The cantaloupe is a juicy, orange summer fruit that’s related to the watermelon and honeydew melon. It also belongs to the same plant family as cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, and gourds.
Like many fruits and vegetables, cantaloupe is mostly water. One cup of fresh cubes has 144 calories, 6% of your daily serving of fiber, and zero fat .
It also gives you:
- 100% of the daily value for vitamina C a powerful antioxudant All your daily need for vitamin A which helps keep your eyes, skin, bones and immune system
- About 12% of your recommended daily potassium, important for your heart , muscles, and blood pressure
It’s low in carbs. Cantaloupes are 90% water. That’s almost as juicy as a watermelon. The high amount of liquid content gives cantaloupes a low glycemic load score of 4. That means your body digests it slowly and it won’t make your blood sugar spike. So it’s a great pick for people with diabetes
It hydrates you. Cantaloupes are filled with electrolytes. These minerals balance body fluids in your body and keep it working right. That helps you stay hydrated and full of energy.
It may help fight diseases. Compounds called phytonutrients in cantaloupes give it anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a good part of a healthy diet. The plentiful vitamins and minerals in cantaloupes can sometimes cause problems:
- Potassium. Cantaloupes are a good source of this mineral, which can help lower your blood pressure. But too much of it may cause problems if you have kidney problems. That’s because your organs may not be able to filter out all the extra potassium, This can lead to a serious condition called hyperkalemia.
- Fiber. You also may want to limit how much cantaloupe you eat if you have cancer, had bowel surgery, or have an inflammatory disease. Large amounts of fiber from the fruit can be hard on your intestines if you have diarrhea, cramping, or trouble digesting food.