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We are washing away the foundations of our existence on every front. It is high time we move from crashing about on the planet like a bull in china shop and find a way to go forward with intent. We must find systems of living based on sustainability. The systems and tools exist, it is up to each of us to adopt them.

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Wednesday 28 July 2010

Fresh Cantaloupe for breakfast! Delicious and nutritious, even expeditious

My morning routine has really improved since the cantaloupes started ripening. There is nothing finer than a fresh melon for breakfast. I picked one today that is as big as a football (an American one that is, more like a rugby ball for you Brits) and promptly ate half of it for breakfast. The sense of well being that comes from eating fresh, organically grown food right from my garden is immense. No breakfast television, we don't have any TV service, no schedule hurrying me along, we don't have 9 to 5 jobs, just a cool slightly foggy morning, dew on the grass, birds chattering away and wholesome food for my body and soul. This is where it's at!

According to the Self Nutrition website Cantaloupe is high in fiber, niacin, B6, Folate, and very high in potassium, vitamins A and C. It is also high in fruit sugars but as with any fruit when consumed with the fiber the sugar absorption is slowed, thus cantaloupe is low on the Glycemic index. It is apparently also mildly anti-inflammatory. Over at Juicing for Health.com  they tout the anti cancer and heart disease benefits of Cantaloupe due to it's high amounts of anti-oxidants. Here are some of their highlights for eating cantaloupe;
"Anti-coagulantA unique compound in cantaloupe helps decrease the viscosity of the blood, hence preventing the abnormal formation of blood clots in the cardiovascular system.
Arteriosclerosis:  Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
Cancer prevention:  The high vitamin C content acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.  Regularly drinking juices high in anti-oxidants keep cancer at bay, especially against intestinal cancer and melanoma.
Cataracts:  The natural vitamin A from beta-carotene in this juice lowers the risk of cataract and generally helps improve your vision too.
Cholesterol:  Drinking juices high in anti-oxidant has been proven to fight the oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in the blood.
High blood pressure:   Potassium in this rockmelon helps excrete sodium, thus bringing down high blood pressure especially in those with salt-sensitive hypertension. 
Immune system:  The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
Insomnia:  A special compound in cantaloupe relieves the nerves and calm anxieties.  A help for insomniacs.
Menstruation problems:  For women, drink this wonder juice around the time of menstruation and it will help reduce heavy flow and clots.
Muscle Cramps:  A deficiency in potassium can cause muscular cramps and greater susceptibility to injury. Drink cantaloupe juice to prevent these.
Pregnancy:  The high content of folate (folic acid) prevents neural tube defects in infants.
Quit Smoking:  The natural nutrients and minerals found in this juice provides a synergistic combination that helps the body recover from nicotine withdrawal of one who is trying to quit smoking.  Smoking also quickly depletes the vitamin A in a smoker, but cantaloupe juice can help replace it with its beta-carotene.
Stress:  When going through a stressful period, keep this musky melon on the side and drink its juice regularly.  The potassium content helps to rebalance and normalize the heartbeat. This in turn sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body's water balance.
Water retention:  Especially in pregnant women.  Muskmelon juice helps your body excrete excess sodium, thus reducing water retention."

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