Calories in Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe was cultivated first in 1700 A.D. in the village of Cantalupo, Italy. This is where it derives its name from. The cantaloupe has a thick, netted skin and is often referred to as a netted melon because of its appearance. It contains seeds in the center, entwined in a web-like formation. The cantaloupe is actually a muskmelon, and the names are often interchangeably used. The real cantaloupe is seldom found in the United States.

Calories

• 1 ounce (28g) -10 calories
• Small cantaloupe (approximately 4" diameter) - 150 calories
• Medium cantaloupe (approximately 5" diameter) -188 calories
• Large Cantaloupe (approximately 6.5" diameter) - 277 calories

Cantaloupe is an excellent option for those who are on a weight loss program, and even as part of a healthy diet, as it is rich in all the nutrients that are required by the body, yet it is not fattening in any way.

Nutritional Value

Cantaloupe is known to be a rich source of dietary fiber, potassium, and various vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and folate. The following table gives the exact nutrition facts of cantaloupe on the basis of a 100g serving, where the symbol

• g=grams
• mg=milligrams
• mcg=micrograms.

Nutrients	Values (per 100g)
Calories	36
Water Content	90.15 g
Proteins	0.84 g
Carbohydrates	8.16 g
Fat	0.19 g
Sugar	7.86 g
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g
Sodium	16 mg
Iron	0.21 mg
Calcium	9 mg
Potassium	267 mg
Phosphorus	15 mg
Manganese	0.041 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Zinc	0.18 mg
Copper	0.041 mg
Selenium	0.4 mg
Vitamin A	3382 mcg
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)	0.041 mg
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)	0.019 mg
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)	0.734 mg
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)	0.105 mg
Vitamin B-6	0.072 mg
Vitamin C	36.7 mg
Vitamin E	0.05 mcg
Folate	21 mcg

Health Benefits

• Being a rich source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene, the consumption of cantaloupe reduces the risk of developing cataract, mainly in middle-aged women. Beta-carotene on the other hand, has been found to be able to prevent cancer and the degeneration of cells in the body.
• As it is a good source of vitamin C, cantaloupe consumption also helps in strengthening the immune system, while its rich antioxidant properties help fight against the damage caused by free radicals. The white blood cells are stimulated by vitamin C to kill viruses and bacteria that may cause various health problems to the human body. It also helps reduce the risk of developing problems such as heart disease, and stroke.
• The richness of the B-complex vitamins and fiber content in cantaloupe make it an effective source of energy production in the human body. It also maintains the metabolism, and normal blood sugar levels. By enabling the digestion of carbohydrates, and aiding digestion with its rich fiber content, cantaloupe consumption is sure to be extremely beneficial to those who are on a diet to lose weight.
• The intake of cantaloupe, as a part of at least 3 servings of fruit a day, also helps protect the loss of vision in older adults. It could be consumed with cereal in the morning, with salad at lunch, and as a snack in the evening.
• Lastly, cantaloupe is a refreshing fruit, and cooling to the body. Especially, after serious physical or mental activity, a bowl of cantaloupe can calm your senses, and provide a sense of refreshment even after a hectic day.

So enjoy it as it is, or make it a part of your daily serving of a fruit salad, top it off with yogurt or stuff a half with cottage cheese; and don't worry about the calories in this delicious fruits. Cantaloupe is one of those fruits that you can never get enough of, and you shouldn't, because not only is it delicious, its health benefits are favorable to everyone!

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.