Scientific Name : Cucumis melo reticulatus

Cantaloupe is the most popular variety of melon of the cucumber family. Cantaloupes range in color from orange-yellow to salmon and have a soft and juicy texture with a sweet, musky aroma that emanates through the melon when it is ripe. Cantaloupes feature a hollow cavity that contains their seeds encased in a web of netting. This fruit has a refreshingly rich flavor and aroma and minimal number of calories.

When choosing cantaloupe, choose a fully ripened melon, because according to research as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage their antioxidant levels actually increase.

Vitamin and Mineral Content :

• Vitamin A : 3,420 I.U.
• Thiamine : .05 mg.
• Riboflavin : .04 mg
• Niacin : .5 mg.
• Vitamin C : 33 mg.
• Calcium : 17 mg.
• Iron : .4 mg.
• Phosphorus : 16 mg.
• Potassium : 242 mg.
• Fat : .2 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 4.6 gm.
• Protein : .6 gm
• Calories : 20

Health Benefits:

• Cantaloupe is a rich source of vitamin A, a cup of cantaloupe provides about 103.2% of the daily value for vitamin A and beta-carotene and important nutrient for a healthy vision.
• Cantaloupe is also rich in Vitamin C, a cup of cantaloupe provides 112.5% of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C protect our immune from free radicals and it also help stimulate white cells to fight infection.
• Cantaloupe folate content is important for the production and maintenance of new cells, especially during pregnancy.

Cantaloupe is beneficial for the following illnesses:

• Fever
• Obesity
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Skin diseases
• Constipation
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal and stomach gas
• Blood deficiencies
• Disorders of the kidneys and bladder
• May help prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue due to its high Vitamin A content.