When a fruit salad bowl goes around the table, people often pick out the berries and mango, leaving the cantaloupe forgotten at the bottom of the bowl. However, you might want to give cantaloupe another chance!
Cantaloupe is high in beta-carotene, an orange pigment found in fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is responsible for the beautiful color of carrots, squash, and cantaloupe! When consumed, beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary for various processes in the body, and is important for healthy eye function and vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes, and a strong immune system.
Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals, which can cause damage to the body.
Cantaloupe contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline, all of which support heart health. Consuming fiber regularly helps support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Fiber is also satiating, so it can help maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial for heart health. Potassium is also important for blood pressure regulation, which is important as high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease.
However, there can be too much of a good thing! If you eat too much cantaloupe, the quick intake of fiber can result in an upset stomach. While fiber is important for overall health, consuming too much at once can lead to bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Furthermore, eating too much at once can lead to a blood sugar spike and crash, resulting in cravings and fatigue. If it is your first time eating cantaloupe, start with no more than 1 cup. Consider eating cantaloupe with a protein or fat source to help blunt the blood sugar spike.
To prepare cantaloupe at home, start by choosing a cantaloupe that is ready to eat, with a cream or yellow rind that is not green. Slice the cantaloupe in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the cantaloupe into half-moon slices that can be enjoyed straight off the rind. Another option is to cut the melon into cubes to add to your favorite dishes.
Another way to enjoy cantaloupe at home is by adding cut-up cubes along with some nuts or seeds to a yogurt or oatmeal bowl for a burst of added sweetness. In the summer, consider pureeing cantaloupe and freezing it with yogurt and honey, and make homemade popsicles. If you’re heading to a barbeque, make cantaloupe, cucumber, and cheese skewers for a fun side dish. This way, cantaloupe won’t be forgotten at the bottom of the bowl!
