1. Cantaloupe Healthier Then We Knew By Kristin Tarr

2. Definition According to www.hormel.com a cantaloupe is defined as “A large round melon that is a member of the gourd family, with a hard netting-like textured surface that is light green to ivory in color. The orange-colored flesh is sweet and very juicy. To check for ripeness, depress the blossom end of the melon, opposite the stem end, to make sure it is not hard and yields slightly when depressed. Also, there should be a sweet aroma of the fruit that is detectable. This melon is also known as nutmeg, netted, rockmelon, or muskmelon.”www.hormel.com http://www.hormel.com/templates/knowledge/knowledge.asp?is=815&hlite=true&querytext=cantaloupe

3. The Cantaloupe Breakdown A ¼ medium cantaloupe would contain the following: –Calories – 50g –Total Fat – 0g –Cholesterol – 0g –Total Carbohydrate – 12g –Sugar – 11g –Vitamin A (%DV) – 100 –Calcium (%DV) - 2 –Calories from Fat – 0g –Saturated Fat – 0g –Sodium – 25mg –Dietary Fiber – 1 –Protein - 1g –Vitamin C (%DV) – 80 –Iron (%DV) - 2 http://www.hormel.com/templates/knowledge/knowledge.asp?is=815&hlite=true&querytext=cantaloupe

4. Interesting Facts Cantaloupe’s best season is from June to August It is also the popular variety of melon in the United States It derives it’s name from the Italian papal village of Cantalup, where it was first cultivated around 1700 A.D. The cantaloupe we know here is the United States is really called a muskmelon, true cantaloupe is found in France. http://www.whfoods.com

5. History The cantaloupe’s exact history is unknown, although it thought to have originated in India, Africa or Persia The Greek and Roman historic text indicate that ancient civilizations enjoyed cantaloupes It was introduced in the United States in colonial times, but was not grown commercially until very late in the 19 th century Major growers of cantaloupe include the United States, Turkey, Iran and many Central American countries. http://www.whfoods.com

6. Vitamins A Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamin A because of its concentration of beta-carotene 1 Cup = 103.2% of one’s daily value of Vitamin A Tests show that with increased dosages of Vitamin A, one lowers their risk of cataracts On-going studies are also showing a relation to cancer prevention and prevention of oxygen- based damage to cells http://www.whfoods.com

7. Vitamin C Cantaloupe’s are also an excellent source of Vitamin C 1 Cup = 112.5% daily value of Vitamin C Vitamin C is critical for good immune function and stimulates white blood cells to fight infection Research has shown the consumption of fruits and veggies rich in Vitamin C is associated with reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer http://www.whfoods.com

8. Nutrients Cantaloupe is also a good source of potassium, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate and niacin (Vitamin B3) This combination supports energy production through carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar stability http://www.whfoods.com

9. Protection Against Disease Kansas State University research suggests that Vitamin A-rich foods, like Cantaloupe, may save your life when dealing with smokers or second- hand smoke –Vitamin A deficiency, which is thought to be caused by the carcinogens in cigarettes, may be linked to the development of Emphysema Data reported in the June 2004 issue of Archives of Opthamology states that 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by 36%, which is the primary cause of vision loss in older adults http://www.whfoods.com

10. A Few Quick Serving Ideas Add some sparkling water to fresh squeezed cantaloupe juice, it’s refreshing in the warm months of the year Use a blender or food processor to puree cantaloupe and peeled soft peaches to make a cold soup, add lemon and honey to taste Top cantaloupe slices with yogurt and chopped mint Slice melons in half, scoop out seeds and use each half as a basket to serve fruit salad http://www.whfoods.com

11. References http://www.whfoods.com http://www.hormel.com/templates/knowledge/knowledge.asp ?is=815&hlite=true&querytext=cantaloupe