Nutrition in Cantaloupe Seeds

Cantaloupe, known for its bright orange color and pungent aroma, is a favorite summer ripened fruit. It has been consumed through the ages by both royalty and commoner. New creative ways are being discovered on how to prepare the seeds, from drinking shakes to baking them in the oven.

Seeds

• Cantaloupe seeds provide 21 grams of protein, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 33 grams of fat per 100 grams of seeds. Orange cantaloupe seed is also a good source of phosphorous, potassium, and sodium according to a study conducted by the Department of Food Science and Technology in Iran.

Vitamins

• Cantaloupe contains a wide range of vitamins: A, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, B 12, pantothenic acid, choline, betaine.

Minerals

• The mineral content is composed of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and fluoride.

Lungs

• Vitamin A promotes lung health. Richard Baybutt, an Associate Professor at the University of Kansas, made an interesting discovery about consuming cantaloupe. Vitamin A protects smokers and those exposed to second hand smoke against emphysema and cancer.

Eyes

• Vitamins A, C, and E, found in cantaloupe, help protect against macular degeneration. Three daily servings of the fruit protects the eyes from damaging diseases.

Heart

• The compound adenosine is found in cantaloupe, which is used on patients suffering from heart disease. It relieves angina attacks and keeps the blood thin.