This Low-Carb Fruit Can Also Help Lower High Blood Pressure And Cholesterol – Health Digest

It goes without saying that a healthy diet should consist of fruit, but depending on what your needs are, some fruits are better than others. For example, if you’re looking to lower your blood pressure and keep your cholesterol in the healthy range, you need not look any further than cantaloupe.

“Cantaloupe is a good choice for those wanting to lower their blood pressure because it is rich in potassium,” Katherine Basbaum, RD at MyFitnessPal, exclusively told Health Digest, adding that one cup of cubed cantaloupe contains as much as 473 milligrams of potassium. “High blood pressure occurs when your blood is forced to pump extra hard through your arteries. Eating too much sodium can make this problem worse, but eating more dietary potassium can help since it naturally reduces the negative effects of sodium and helps to relax your blood vessels, which in turn lowers your blood pressure.” 

But like any fruit that’s a nutritional powerhouse, as Basbaum calls cantaloupe, the benefits don’t stop with lowering your blood pressure. In fact, cantaloupe is so great for you that if you haven’t been eating it, then your body has been missing out.

If you’re someone who struggles with high cholesterol, then you already know that trying to keep it within the healthy range can be quite a feat. But it’s also something that’s necessary to live a long and healthy life. While you may reach a point where your doctor will put you on a medication like Lipitor, in the meantime, it’s all about diet — and it’s here that cantaloupe can help too. Although Basbaum was quick to point out that there’s no direct link between eating cantaloupe and its ability to lower cholesterol, what cantaloupe brings to the table as far as nutrients go can play a role in cholesterol levels.

“Cantaloupe, as with all fruits and vegetables, contains fiber, which works to reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream,” said Basbaum. “If you replace sweets like ice cream, cookies, and cakes (that are high in cholesterol-raising saturated fats) with fruits like cantaloupe, your ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol will likely drop.” 

If ditching your beloved Ben & Jerry’s may seem like too much to ask, then at least make an effort to practice moderation, by opting for cantaloupe from time to time. Also, the less you indulge in your favorites, the sweeter they’ll be when you do have them.

Thanks to all its vitamins and minerals, like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folate, according to Basbaum, eating cantaloupe can help promote a strong immune system, meaning your body will be better equipped to stave off illnesses. Cantaloupe’s nutrients can also keep the eyes and muscles healthy and reduce the risk of cancer. It’s also a hot summer day’s best friend. “Cantaloupe also has a very high water content, ~90%, which means not only is it a delicious way to stay hydrated, but the high water content means cantaloupe can give you a feeling of fullness and satiety on very few calories,” said Basbaum.

It looks like the only problem with cantaloupe is learning to eat it in ways that appeal to you, if you’re not a fan of the taste. After all, not every fruit can be as delicious as strawberries. One of Basbaum’s favorite ways to prepare cantaloupe is by adding it to a smoothie, fruit salad, or cheese board. If you’re a big meat eater, then you might enjoy cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto; just be mindful of the sodium content in the latter. Of course you’re not under any requirement to include cantaloupe in your diet, but considering its health benefits, you want to do your best to at least give it a proper try before dismissing it.