Vitamin A is actually a general term that refers to a larger group of fat-soluble compounds. Fat-soluble vitamins are different from water-soluble vitamins because they need to be consumed with
a source of fat in order to be absorbedand used effectively. Vitamin A is found in animal sources as preformed vitamin A and in fruits and vegetables as provitamin A carotenoids.
Provitamin A carotenoids differ from the preformed vitamin A found in animal sources because they need to be converted to an active form of Vitamin A in the body whereas preformed vitamin A
is already in its active form. In plant foods that contain vitamin A, specifically cantaloupe, the carotenoids found are beta carotene.You may have heard of beta carotene before,
especially in regards to vibrant orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Orange and yellow plants get their color from carotenoids which are simply pigments
synthesized by the plant. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that may be responsible for cancer prevention and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.Cantaloupe is an excellent source of
provitamin A carotenoids. One-half of a medium-sized cantaloupe contains roughly 15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A per day. Although the form of Vitamin A in cantaloupe is in the form
of beta carotene which needs to be activated in the body, this is still considered a good source of vitamin A, which is great news for vegans.