7 Benefits Of Eating Cantaloupes On Health

Cantaloupe, scientifically known as Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, is a melon variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Originally believed to have roots in Iran, this succulent fruit now thrives in various parts of the world.

This delightful summer fruit boasts a rich profile of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, carotenoids, and dietary fibers. These compounds contribute significantly to its myriad health and beauty benefits, making cantaloupes a valuable addition to our diet and skincare routines. Let's delve into the major health and beauty advantages offered by this fruit.

# Reduces The Risk Of Various Types Of Cancers

Regular and moderate consumption of cantaloupe is very beneficial for reducing the risk of various types of cancers.

This benefit of cantaloupe is mainly due to the presence of the high amount of antioxidants ( Vitamin A, Vitamin C, etc.), phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds like Carotenoids, zeaxanthin, etc. present in them.

These compounds fight with the free radicals of our body to stabilize the unstabilized ions and prevent them from causing oxidative damage to our body.

Free radicals are unstabilized ions that get formed during the oxidation process. These are harmful because these are unstabilized ions and steal electrons from molecules of our body organs and cause oxidative damage to them.

When free radicals get stabilized, then the risk of development of cancer ( from the free radical damage) automatically get reduced, and it benefits our overall body system.

# Boost Immune System

Eating cantaloupes on a regular basis is very beneficial for making our immune system stronger and thus helps in keeping us healthy and free from disease.

Our immune system plays an important in keeping us healthy as it is the defense ( and healing) system of our body. It prevents pathogens like bacteria, viruses, etc. from invading our body and prevents us from the harmful diseases caused by them. It reduces the risk of cold, flu, fever, etc.

Even if somehow pathogens enter our body, then it is the immune system that fights with them, destroy them and make us healthy again.

The immune boosting power of cantaloupes is mainly due to the presence of a high amount of antioxidants ( Vitamin A, Vitamin C, etc.) antioxidant compounds ( like carotenoids, zeaxanthin) present in them.

These compounds fight with the free radicals of our body and prevent them from causing oxidative damage to our immune system ( and to the whole body).

Free radicals are nothing but the unstabilized ions that get formed during the oxidation of food.

As these are unstabilized, so they steal electrons from the molecules of our body ( to stabilize them), and while doing so, they caused damage ( known as oxidative damage) to our body. It will give rise to a lot of problems like increased risk of premature aging, weaken the immune system, cardiovascular problems, increased risk of cancer, etc.

# Keep Our Eyes Healthy

Our eyes are an important sense organ that allows us to enjoy the beauty of the world and see what is around us. It is important for us to make sure that we take good care of it and regular consumption of cantaloupes is beneficial in doing the same.

Cantaloupes are a good source of antioxidants ( Vitamin A, Vitamin C), carotenoids like zeaxanthin, phytochemicals, beta carotene, etc. and all these compounds work together to improve our health.

The beta carotene present in cantaloupe gets converted to Vitamin A, which is a vital nutrient for our eyes as it improves our vision, provides relief from inflammation, reduces the risk of night blindness, etc.

In addition to this, the antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, etc. and antioxidants compounds prevent our eyes from oxidative stress ( caused by the free radicals) and reduces the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, etc.

# Provides Relief From Stress And Anxiety

Cantaloupes are a good source of Potassium, which is very beneficial for providing relief from stress and anxiety. It is known as a natural Vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

By doing so, it encourages healthy circulation of blood to every cell of our body and thus provides relief from stress ( high blood pressure acts as a stressor on our body). It also induces the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

The vasodilating properties of potassium not only improves blood flow but also increase the flow of oxygen to our brain, reduces stress hormones and thus provides relief from stress and anxiety.

# Good For People who have Diabetes

Moderate consumption of cantaloupes is not harmful to the people who have diabetes. Cantaloupes are low in sugar, and 100 grams of cantaloupes contains only 8 grams of sugar.

This fruit is also known to be connected to improve insulin metabolism in our body and consuming cantaloupes don’t cause sudden spikes and plunges in our blood sugar level.

When cantaloupes are consumed then sugar is released slowly into the bloodstream and presence of some dietary fibers ( 0.9 gram per 100 grams) in cantaloupes also helps in doing the same.

Although cantaloupes are beneficial for diabetic patients, still it is better to consult with your doctor about the same and eat cantaloupes only as per his/her recommendation.

# Prevents Diabetic Nephropathy

Regular and moderate consumption of cantaloupes is very beneficial for reducing the risk of Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic Nephropathy is a kidney disorder ( caused by diabetes) in which our kidneys get dangerously damaged because of damage to capillaries in Kidneys’ glomeruli.

It is characterized by nephrotic syndrome and diffuse scarring of glomeruli.

There are no early signs of Diabetic nephropathy, but late symptoms are severe headaches, tiredness, vomiting, lack of appetite, swelling of legs, itchy skin, etc. (source).

The main reason cantaloupes are beneficial for reducing diabetic nephropathy is that of oxykine and antioxidants present in them.

Antioxidants fight with the free radicals of our body and thus prevents our kidneys from oxidative stress and keep them healthy.

# Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Cantaloupes are anti-inflammatory in nature ( because of the presence of Vitamin C), and this makes them very beneficial for reducing the risk of various inflammatory diseases like arthritis, gout, etc.

It is beneficial not for preventing inflammatory diseases but also for providing relief from the pain caused by the inflammation.

The antioxidants present in cantaloupes prevents free radicals from causing oxidative damage to our bones and joints and thus provides relief from inflammation.

Cantaloupes also contain Choline which is an important nutrient that reduces chronic inflammation and provides a lot of other benefits like maintaining the proper structure of cell membrane, aids in the proper transmission of nerve impulses, helps in the proper absorption of fat.