Muskmelon!
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 14, 2019
- 2 min read
Muskmelon: What Is It and How Is It Different from Cantaloupe?
Muskmelon is a sweet, flavourful fruit that’s known for its vibrant flesh and culinary versatility.
In addition to its unique flavour, it provides the body with various nutrients and health benefits.
However, it’s often confused with other melons like cantaloupe.
Muskmelon is a species that belongs to the gourd family. Cantaloupe refers to two varieties of muskmelon, which differ slightly in terms of flavor and appearance but share a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.
Nutritional value:
One cup (156 grams) of diced cantaloupe, a type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients:
· Calories: 53
· Carbs: 13 grams
· Fiber: 2 grams
· Protein: 1 gram
· Vitamin C: 64% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
· Vitamin A: 29% of the RDI
· Potassium: 9% of the RDI
· Folate: 8% of the RDI
· Niacin: 7% of the RDI
· Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
· Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
· Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
· Vitamin K: 3% of the RDI
To compare, 1 cup (170 grams) of honeydew, another type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients:
· Calories: 61
· Carbs: 15 grams
· Fiber: 1.5 grams
· Protein: 1 gram
· Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI
· Vitamin A: 2% of the RDI
· Potassium: 8% of the RDI
· Folate: 8% of the RDI
· Niacin: 4% of the RDI
· Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
· Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
· Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
· Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
Muskmelons are packed with vitamins and minerals. Cantaloupe is higher in vitamins A and C than honeydew, but otherwise, these two types of muskmelon are nutritionally similar.
Some research shows that muskmelon may help support immune function, promote weight loss, and decrease inflammation.
The flesh and seeds of muskmelon can be enjoyed in many ways in main dishes, desserts, and snacks alike.
Sources:
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