A cantaloupe smoothie could be just what you need to get your share of vitamin A. This simple smoothie recipe is easy to follow. Make a filling smoothie for breakfast, lunch, or use it for your post-workout snack. Look at this recipe and then learn the benefits of getting more vitamin A.

Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe Ingredients

To make your own cantaloupe smoothie, you will need to gather a few ingredients. You will also need a quality blender, to combine everything. Start by finding all these ingredients:

• 1 cantaloupe
• 200 milliliters of plum juice
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey
• 1 pinch of mint leaves
• 1 small handful of pumpkin seeds

Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe Preparation

1. Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
2. Scoop out the contents of the cantaloupe and place it in the blender. Either chop or grind a handful of pumpkin seeds with a pinch of mint leaves.
3. Place the ground seeds and leaves in the blender, along with the raw honey and plum juice. Turn the blender on and mix thoroughly. Once the ingredients are mixed, pour into a glass and serve cold.

The cantaloupe smoothie is very low in calories and a great source of vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin B. You will also get a small amount of niacin, vitamin C, and manganese.

The Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A, which is found in cantaloupe and other fruits, is useful for a number of reason. Actually, when you consume cantaloupe, you are not consuming vitamin A – you are consuming beta-carotene. Your body then converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A comes from animal-based food sources, while plants have beta-carotene.

Getting more vitamin A can help to strengthen various cells and tissues. This could increase the strength of your mucous membranes, the lining of your eyes, and help prevent intestinal tract problems. These benefits could help fight infection.

Vitamin A can also help your eyes distinguish between light and dark, which may improve your night vision. Some research suggests that vitamin A can help protect against various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Other benefits of vitamin A include protection of your bones and teeth. Vitamin A maintains your bone health and is important for replacing tissue along your teeth. As an antioxidant, getting more vitamin A could help to protect against various types of cancer.

Antioxidants can also help combat free radicals that may damage your skin. When your skin cannot remain properly moisturized, wrinkles begin to appear. By consuming more vitamin A, you can keep your skin moist and protected.

Beta-carotene and vitamin A are beneficial to your body. They provide a range of health benefits, yet many people do not think to include this in their diets. If you want to ensure you get enough vitamin A and beta-carotene, then try this cantaloupe smoothie. It is quick and easy to make and tastes great. Make your own cantaloupe smoothie for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.

Sources

http://healthydailystyle.com/prepare-simple-and-refreshing-melon-cantaloupe-smoothie/#sthash.02THmWUw.OcglJCxr.dpbs

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/vitamin-a.asp

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/7-health-benefits-of-vitamin-a.html

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