Honeydew vs Cantaloupe – Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, Side Effects

Honeydew

It is one of the most popular members of the Cucumis melo family, along with the West Indian gherkin and watermelon. The sweet and juicy flesh of this fruit is green in color, however, its peel may vary, from yellow to greenish.

Nutrition Facts

It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), thiamin, bioflavonoids, potassium, riboflavin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, selenium, manganese, iron, as well as it contains good levels of fiber. In addition, it is fat-free, contains no cholesterol, and is very low in calories.

Health Benefits

Enhances The Immune System

This fruit contains carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that are beneficial for vision. In the body, these carotenoids transform into vitamin A, an essential nutrient known for maintaining the health of the mucous membranes and the skin as well as for supporting the function of the immune system.

Additionally, according to research, individuals who regularly consume foods rich in beta-carotene are shown to have a reduced risk of developing any type of cancer.

Good Source Of Potassium

A single serving of this amazing fruit has about 388 milligrams of potassium, which is approximately 8 percent of the recommended daily intake. Potassium is an important mineral for people who are suffering from high blood pressure.

Furthermore, another function of this essential mineral is the fact that it lowers the risk of developing kidney stones, and supports nerve and muscle activity (makes the bones stronger).

Boosts Collagen Production

One of the reasons vitamin C is in so many beauty and health products is because it helps the human body produce collagen, a protein which is found in your bones, skin, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, gut, and even your teeth.

Women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C (not ascorbic acid) in their regular nutrition have lower chances to develop wrinkles than women who consumed lower levels, according to a study issued in the American Journal of Nutrition.

More importantly, vitamin C is required to help the human body absorb iron (from fruits and vegetables) so pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C rich foods actually increases absorption.

A deficiency of this vitamin is an acknowledged cause of scurvy, that is usually associated with sailors being at sea for months.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects.

Cantaloupe

This fruit (also referred to as muskmelon) is part of the gourd family, same with other melon types. It is thought to have originated either from ancient Africa or Persia or India, and, in the present day, it is one of the most popular forms of melon in the US (widely grown in California).

This melon grows on the ground surface as a trailing vine. It is light yellow to orange in color, occasionally with a deeper salmon hue.

Nutrition Facts

It provides a remarkable source of vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin K, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Its water content is close to 90 percent. This is quite welcomed since staying hydrated helps support your daily functions.

Health Benefits

Eye Health

Scientists have measured the carotenoid content of this melon and concluded that it is approximately 30 times higher than the beta-carotene content of oranges.

Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant which, once eaten, either acts as an effective antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage or it is converted into vitamin A. This vitamin is also essential for healthy vision and for maintaining healthy skin and mucosa.

Reduces Your Risk Of Cancer

The increased intake of carotenoids from vegetables and fruits can notably reduce a sufferer’s risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases, according to Linus Pauling Institute.

Skin Health

The high content of vitamin C boosts the production of collagen, therefore, it is essential for your skin’s health.

Cardiovascular Health

Potassium in this fruit prevents the hardening of arteries (a life-threatening condition, also referred to as arteriosclerosis), regulates the human body’s water balance, and helps to transport oxygen to the heart.

In addition, research shows that a regular diet high in potassium reduces the risk of age-related bone loss and helps keep salt (sodium) from raising blood pressure.

Prevents Asthma

The number of patients with asthma continues to grow worldwide and in the United States. For instance, 1 in 12 people (approximately 25 million people in the US) has asthma. Vitamin C and beta-carotene, found in high levels in this melon, have both been strongly associated with reducing the risk of developing asthma.

Side Effects      

There are no known side effects.

Tips – be sure to consume it as soon as it’s ripe because this fruit continues to ripen off the vine. Additionally, while this fruit will become juicer and softer with time, the sugar content will not considerably increase following its harvest.

Storage

The storage life of this fruit is usually around two weeks within the optimal range of 2.2 ° to 5.0 °C.

Bottom Line – Honeydew vs Cantaloupe – Which Has A Better Nutritional Profile?             

Both fruits have a great nutritional profile, however, cantaloupe wins this contest due to a higher content of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, dietary fiber, and magnesium.

Image credit – Shutterstock

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20882522
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences

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