Cantaloupe- Amazingly healthy whole food

I just love cantaloupe. So when it goes on sale, I'm stocking up!

Cantaloupe is usually available year round, but standardly goes on sale in July and August.

This is a great time to stock up on this wonder food!

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin A on account of its concentrated beta-carotene content. Once inside the body, beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A.

One cup of cantaloupe is only 56 calories and provides 103.2% of the daily value for vitamin A.

Beta-carotene has also been the subject of extensive research in relationship to cancer prevention and prevention of oxygen-based damage to cells.

Cantaloupe also is an excellent source of vitamin C. While beta-carotene and vitamin A are fat-soluble antioxidants, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant in the water-soluble areas of the body.

In addition to its antioxidant activity, vitamin C is critical for good immune function. Vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, directly kills many bacteria and viruses, and regenerates Vitamin E after it has been inactivated by disarming free radicals. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C's health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer. One cup of cantaloupe contains 112.5% of the daily value for this well-known antioxidant.

Cantaloupe is also a good source of potassium and a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and niacin (vitamin B3).

The combination of all these B complex vitamins along with the fiber found in cantaloupe make it an exceptionally good fruit for supporting energy production through good carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar stability. These B complex vitamins are required in our cells for processing carbohydrates (including sugars), and cantaloupe's fiber helps ensure cantaloupe's sugars are delivered into the bloodstream gradually, keeping blood sugar on an even keel.

Source: The World's Healthiest Foods.

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