You've heard of cantaloupe and the nutrients that it contain. Show your eyes, skin, and immune system some love by increasing your intake of vitamin A-rich foods, such as cantaloupe, also known as muskmelon. Here Mat Lecompte, FoodsForBetterHealth.com, reflects on the uses, nutritional facts, and health benefits of muskmelon:

Image courtesy of: City Foodsters

 

“Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is a species of melon that belongs to the gourd family. It is cultivated in a variety of ways, with one cultivar being the cantaloupe. Other types of muskmelon include honeydew, Persian melon, casaba, and Armenian cucumber. Although the term “muskmelon” represents a group of melons, it is often used interchangeably with cantaloupe; however, there is a technical difference.

Muskmelon is native to Iran, aka Persia, but is now grown around the world in a variety of species. A couple of examples are the North American cantaloupe (C. melo var. reticulatus) and the European cantaloupe (C. melo var. cantalupensis).

There are smooth-skinned varieties like honeydew and casaba as well as those with a net-like surface, which includes cantaloupe. No matter the variety, all muskmelons are a good source of valuable nutrition that can promote health benefits.

Muskmelon vs. Cantaloupe

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Although people commonly refer to cantaloupe as muskmelon or vice versa, it should be noted that there is a difference. So here’s a little rule to remember: all cantaloupes are muskmelon, but not all muskmelons are cantaloupes. Cantaloupes are a type of muskmelon.

But there is even variation among cantaloupes. For example, although they are both muskmelons (and cantaloupes), the North American and European versions mentioned above have some distinct characteristics. The North American cantaloupe has a tan, netted skin and a more subtle version of the sweet, musky flavor found in its European counterpart. The European cousin also has a flat, light-green skin.

From a nutritional standpoint, however, the two are virtually identical.

Muskmelon Nutrition Profile

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Because muskmelon can refer to a variety of melons, there is a certain—albeit slight—degree of variability in the nutritional profile. Honeydew, for example, is not exactly the same as cantaloupe when it comes to nutritional value. That said, both—and all—varieties are nutrient-dense and fit easily into any healthy diet.

Muskmelons are generally high in vitamin C, and some types—particularly cantaloupe and other orange varieties—are high in vitamin A. Muskmelons are also largely a good source of antioxidants like gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid. Cantaloupe also contains choline, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.

Here is the nutritional information for one cup of diced cantaloupe, followed by the same amount of honeydew:

Cantaloupe

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	53	3%
Fat	0.3 g	—
Total Carbohydrate	13.7 g	5%
Sugar	12.3 g	—
Fiber	1.4 g	6%
Protein	1.3 g	3%
Vitamin A	5276 IU	106%
Vitamin C	57.2 mg	95%
Vitamin K	3.9 mcg	5%
Niacin	1.1 mg	6%
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg	6%
Folate	32.8 mcg	8%
Potassium	417 mg	12%
Magnesium	18.7 mg	5%

Honeydew

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	61.2	3%
Total Carbohydrate	15.5 g	5%
Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugar	13.8 g	—
Protein	1 g	2%
Vitamin C	30.6 mg	51%
Vitamin A	85 IU	2%
Potassium	388 mg	11%
Folate	32.3 mcg	8%
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg	7%

Muskmelon Health Benefits

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Muskmelon offers a number of potential health benefits based on its rich nutritional profile.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/muskmelon-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-uses-39274

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