The cantaloupe melon is a deliciously sweet fruit with detoxifying and disease-fighting properties. It provides very high levels of the beneficial antioxidant vitamins A and C, as well as other nutrients that support the body's immune and digestive systems.

The cantaloupe belongs to the same family as the cucumber, squash and pumpkin. It is usually round or oval in shape and has a distinctive netted skin. Inside of the melon there is a hollow cavity that contains its seeds surrounded by a web of netting. Cantaloupes range in color from orange-yellow to orange-red and have a soft and juicy texture with a sweet, fragrant aroma.

Nutrients in Cantaloupe

The cantaloupe melon is an excellent source of Beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. These are important vision nutrients and Vitamin A is also a crucial antioxidant for the production of disease-fighting lymphocyte cells.

Cantaloupe is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and is critical for good immune function. Vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, killing bacteria and viruses.

Cantaloupe melon is a very good source of potassium and a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and niacin (vitamin B3). The combination of all these vitamins along with the fiber found in cantaloupe make it a good fruit for supporting energy production. Its B complex vitamins are required for cells to process carbohydrates, including sugars, and cantaloupe's fiber helps ensure cantaloupe's sugars are delivered into the bloodstream gradually, keeping blood sugar levels stable.

This fruit has a high water content, which gives it a mildly diuretic action, helping to detoxify the body.

Tips for Using Cantaloupe

• For the most antioxidants, choose fully ripened melons.

• One way to see if a melon is ripe is to tap it with the palm of your hand, and if you hear a hollow sound the melon is ready to eat. Ripe melons also have a sweet, fragrant aroma.

• To ripen a melon, leave it whole and intact at room temperature for several days, which will allow it to become softer and juicier. Once it has reached its peak ripeness, store it in the fridge.