Melons

Can you guess which melon is full of beta-carotene, vitamins and water?

If you guessed the cantaloupe you are right.

One cup of cantaloupe has only 60 calories and an amazing amount of healthy nutrients.

You get lots of beta-carotene which is packed with Vitamin A for your eyes, red blood cells and a healthy immune system.  The other punch you get from it is the antioxidant that fights the free radicals that damage your cells.

You also absorb 100% of your Vitamin C from that cup of cantaloupe. That helps your blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and bones.

Cantaloupe is like watermelon in that it is full of water so it’s great for hydration.  You’ll find the differences between these two, along with how they look, is in the beta-carotene and Vitamins A and C.

When shopping for cantaloupe, you often see whole cantaloupe at the store.  You may have the same problem as we do with finding one that is ripe and ready to eat.

Here are a few tips that we’ve learned:

• You can find the freshest and sweetest cantaloupe in the summertime, so right now.

• You should look for one that is symmetrical and slightly heavy.

• If you see lots of green, keep looking.  The color should be light-yellow orange.

• Give the cantaloupe a sniff for sweetness too.  (No one will notice!) 

Finding a nice, sweet, fresh cantaloupe is a treat. You will enjoy juicy and delicious pieces and you’ll give yourself a great health boost too.
Private Home Health Care is headed to the store to work on picking out a fresh cantaloupe.  We hope to bring a fresh one home to cut up this week.