Why do melons always have large weddings? Because they cantaloupe. That is one of our favorite silly jokes. And cantaloupe is one of our favorite fruits of the spring! It’s almost cantaloupe season, and we can’t hardly wait!
One cup of cantaloupe has around 14 grams of carbs and one gram of fiber. They have a medium GI of 65 but a very low glycemic load of four. Eating cantaloupe will not spike blood sugar. About 90 percent of a cantaloupe is water. Eating it helps you stay hydrated. It is also a good source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. You also get B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and folate.
Cantaloupe can aid blood pressure because it is low in sodium and high in potassium. That combination can help manage blood pressure naturally. The water, fiber and nutrients mean that the body slowly breaks down the carbs in the fruit while reaping the hydration benefits. It’s also filled with electrolytes. In addition to aiding blood pressure, it can help the heart. Cantaloupe is a good source of choline. Combined with fiber and potassium, that can help prevent heart conditions from developing.
Cantaloupe can also help you manage your weight. Remaining hydrated helps you feel less hungry. And eating fiber makes you feel fuller faster. Enjoying a serving of cantaloupe as part of a meal can help you avoid snacks later. Or if you can’t resist snacks, a small bowl of cantaloupe may be enough to keep you feeling until your next healthy meal.
When you enjoy cantaloupe, you should always wash it well before cutting into the melon. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off the textured rind. They are one of the most common plants that cause foodborne illnesses because it’s so easy for things to live on the rind.
As always, it’s important to note that there’s really no such thing as a “free food.” You have to count the number of calories and carbs in a serving of cantaloupe and add them to your day. But the health benefits that go along with it are worth it. We’re always fans of eating more fruit, and as cantaloupe is in season from May to September, the truly delicious ones grown right here in the U.S. are about to hit the stores. Remember, eating seasonally is a great way to keep a wide variety in your diet, change it up throughout the year and encourage yourself to try things you wouldn’t usually reach for.
