McKinney Chiropractor;
Cantaloupe Smoothie
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
Add Some Cantaloupe to Your Smoothie!
I feel that cantaloupe isn’t given much thought as a fruit. It always seems to be the last option at a fruit bar or on a fruit tray along with honeydew melon. Why is that? I find that it’s always sweet, has a somewhat earthy type of taste, and has many wonderful benefits that get overlooked. Fiber is incredibly important to the symbiotic relationship we share with the probiotics in our gut. They feed on the fiber and produce much needed nutrients for us such as short chain fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin K. Along with being a great source of fiber, cantaloupe is very high in beta-carotene. In fact, cantaloupe has as much beta-carotene as carrots. Beta-carotene takes two paths once eaten, it is either converted into vitamin A or it is used as an antioxidant to fight free radicals within our body. Vitamin A, as we know from past articles and 12 Minutes to Health videos, is very helpful with our uptake of Vitamin D because of the rXr receptor they share. When vitamin A is present, we can absorb up to 300% more of our vitamin D. This is the reason why cod liver oil is such an excellent source for vitamin D since it has both A + D! Beside the beta-carotene, this wonderful melon also contains large amounts of vitamin C, and while vitamin C may not cure the cold, it has shown promise in reducing the amount of time you may have cold symptoms. But wait, there’s more! There is also substantial quantities of folate, potassium, and water, and since our society has a problem with chronic dehydration (drink more water!), we must find additional sources for water.
So, the next time you see a fruit tray and the cantaloupe is looking lonely as the last fruit available, remember all that it does for you and give it some love. Continue to eat well and reap the benefits of nutrition!
Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe
- 1 Handful Organic Spinach
- 2-4 Chunks Organic Frozen Cantaloupe
- 1 Small Handful of Almonds
- 2 Capsules Innate Choice Probiotic
- 1 -2 Cups Filtered Water
Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Pour in your favorite glass and Enjoy!
Our Message
Our Doctors at our McKinney location, near the corner of Eldorado Pkwy. and Ridge Rd., want to help you know how to be healthy by making good choices on diet, movement and mental health. Our Best choices on diet and exercise create our Best Defense against Illness and pain. We are here to help you make the best choices! Try this Cantaloupe Smoothie to start making healthy choices today!