By Rick Banas of assisted living provider BMA Management, Ltd.
The other night our daughter cut into a cantaloupe that we had purchased a couple of days earlier from one of the vendors at the Farmers Market in our hometown of Palatine, Illinois. The cantaloupe that we had picked out was nice and firm, round and heavy. There were no soft spots or bruising.
The sweet aroma permeated the kitchen, and we enjoyed the juicy flavor.
Since childhood, cantaloupe during the summer season has been one of my favorite treats.
Little did I know of the many possible health benefits associated with eating cantaloupe.
Here are some of them:
The water content of cantaloupe is high, which helps protect us from dehydration and the effects of summer heat.
Cantaloupe contains an abundance of antioxidants that provide protection against a range of diseases and conditions from the common cold to cancer, including age-related macular degeneration, asthma and high blood pressure.
Cantaloupe contains high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Vitamin A helps promote good vision and plays an important role in helping us maintain healthy skin, teeth, bones and our immune system.
Vitamin C is good for your skin and bones, helps your body heal, and helps your body absorb iron.
Your hair also is likely to benefit from your intake of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Information posted earlier this month on the Medical News Today website about the health benefits of cantaloupe suggests that you “mash together” cantaloupe and avocado, smooth the mixture onto your hair, and “leave it one for ten minutes to replenish moisture and add shine.” (MNT – Article)
Cantaloupe is one of the foods that are high in potassium. Eating foods that are high in potassium are associated with decreased blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke, protection against muscle loss and a reduction in the formation of kidney stones. A word of caution if you are taking a beta-blocker; you should consume foods that are high in potassium in moderation.
With its high water and fiber content, cantaloupe can help you maintain a healthy digestive tract and prevent constipation.
I enjoy eating cantaloupe just by itself or as part of a fruit salad, with watermelon, banana, pineapple, mandarin oranges, blueberries. On those occasions when I want to indulge and am not concerned about calories, I will scoop some ice cream onto cantaloupe and top with chocolate sauce.
I found another interesting suggestion on how to incorporate more cantaloupe into your diet on the Medical News Today website, which I have to try; “muddle cantaloupe into your glass of lemonade, iced tea or water for a burst of fresh fruity flavor.”
What suggestions might you have?
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
