Full Answer
Which melon is the healthiest?
Which is the healthiest melon?
- Beta-carotene. When it comes to beta-carotene, cantaloupe knocks other yellow-orange fruits out of the park.
- Vitamin C.
- Folate.
- Water.
- Fiber.
- Potassium.
What are the benefits of eating melon?
What are the health benefits of eating melon
- Melon is one of the most refreshing fruits you can find and is perfect for hydration during the hottest summer days.
- It offers a Vitamin A content, benefiting our skin by preventing it from drying, another reason to increase their intake during the hot summer season.
- Melon is also rich in Vitamin E, one of the best natural antioxidants in the world. ...
What are the health benefits of melons?
Top 13 Health Benefits Of Melon
- Strengthens Immune System. It stimulates red blood cells and revitalizes the immune system. ...
- Preserves Heart and Vein Health. It is rich in potassium and protects cardiovascular health. ...
- Prevent Cancer. ...
- Helps to Fight Stress. ...
- Protects Eye Health. ...
What nutrients are in melons?
Nutrients in Melons. Melons vary in their nutrient profile, but tend to have very high water content, a little fiber, and notable vitamin C. Melons with orange, yellow, or red flesh also tend to be high in vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids).For example, one cup of cantaloupe—one of the most nutritious melons—contains about 100% of the ...
What are the benefits of eating melons?
Melons are low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and copper, and a very good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6.
Which melons are the most nutritious?
Honeydew melon and cantaloupe have similar nutrition profiles, but cantaloupe contains more vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, cantaloupe is more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria due to its netted rind.
Is it healthy to eat melons everyday?
They are dense in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, and are a storehouse of health benefits. From boosting healthy eyesight, regulating blood pressure, increasing blood flow to immunity, melons make for an extremely healthy addition to your diet.
What is the food value of melon?
Nutritional information per 1-cup (8-ounce) serving: 72 calories; 17 g total carbohydrates; 1 g dietary fiber; 8 mg sodium; total fat 0 g (0 g saturated fat, trans fat 0 g); monounsaturated fat 0 g; 0 g cholesterol; 1 g protein; 4 g added sugars.
Is melon full of sugar?
Most melons are low sugar, too. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are especially sweet and delicious, even though they only contain 8g of sugar per 100 grams.
What is the healthiest fruit to eat?
20 Healthy Fruits That Are Super NutritiousApples. One of the most popular fruits, apples are chock-full of nutrition. ... Blueberries. Blueberries are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ... Bananas. ... Oranges. ... Dragon fruit. ... Mango. ... Avocado. ... Lychee.More items...•
Is melon good for high blood pressure?
Melons are an excellent source of potassium, a nutrient of which most Americans do not get enough in their daily diets. The American Heart Association says potassium helps lower blood pressure by reducing the effects of sodium and relaxing blood vessel walls.
Why is cantaloupe bad for you?
Having too much potassium in your blood increases your risk of a heart attack. Eating too much cantaloupe may also be hard on your intestines and cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other digestive problems.
Is melon a Superfood?
Not all fruits qualify as cheap superfoods, but cantaloupe is definitely an affordable superfood that has dozens of health benefits. Only a quarter of cantaloupe provides almost all the vitamin A you need in a day. Since the beta-carotene in a cantaloupe converts to vitamin A, you get both nutrients at once.
Can diabetics eat melons?
04/1110 Best fruits for diabetics Melons: Water melon, muskmelon or honeydew; pick any melon as it is rich in vitamin B and C, as well as beta-carotene, potassium and lycopene. A slice of any of these melons will give you the necessary vitamins you need.
Which is better for you watermelon or cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe has more immune system-boosting vitamin C than watermelon. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help to prevent macular degeneration, in which the retina deteriorates.
Why watermelon is not good for you?
Consuming large quantity of watermelon may increase the level of water in our body. If the excess water is not excreted, it can lead to an increase in the volume of the blood, further causing swelling in the legs, exhaustion, weak kidneys, et al. It may also lead to loss of sodium levels in the body.
How many calories are in a cup of honeydew melon?
One cup of diced honeydew melon contains 61 calories, which are primarily made up of carbohydrates. A cup of honeydew melon also contains 15.5 g of carbohydrates, .9 g of protein and .2 g of fat. Although higher in fiber than watermelon, honeydew melon is still lower in fiber than most fruits. The 1.4 g in each cup provides 4 percent of your RDA. One cup of honeydew melon has 19 percent of the estimated minimum requirement, or EMR, of potassium, and more than 30 percent of the RDA for vitamin C.
How many calories are in a watermelon?
One cup of raw, diced watermelon contains 46 calories, nearly all of which come from 11.5 g of carbohydrates. One cup of watermelon contains less than 1 g of protein and fat. Although many fruits are high in fiber, watermelon is not. One cup contains only .6 g, which is less than 5 percent of the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of fiber for most adults. One cup of watermelon supplies less than 10 percent of the RDA of all vitamins and minerals except vitamin C. One cup provides 16 percent of the RDA of vitamin C for women, and 14 percent for men. Watermelon also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may help prevent cell damage and boost the immune system.
What is the nutritional value of casaba melon?
One cup of casaba melon supplies 15 percent of the EMR of potassium and more than 40 percent of the RDA of vitamin C. One cup also provides 11 percent of the RDA of copper and 21 percent of vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 helps you make red blood cells, supports your nervous system and is necessary to break down your food for energy.
How many calories are in cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe. One cup of raw, diced cantaloupe contains 53 calories, which come from approximately 85 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent protein and 5 percent fat. One cup contains .3 g of fat, 1.3 g of protein and 12.7 g of carbohydrates 1.
Is watermelon the same as melon?
Most melons are similar in their calorie and carbohydrate content, but the vitamin and mineral contents vary between each type of melon. Watermelon is lower in vitamins and minerals than most other melons, but contains antioxidants that provide its red color.
Is cantaloupe high in potassium?
One cup of cantaloupe provides 21 percent of the EMR of potassium and more than 60 percent of the RDA of vitamin C. Cantaloupe is also high in vitamin A, with one cup supplying more than 25 percent of the RDA. Vitamin A is important for a proper vision and a healthy immune system 1.
What are the carbs in watermelon?
The carbs are mostly simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Watermelon also provides a small amount of fiber.
How many grams of watermelon are in 2/3 cup?
The nutrients in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon are ( 1 ):
Is watermelon a good source of vitamin C?
Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C and a decent source of several other vitamins and minerals.
Does watermelon juice help insulin resistance?
Watermelon juice and arginine intake are associated with reduced insulin resistance in some studies ( 31, 32, 33 ).
Does watermelon juice increase arginine?
Studies note that watermelon juice is a good source of citrulline and can increase blood levels of both citrulline and arginine considerably ( 15, 17, 18 ).
Does watermelon juice help with muscle soreness?
One study showed that watermelon juice is effective at decreasing muscle soreness following exercise ( 34 ).
Does watermelon help with blood pressure?
Watermelon may reduce blood pressure and insulin resistance in some people. It is also linked to reduced muscle soreness after exercise.
Why is watermelon good for you?
These two compounds are important for healthy digestion. Fiber increases bulk in the digestive tract and may keep the frequency of bowel movements regular. Water keeps the food in your digestive tract moving so that nutrients can be properly absorbed and fully digested.
Is National Nutrition Month a sponsored event?
It’s true ! National Nutrition Month is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and started almost 50 years ago. What better way to celebrate, than with a beloved watermelon, which provides us with unique nutrients and health benefits?
Is melon good for you?
Melon Potential for Reducing Risk of Certain Chronic Diseases. Research suggests that people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases, including heart disease and some cancers. [7] .
Is watermelon a lycopene?
Watermelon is packed with nutrient-dense minerals, fiber (4% DV in 2 cups), and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients, like beta carotene (0.9 mg per 2-cup serving) and lycopene. It contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving) and is considered a Lycopene Leader. [1] .
How many calories are in honeydew melon?
A 1-cup (177-gram) serving of honeydew melon provides ( 1 ): Calories: 64. Carbs: 16 grams.
What is the water content of honeydew melon?
Honeydew melon is about 90% water and contains electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium ( 1 ).
Why is honeydew melon good for you?
Summary Regularly eating fruit, such as honeydew melon, is associated with a lower risk of diabetes and related health complications. This is likely due to the fiber and other health-promoting nutrients found in fruit.
How much honeydew is in a cup?
A 1-cup (177-gram) serving of honeydew provides over half of the RDI for vitamin C, making it a great food to add to your diet as you prepare for this year’s cold season ( 1, 13 ).
What is the color of honeydew melon?
Honeydew melon, or honeymelon, is a fruit that belongs to the melon species cucumis melo (muskmelon). The sweet flesh of honeydew is typically light green, while its skin has a white-yellow tone. Its size and shape are similar to that of its relative, the cantaloupe.
How much fiber is in a cup of honeydew?
A single cup (177 gram) provides about 1.5 grams or roughly 5% of the RDI for fiber. Though many other fruits contain more fiber per serving, honeydew can still contribute to your daily fiber intake ( 1 ).
What are the antioxidants in honeydew?
In addition, the honeydew fruit and seeds also contain compounds with strong antioxidant capacity, including beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), phytoene, quercetin and caffeic acid ( 2 ).
Where did the melon seeds come from?
About melons. It is thought that the fruit was named "cantaloupe" for Cantalupo, an Italian town near Vatican City, where melon seeds brought from Armenia were planted in the papal gardens during the Renaissance, according to World's Healthiest Foods.
What is cantaloupe rich in?
Cantaloupe is a rich food source of vitamins A and C.
How to clean a cantaloupe before eating?
Scrub the outer surface of the melon with a vegetable brush under cool tap water before eating the fruit. Pat the fruit dry with paper towels to remove excess water. Using a clean knife and cutting board, cut off the stem end (where the fruit was attached to the vine) of the cantaloupe and throw it out.
How to know when a cantaloupe is ripe?
But according to Mangieri, freshness is critical to the fruit's sweet flavor. Pick up a cantaloupe and if it feels heavier than you expected, it's likely ripe. A ripe melon should smell sweet when you place your nose next to the fruit, and you should be able to push in the skin a little bit with your thumb.
What family is cantaloupe in?
Cantaloupes are in the Cucurbitaceae, or gourd family, which includes other plants that grow on a vine, such as watermelon, honeydew and casaba melons, as well as pumpkins, squash and cucumbers. According to the University of Illinois Extension, the cantaloupe is a variety of muskmelon.
What is the difference between cantaloupe and European cantaloupe?
North American cantaloupes ( Cucumis melo reticulatus) are known for their uniform "netting" over the rind; European cantaloupes ( Cucumis melo cantalupensis) have greener skin, little netting, deep grooves and would surprise most Americans by being called cantaloupes.
Why is cantaloupe a foodborne illness?
Cantaloupe may be vulnerable to outbreaks of foodborne illness because the fruit is grown in close contact with the ground, where it may become contaminated with bacteria from the soil, water or animals before it is harvested , according to Colorado State University.
What fruit is good for musk melon?
Adding fruit of any kind to your diet is beneficial. Cantaloupe, a variety of musk melon, is a particularly good choice. 1. Beta-carotene. When it comes to beta-carotene, cantaloupe knocks other yellow-orange fruits out of the park. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Trusted Source.
How much folate is in cantaloupe?
Two cups of balled cantaloupe have 74 micrograms of folate, or around 19 percent of the daily value. 4. Water. Like most fruits, cantaloupe has high water content, at almost 90 percent. Eating cantaloupe helps you stay hydrated throughout the day, which is important for heart health.
How long does cantaloupe last?
For the freshest taste, use cantaloupe within 3 days of purchase.
How many calories are in a cantaloupe?
If you typically buy watermelon or honeydew melon and shy away from cantaloupe, you’re missing out. At 60 calories and no fat per 1-cup serving, adding cantaloupe to your diet arsenal is a smart way to get potent nutrients and sweetness into your healthy eating plan.
When is cantaloupe season?
Cantaloupes are available year-round, but this melon shines during the summer when it’s at its freshest and sweetest.
Does cantaloupe have beta carotene?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cantaloupe has more beta- carotene than:
Is cantaloupe a fruit?
The humble cantaloupe may not get as much respect as other fruits, but it should.
