Day 17 - Why Is Cantaloupe called "The Wonder Food"

This is not going to be my regular blog.  I took a day off from juicing but I kept on my diet.  I did not lose any weight but I stayed the same as yesterday and that is all I care about.  I feel FANTASTIC!.  I know that I am losing weight because my clothes are starting to feel lose. This is the week that I will be introducing solid food to my diet but I am adding it gradually. My plan is to juice in the morning and lunch but for dinner I will have steamed vegetables.  

I had half of a cantaloupe for breakfast, a cup of tea and a glass of water.  Before lunch I met my friend at our favorite restaurant and while she ordered breakfast, I ordered a cup of tea, a glass of water and a side salad without dressing....yep!!..the salad is boring without dressing but I like raw vegetables which helps.  I will be looking for some salad dressings recipes I can make to perk up my plain side salad.  When I know I am going to be eating out I can brink some with me.  

The Cantaloupe is one of the most common fruits but its full health benefits may not have been fully understood, and often taken for granted.  It is extremely nutrient-packed but yet has very low calories.

This wonder fruit is highly concentrated with excellent levels of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber.  It is also one of the very few fruits that has a high level of vitamin B complex¾B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine). 

The Cantaloupe is also widely called the muskmelon, I suppose for the musky aroma that it gives out when ripe. In some parts of the world, it is also known as the rockmelon, perhaps for its rough skin that looks like a rock. It belongs to the "curcurbitaceae" melon family, along with cucumbers, gourds and pumpkins. The Cantaloupe is rich in anti-oxidants that can help prevent cancer and heart diseases

Here is a recipe for juicing the whole cantaloupe

Health Benefits

The high amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C (anti-oxidant) in cantaloupe makes it an excellent fruit in helping to prevent many degenerative diseases.  I get excited just thinking how much more my body can absorb these precious nutrients when I drink of its juice. 
Anti-coagulant:  A unique compound in cantaloupe helps decrease the viscosity of the blood, hence preventing the abnormal formation of blood clots in the cardiovascular system.
Arteriosclerosis:  Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
Cancer prevention:  The high vitamin C content acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.  Regularly drinking juices high in anti-oxidants keep cancer at bay, especially against intestinal cancer and melanoma.
Cataracts:  The natural vitamin A from beta-carotene in this juice lowers the risk of cataract and generally helps improve your vision too.
Cholesterol:  Drinking juices high in anti-oxidant has been proven to fight the oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in the blood.
High blood pressure:   Potassium in this rockmelon helps excrete sodium, thus bringing down high blood pressure especially in those with salt-sensitive hypertension. 
Immune system:  The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
Insomnia:  A special compound in cantaloupe relieves the nerves and calm anxieties.  A help for insomniacs.
Menstruation problems:  For women, drink this wonder juice around the time of menstruation and it will help reduce heavy flow and clots.
Muscle Cramps:  A deficiency in potassium can cause muscular cramps and greater susceptibility to injury. Drink cantaloupe juice to prevent these.
Pregnancy:  The high content of folate (folic acid) prevents neural tube defects in infants.
Quit Smoking:  The natural nutrients and minerals found in this juice provides a synergistic combination that helps the body recover from nicotine withdrawal of one who is trying to quit smoking.  Smoking also quickly depletes the vitamin A in a smoker, but cantaloupe juice can help replace it with its beta-carotene.
Stress:  When going through a stressful period, keep this musky melon on the side and drink its juice regularly.  The potassium content helps to rebalance and normalize the heartbeat. This in turn sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body's water balance.
Water retention:  Especially in pregnant women.  Muskmelon juice helps your body excrete excess sodium, thus reducing water retention.


I am definitely not depriving myself of food.  For dinner I had a large plate of vegetables that included parsnip, green pepper, leek, carrots and mushrooms steamed with stewed tomatoes.  

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog and I hope I have inspired you in some way.  There will be recipes posted soon.  Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!.