[[File:Cantaloupe.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Cantaloupe]]
Cantaloupe commonly referred to as muskmelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. They are basically the orange-yellow colored non-netted melons of Europe. It is a round or oval shaped fruit with a rib-less rind that grows on the ground and has a fleshy hollow core with a mesh having lots of seeds. It has a lovely fragrance and taste and is quite refreshing to have due to its high water-content. The peak season for cantaloupe is from June to August. It gets it name from the Italian village “papal” where it was originally cultivated in the year 1700 AD. Cantaloupe is known to be packed with high nutritional value. Let’s have a look at the nutritional content of cantaloupe and how it is beneficial.
==Special Precautions of Cantaloupe==
cantaloupe can cause allergies such as indigestion and bloating as well as arthritic pain.
==Benefits and uses of Cantaloupe are==
* Nutritional content of cantaloupe : Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, magnesium[[Magnesium]], vitamin [[Vitamin B6]], dietary fiber, niacin[[Niacin]], thiamine[[Thiamine]], pantothenic acid [[Pantothenic Acid]] and superoxide dismutase[[Superoxide Dismutase]].
*For Healthy Eyesight : Cantaloupe is rich in beta carotenes that are essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. When absorbed by the body these beta carotenes get converted to vitamin A that is the most vital nutrient for healthy eyes. In fact research shows that daily consumption of cantaloupe can go a long way to prevent cataract in later years too.
*Boosts Immunity : Cantaloupe is high in vitamin C that helps boost the immunity of the body by active stimulation of the white blood cells of the body. WBC’s are the body’s natural defense mechanism that does not allow foreign bodies from attacking and also eradicates the infections that attack the body. Being antioxidant vitamin C is also very effective in combating the free radicals in the body effectively. These free radicals cause immense damage to the skin and can cause premature aging too. By introducing cantaloupe into diet plan it is possible to keep aging at bay naturally and maintain a healthy and glowing skin.
*Effective for Combating Stress : Cantaloupe has superoxide dismutase which is very effective for combating stress by keeping the blood pressure low and the nerves relaxed. It also prevents any cellular death that may be induced due to oxidative stress. The potassium in the fruit maintains the water balance of the body and keeps the heartbeat regularized.
*Effective for Diabetic Nephropathy : Diabetic nephropathy is actually a progressive kidney disorder in which the kidney cells may get dangerously damaged. Cantaloupe extract known by the name of “oxykine” is very effective in preventing the kidney cells damage.
== References ==
[[Category:Treatments]]