Combat Cold Season with California Cantaloupe
With cold season upon us health and immunity are top of mind. California cantaloupe is a healthy, happy option for battling colds and strengthening the body’s ability to combat the inevitable cold season!
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 six-ounce serving, or roughly a quarter of a cantaloupe. Cantaloupes are also high in weight-managing dietary fiber as well as folacin; a nutrient needed for the growth and the development of hemoglobin. The best part? All of the nutrition in cantaloupes comes with minimal calories. A six-ounce serving contains only 60 calories and no fat or cholesterol!
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Cantaloupe cold fighting nutrients:
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.
Other important nutrients found in cantaloupe:
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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