Muskmelon: What Is It and How Is It Different from Cantaloupe?
Muskmelon, also known as Cucumis melo, is a species of melon that belongs to the gourd family. It’s closely related to other plants like squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and watermelon.
Muskmelon has ribbed, netted or smooth skin and a sweet, or bland flavor with or without a musky aroma.
Over the years, many unique varieties of muskmelon have emerged, including cantaloupe.
The term “cantaloupe” refers to two varieties of muskmelon: the North American cantaloupe (C. melo var. reticulatus) and the European cantaloupe (C. melo var. cantalupensis).
Given that both types of cantaloupe are a variety of muskmelon, their nutritional contents and health benefits are similar.
However, the skin of the North American cantaloupe has a net-like appearance and a subtler, less distinct flavor. Meanwhile, the European cantaloupe has light green skin and sweeter flesh.
While all cantaloupes are muskmelons, not all muskmelons are cantaloupes.
The humble cantaloupe may not get as much respect as other fruits, but it should.
This tasty, although odd-looking, melon is packed with nutrients. If you don’t think about nabbing a cantaloupe each time you hit your grocery store’s produce section, read on to learn why you may want to think again.
Adding fruit of any kind to your diet is beneficial. Cantaloupe, a variety of musk melon, is a particularly good choice.
In addition to cantaloupe, other varieties of muskmelon include honeydew, Persian melon, and Santa Claus melon.
Muskmelon is a species that belongs to the gourd family. Cantaloupe refers to two varieties of muskmelon, which differ slightly in terms of flavor and appearance but share a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.
Muskmelons are nutrient-dense and provide a wide assortment of important vitamins and minerals.
They are especially high in vitamin C, which helps prevent disease and strengthens immune function.
Some types also contain a good amount of vitamin A, a micronutrient that’s essential for healthy vision, skin cell turnover, and growth and development.
Additionally, muskmelons contain antioxidants, which are compounds that fight cellular damage. Antioxidants in muskmelons include gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid.
Beta-carotene is a type of carotenoid. Carotenoids are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Once eaten, beta-carotene is either converted into vitamin A or acts as a powerful antioxidant to help fight free radicals that attack cells in your body.
Disclaimer:?The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensure discussion or debate.
Thank you?…One cup (156 grams) of diced cantaloupe, a type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients:
Calories: 53
Carbs: 13 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin C: 64% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin A: 29% of the RDI
Potassium: 9% of the RDI
Folate: 8% of the RDI
Niacin: 7% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 3% of the RDI
?
To compare, 1 cup (170 grams) of honeydew, another type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients:
Calories: 61
Carbs: 15 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI
领英推荐
Vitamin A: 2% of the RDI
Potassium: 8% of the RDI
Folate: 8% of the RDI
Niacin: 4% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
Do you want to add a word or two?....
Noticeably, the nutritional compositions of muskmelon varieties are similar. However, cantaloupe contains significantly more vitamin A and vitamin C than honeydew. It also has fewer calories and carbs and is slightly higher in fiber.
Muskmelons are packed with vitamins and minerals. Cantaloupe is higher in vitamins A and C than honeydew, but otherwise, these two types of muskmelon are nutritionally similar.
Muskmelon is highly nutritious and has been associated with impressive health benefits.
Here are a few of the top health benefits of eating muskmelon.
Supports immune function
Muskmelon is a great source of vitamin C, a micronutrient that is essential for your immune health.
Some research shows that getting enough vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections like the common cold.
Your Comments……
Muskmelon also contains vitamin A, another nutrient that can boost your immunity by aiding in the development of white blood cells, which help protect your body against infection and disease.
Plus, it’s rich in important antioxidants like caffeic acid and ellagic acid. These antioxidants not only protect your cells against harmful molecules called free radicals but also help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease.
Promotes weight loss
Muskmelon and cantaloupe could aid weight loss in several ways.
First, it’s nutrient-dense, meaning that it’s low in calories, yet high in many of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs for optimal health and proper functioning.
It also has a high water content of about 90% water by weight, which can help you meet your hydration needs and may support weight loss.
Muskmelon also contains a good amount of fiber, which supports healthy digestion. Fiber also helps keep you feeling full between meals, which can limit your overall food intake and support weight loss.
Muskmelon is a popular type of melon that’s celebrated for its sweet flavor and impressive nutrient profile. Cantaloupe is a specific variety of muskmelon.
Aside from supplying many important vitamins and minerals, muskmelon may help improve your immune function, promote weight loss, and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, it makes a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet and can be used in a number of different dishes.
When you’re hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood. Good hydration also supports:
Digestion
Healthy kidneys
A healthy blood pressure
Mild dehydration may cause:
Dizziness
Headache
Less urinate dry skin
Dry mouth
Constipation
When it comes to melons, you can’t do much better than cantaloupe. It’s nutritious, delicious, and versatile.
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.
If you liked this post from?DAYAL why not share it?
Managing Director at DAYALIZE
2 年Most people know that fruits are healthy because they are whole, unprocessed foods. Many fruits are also very convenient. Some people call them “nature’s fast food” because they are so easy to carry and prepare. However, fruits are relatively high in sugar compared to other whole foods. For this reason, you might wonder whether they are truly healthy after all. This article sheds some light on the subject. Fruits are loaded with fiber and water and have significant chewing resistance. For this reason, most fruits take a while to eat and digest, meaning that the fructose hits your liver slowly. Fibre doesn’t just slow down your eating. It has many benefits — especially in the case of soluble fiber, which is found in certain whole foods such as fruits. Fiber can reduce cholesterol levels and help your body process sugar, and it may help you feel full. Fiber-packed foods like fruit are cantaloupe. If you’re hungry for a snack, there’s a good chance you’ll feel satisfied after eating one cantaloupe.