Why Am I Craving Cantaloupe? What Does it Mean?

Have you been constantly craving cantaloupe lately or all of a sudden? In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of this craving. But, to save you time, here is a quick synopsis of the most common reasons why you’d be craving cantaloupe:

Your body is deficient in one or more of the following nutrients: folate, beta carotene, Vitamin C, and/or potassium. Another common reason is that you are dehydrated. Or, quite simply, you just enjoy the taste of it.

For more details on each of the above reasons, read below to learn more about our list of 6 common reasons for wanting to eat this delicious, orange-fleshed melon.

1. Your Body is Low on Folate

Folate is a vitamin (also known as Vitamin B9) that plays an important role in red blood cell formation and the health and formation of cells in general. During pregnancy, higher amounts of folate are needed to help with spinal cord formation and growth in the fetus.

Cantaloupe is relatively high in folate. In fact, ¼ of a medium-sized melon contains approximately 25 micrograms of folate. ⁽¹⁾ The daily recommended serving of folate is 400 micrograms, so you’d have to eat a lot of cantaloupe to hit the mark. ⁽²⁾ Nevertheless, a folate deficiency is certainly a legitimate reason for having a cantaloupe craving.

2. Your Body is Low on Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is an antioxidant that helps protect your body from damaging free radicals. It also helps your body produce Vitamin A, which is integral in immune system, eye, and skin health. ⁽³⁾ Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Beta Carotene. In fact, just one cup of cantaloupe has 30% of the recommended daily allowance of Beta Carotene. ⁽⁴⁾

3. Your Body is Low on Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is another antioxidant that plays a vital role in several bodily functions. In fact, Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins in our diet. It is responsible for over a dozen functions including tissue growth and repair, iron absorption, collagen production, and maintaining bones and teeth. It is rare to have a severe Vitamin C deficiency, but it is possible. Severe Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition known as scurvy. ⁽⁵⁾

Cantaloupe is a great source of Vitamin C. In fact, a one cup serving contains about 95% of the recommended daily allowance. ⁽⁶⁾ So, if you have a sudden craving for cantaloupe, there is a possibility that you are deficient in Vitamin C.

4. Your Body is Low on Potassium

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that plays several essential roles in your body’s function. It helps your body in the following ways ⁽⁷⁾:

Balancing pH in the body
Maintaining normal blood pressure (by offsetting the effects of sodium)
Maintaining proper hydration
Nerve function and proper muscle contraction

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of potassium. In fact, one medium-sized melon contains nearly 50% of the recommended daily amount of potassium.⁽⁸⁾ So, if your body is craving cantaloupe, there is a good chance that you are low on potassium.

5. You are Dehydrated

Did you just do a big cardio work out? Or maybe a lot of yard work on a hot day? Or maybe you had too much alcohol to drink last night? These are all common reasons that would cause you to be dehydrated. Because cantaloupe has a very high water content (almost 90%) and is full of potassium, craving it is your body’s way of telling you that it’s time to replenish and rehydrate yourself. If you are feeling dehydrated, don’t ignore your body’s signals. Drink some water and eat some juicy cantaloupe!

6. You Simply Like the Taste

If you are craving cantaloupe, you don’t necessarily need to worry! There may not be any medically-related reason at all. Cantaloupe is a delicious and refreshing food, and especially in the summertime, it just feels good to enjoy a few slices of this refreshing treat.

Final Thoughts

While it is relatively common to have a craving for cantaloupe, it usually doesn’t mean anything serious. In most cases, it means you have a mild vitamin deficiency or are dehydrated. Or, you may just really like the taste! Before panicking, try taking a high-quality multi-vitamin for a few days and keep hydrated. If the issue persists after doing so, the cravings remain constant, and it is causing you concern, you may want to contact your doctor.

References:

Note: The author of this article holds a degree in pharmacy, and the content was curated and reviewed for accuracy.

Reasons for Craving Cantaloupe