medicines that may influence the effect of cantaloupes on the body. So, a doctor’s advice is recommended.
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(18) Cures Toothache
Cantaloupes help in curing toothache.
For this, take 6 grams of cantaloupe skin and add water to it.
Simmer it until it is cooled and let it coom to room temperature.
Use this liquid as a mouth rinse to get rid of toothache.
Vitamin C in cantaloupes improves gum health and reduces bleeding gums, swollen gums, and other symptoms of scurvy.
(19) Keep Us Hydrated
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as our body needs it for various biochemical reactions.
Our body is made up of around 60 percent water, and some vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart are more than 70 percent water.
Not getting enough water may lead to dehydration and other symptoms such as persistent headache, sluggish bowel movement, fatigue, sunken eyes, low blood pressure, and dry skin, etc.
The abundance of water ( around 90 percent) in cantaloupes keeps us hydrated.
Essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc in cantaloupes maintain electrolyte balance in the body and keep us refreshed and energetic.
Beauty Benefits Of Cantaloupes For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of cantaloupes for skin are as follows.
(1) Rejuvenates Skin And Improve Skin Hydration
Vitamins and minerals in cantaloupes provide nourishment to the skin and improve skin health.
The abundance of water ( around 90 percent) in cantaloupes keeps our skin well hydrated and makes it soft and supple.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds in cantaloupes protect the skin from free radical damage.
Other nutrients such as B vitamins in cantaloupes rejuvenate skin and improve skin health.
(2) Wonderful Skin Cleanser
Cantaloupes are a wonderful skin cleanser that removes toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our skin pores.
The detoxifying compounds such as dietary fibers in cantaloupe help with skin detoxification and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
The beta-carotene in cantaloupes helps in getting rid of dead and dry skin cells and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
(3) Improves Skin Elasticity
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, etc in cantaloupes protect the skin from free radical damage.
It reduces various signs of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen.
Collagen is an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(4) Treats Freckles And Blemishes
The anti-inflammatory properties of cantaloupes help in treating burns and abrasions.
The nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in cantaloupes improve skin health and help in treating freckles and blemishes.
(5) Improves Skin Glow
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in cantaloupes protect the skin from free radical damage.
It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, skin blemishes, and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
Folic acid in cantaloupes facilitates cell regneration.
To improve skin radiance, make a face mask by combining cantaloupe puree, oatmeal, and yogurt.
Apply this face mask on the neck and face and massage for 20 minutes.
Wash off with warm water.
Regular use moisturizes our skin and improves skin glow.
(6) Promotes Regeneration Of Skin Cells
Cantaloupes promote cell regeneration as they contain antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin C.
These compounds and other relevant compounds protect our skin from free radical damage and enhance collagen production.
It reduces various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots,
(7) Provides Anti-Aging Benefits
Cantaloupes provide anti-aging benefits due to the abundance of antioxidants and relevant compounds.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, etc in cantaloupes protect our skin from free radical damage.
It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, skin blemishes, and other signs of premature aging.
Vitamin C enhances collagen production.
Collagen is an essential amino acid mainly found in connective tissues such as bones, tendons, and cartilages, etc.
It improves skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(8) Treats Eczema And Other Skin Disorders
Vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory compounds in cantaloupes reduce pain and inflammation caused by skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cantaloupes protect the skin from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Eating cantaloupes, as well as topical application of cantaloupe juice, helps.
(9) Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions around the world.
It is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances in our skin pores.
Dietary fibers and other detoxifying compounds in cantaloupes remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers regulate the secretion of excess oil from the sebaceous gland and prevent acne from worsening.
Beauty Benefits Of Cantaloupes For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of cantaloupes are as follows.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth And Combats Hair Loss
Cantaloupes promote hair growth due to the abundance of essential nutrients.
Vitamins, minerals, and other relevant compounds in cantaloupe provide nourishment to our hair and scalp and strengthen our hair.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds protect our hair from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, split end, and hair dryness.
Cantaloupes strengthen our hair and reduce the risk of hair fall.
(2) Is A Natural Hair Conditioner
Cantaloupe is a natural conditioner that moisturizes our hair and scalp.
Cantaloupes provide nourishment to our hair and make them strong and lustrous.
To use cantaloupe as a hair conditioner, mash up a cup of cantaloupe with a fork and massage it in your shampooed hair.
After ten minutes, wash off with water.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purpose only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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