3 Recipes With Cantaloupe and The Main Ingredient Health Benefits

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Guested Author: Owen Jones 

The variety of melons called muskmelons consists of a juicy, edible fruit that is characterized by its round shape and a ribbed exterior. Cantaloupes are a type of muskmelons..
Extensive variation occurs in this fruit. Some cantaloupes are substantial and others are small; some have pink or yellow flesh yet others have white or light-green flesh. The flesh of these fruits contains a large amount of water; therefore, their food value is not high, being just a little more than half as much as that of apples.
If melons good enough for the table are desired, they ought to be
selected with care. To be just at the correct stage, the blossom end of the melon should be a little soft while pressed with the fingers. If it is very soft, the melon is maybe over ripe; but if it does not give with pressure, the melon is still unripe.
Various ways of serving cantaloupes exist. If they are to be served natural as a breakfast food or a lunch dessert, cut them crosswise into halves, or, if they are large, divide them into sections lengthwise.
With the melons cut in the desired fashion, remove all the seeds but keep the melons on ice until they are to be served. The pulp of the melon can also be cut from the rind yet then diced and used in the making of fruit salads.
Again, the pulp can be partly scraped out of the melon and the rinds then filled with fruit mixtures and served with a salad dressing for a salad or with fruit juices for a cocktail. The pulp that is scraped out may be diced and utilized in the fruit mixture.
Recipe 1
FRUIT IN CANTALOUPE SHELLS
During cantaloupe season, a delightful fruit salad can be knocked up by combining several different sorts of fruit with the flesh of cantaloupe and serving the mixture in the cantaloupe shells. Such a salad is an excellent one to serve if light refreshments are needed or when something unusual is required for a pleasant lunch.
Cut cantaloupes in half crosswise, yet, using the French cutter, cut some of the meat into round balls. Dice the rest but mix with any blend of fruit desired. Position this in the cantaloupe shells after cutting points in the top edge. Garnish with the balls cut from the cantaloupe yet serve with any desired dressing. You can also sprinkle nuts on top to add a variation of textures.
Recipe 2
FRESH FRUIT COMPOTE
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup sliced fresh peaches, peeled
1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries
1 cup watermelon balls
1 cup cantaloupe balls
1 cup seedless grapes
1/2 cup sparkling wine (or sweet) wine, chilled
2 tbs thawed orange juice, frozen, concentrated, undiluted
Mix together all of the fruit in a large glass or ceramic bowl and gently stir to mix. Add the orange juice and wine and gently stir again. Chill with a wrapping on it for at least 20 minutes. Toss again gently before serving.
Recipe 3
ERDBEER BOWLE (Strawberry Wine Punch)
1/2 pt strawberries, stemmed, rinsed, cut in half
1 tbs granulated sugar
1/2 bottle German Riesling, well chilled
1 tbs brandy (preferably Alsbach Uralt)
1/2 bottle German Sekt well chilled
Bowle is a typical German party wine punch. During the month of May, throughout Germany, bowle is served flavoured with fresh woodruff (Waldmeister), a sweet scented herb with white flowers, which grows particularly well in wooded and shady areas away from hot sun. Later, during strawberry season, bowle is prepared with strawberries which grow abundantly everywhere. As German summer season progresses, bowle is prepared with other fruits like peaches, chunks of juicy watermelon, cubes of bright orange cantaloupe, or plump raspberries.
Put the strawberries in a large covered glass jar (a sun tea jar will be fine), sprinkle them with sugar and drizzle them with the brandy. Set them aside to marinate for two hours to allow the sugar to draw out the juice from the berries.
Add white wine, stir, and set aside for two more hours. When ready to serve, pour into a punch bowl. Add Sekt and serve chilled in wide champagne style glasses, making certain to distribute strawberries with the wine.

1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Water
7. Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
8. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
9. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
10. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
11. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
12. Vitamin B6
13. Folate (Vitamin B9)
14. Vitamin B12
15. Vitamin C
16. Vitamin E
17. Vitamin K
18. Calcium
19. Iron
20. Magnesium
21.Phosphorus
22. Zinc

Health Benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Lipid peroxidation (LPO)
In the evaluation of the pharmacological importance of fruit peel extracts of Mangifera indica (MI), Citrullus vulgaris (CV) and Cucumis melo (CM) with respect to the possible regulation of tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO), thyroid dysfunctions, lipid and glucose metabolism found that
three test peel extracts significantly increased both the thyroid hormones (T(3) and T(4)) with a concomitant decrease in tissue LPO, suggesting their thyroid stimulatory and antiperoxidative role. This thyroid stimulatory nature was also exhibited in propylthiouracil (PTU) induced hypothyroid animals. However, only minor influence was observed in serum lipid profile in which CM reduced the concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), while CV decreased triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C).(VLDL-C), according to “Protective role of Mangifera indica, Cucumis melo and Citrullus vulgaris peel extracts in chemically induced hypothyroidism” by Parmar HS, Kar A.(a)

2. Antioxidants
In the investigation of the neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and chemopreventive actions of dietary flavonoids found in Cantaloupe indicated that a clear understanding of the mechanisms of action of flavonoids, either as antioxidants or modulators of cell signalling, and the influence of their metabolism on these properties are key to the evaluation of these potent biomolecules as anticancer agents, cardioprotectants, and inhibitors of neurodegeneration, according to “

B. Health benefits according to concentration
1. Vitamin AVitamin A is not only important in preventing types I diabetes, according to “A close relationship between type 1 diabetes and vitamin A-deficiency and matrix metalloproteinase and hyaluronidase activities in skin tissues” by Takahashi N, Takasu S.(1) but also may be associated with compromised bone health, according to “Vitamins and bone health: beyond calcium and vitamin D” by Ahmadieh H, Arabi A.(I)

2. Vitamin CIn the evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction. and it effects on pulmonary dysfunction found that At present, evidence from randomised-controlled trials is insufficient to recommend a specific role for vitamin C in the treatment of asthma. Further methodologically strong and large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed in order to address the question of the effectiveness of vitamin C in children with asthma but some outcome data showed effectiveness on lung function, symptom scores, IgE levels and inhaled steroid use. One small study showed a significant difference in % drop in FEV1 post-exercise, according to the study of “Vitamin C supplementation for asthma” by Kaur B, Rowe BH, Arnold E.(II)

3. PotassiumPotassium beside is important in maintaining the regular contraction and relaxation of the muscle, that helps to reducing the risk of hypokalemia, it also helps the lymphatic system in regulating the levels of fluid in the body, thus lessening the risk of lymphedema, swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid. In a study of “Narrative review: evolving concepts in potassium homeostasis and hypokalemia” by Greenlee M, Wingo CS, McDonough AA, Youn JH, Kone BC., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19414841), researchers found that recent experimental insights into the participation of feedback and feedforward control mechanisms in potassium homeostasis. New data make clear that feedforward homeostatic responses activate when decreased potassium intake is sensed, even when plasma potassium concentration is still within the normal range and before frank hypokalemia ensues, in addition to the classic feedback activation of renal potassium conservation when plasma potassium concentration decreases.

4. FolateIn the investigation of the prevalence and multifactorial etiology of anemia among Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and its effect on anemia, found that Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia and anemia of inflammation, is highly prevalent among children with HIV infection. Micronutrient supplements (iron and, folate) combined with ART(antiretroviral therapy) improved anemia in HIV-infected children, according to “The prevalence and etiology of anemia among HIV-infected children in India” by Shet A, Arumugam K, Rajagopalan N, Dinakar C, Krishnamurthy S, Mehta S, Shet AS.(III)

5. Vitamin B6a. Memory Improvements
In the investigation of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Memory Improvements found that The multivitamin improved speed of response on a measure of spatial working memory, according to “”Memory improvements in elderly women following 16 weeks treatment with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement : A randomized controlled trial” by Macpherson H, Ellis KA, Sali A, Pipingas A.(IV)

b. Anti cancer effects
In the observation of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and its anti cancer effects found that vitamin B6 is involved in the methyl donor cycle ant thus, some of the antitumor properties of vitamin B6 may involve an indirect effect on the level of DNA or histone methylation. according to “”Vitamin B6 and cancer: from clinical data to molecularly mechanisms” by Sujol G, Docquier A, Boulahtouf A, Castet-Nicolas A, Cavaillès V.(V)

6. Vitamin B3In the evaluation of vitamin B3 and its effect on hyperpigmentation found that Niacinamide induces a decrease in pigmentation, inflammatory infiltrate, and solar elastosis. Niacinamide is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for this condition, according to “Natural options for the management of hyperpigmentation” by Leyden JJ, Shergill B, Micali G, Downie J, Wallo W.(VI)

7. Etc.
C. Other health benefits

Since it contains high amount of fiber and water, it improves the digestive track in secreting waste easier, thus reducing the the risk of constipation, according to “A dietary fiber mixture versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood constipation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial” by Kokke FT, Scholtens PA, Alles MS, Decates TS, Fiselier TJ, Tolboom JJ, Kimpen JL, Benninga MA.(3)

The high amount of vitamin K protects skin by speeding up skin healing and reducing bruising and swelling, according to “Dietary intake in clients with chronic wounds” by Wojcik A, Atkins M, Mager DR.(4)

Iron beside is important in enhance the oxygen absorption ti nourish the cells and organs in the body but also form a vital role in the effect of Erythropoietic Stimulating Agents (ESA) hyporesponsiveness, according to “Effects of Iron Supplementation on Erythropoietic Response in Patients with Cancer-Associated Anemia Treated by Means of Erythropoietic Stimulating Agents” by Karlsson T.(5)

1. It may cause allergic reaction for some people

3. No other known side effect.