Cantaloupe: A Healthy, Happy Option
From battling cold season during winter, to getting fit for summer, maintaining good health is important throughout the year! Now, with the holiday season upon us – and with it copious amounts of delicious food – good health is top of mind for many. For some, healthy weight management is a holiday goal, and for others, strong immunity is at the forefront of good health.
Whichever goal resonates most with you, California cantaloupe is a healthy, happy option that can aid both in weight management as well as supporting strong immunity!
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Cantaloupes are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, providing 100% or more of the U.S. recommended daily allowances of each vitamin in a single 6-ounce serving, or roughly a quarter of a melon. Cantaloupes are also high in weight-managing dietary fiber as well as folacin; a nutrient needed for growth and the development of hemoglobin. All of the nutrition in cantaloupes comes with minimal calories. There is no fat or cholesterol and just 60 calories in a six-ounce serving of cantaloupe!
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Vitamin A: key for good vision, healthy skin, a strong immune system, and cell growth. Beta-carotene, which gives yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables their rich hues, converts to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene also functions as an antioxidant, helping to fight damaging effects of free radicals in the body, potentially decreasing risk of developing certain diseases.
Vitamin C: one of the most effective nutrients that may aid in boosting healthy skin and immune system function as well as eye and cardiovascular health.
Fiber: can help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar by slowing the breakdown of carbs and sugar absorption. Fiber has also been shown to lower cholesterol, decrease heart disease and stroke risk, as well as help with weight loss and management by increasing feelings of fullness.
Folacin: a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction as well as the development of hemoglobin (the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled).
Potassium: a mineral required by the body in order to function properly, assisting in the communication of nerves and muscles. In addition, it helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. Potassium also helps offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure.
Calcium: in addition to being necessary for building and maintaining strong bones, this mineral helps your heart, muscles, and nerves function properly.
Iron: is essential for the proper growth and development of the human body and plays a role in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Iron also helps maintain energy levels and muscle health.
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For all of your health goals, from boosting your immunity, to getting beach-ready, to serving your family healthier snacks, California cantaloupe has you covered!
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