Page 2 - BrockCoNewsletterMayJune-2022

SEAsonal highLIghts: CAFFEINE TALK
Caffeine is something that seems to be a of caffeine you consume daily and determine if
staple in the diet of most Americans. Caffeine you may need to swap in a few non-caffeinated
is present in many beverages, from coffee to beverages. Be aware that even if you are not
soda to energy drinks. Caffeine intake should drinking caffeine close to bedtime, it may still
be less than 400mg per day. Surprisingly, affect your sleep patterns. If you have trouble
that is the amount found in ten cans of dark sleeping, try evaluating your caffeine intake
colas, four cups of brewed coffee, eight cups and the timing of those beverages to see if you
of black tea, or two energy drinks. Caffeine can get a better night’s sleep!
content can vary in beverages, so always refer
to the label. It is important to remember that caffeine
acts as a diuretic and can cause dehydration
Although caffeinated beverages are acceptable if you do not stay hydrated. Therefore, for
for adults, children should limit their every caffeinated beverage you consume, it
consumption. Studies show that when is recommended that you consume the same
children drink caffeinated beverages, anxiety amount of water to combat this side effect.
increases and sleep decreases, resulting in
a lack of focus. Consuming more than the Source:
recommended daily amount (>400mg/day) https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/
can have negative side effects like headaches, nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/
nervousness, irritability, fast heartbeat, or caffeine/art-20045678
insomnia. Try to be conscious of the amounts

pROduce pick: CANTALOUPE WAYS TO TELL THAT YOUR
CANTALOUPE IS RIPE:
Cantaloupe is also known as a rock melon,
sweet melon, or spanspek, depending on • It should feel heavy. When
where you are in the world. The cantaloupe is picking it up, it should feel
said to have originated in an area from South heavier than it looks.
Asia to Africa, landing in the United States
as a commercial crop in the late 1800s. It is • The skin under the netting should
known for its uneven tan and green exterior be a pale yellow or tan color.
and orange flesh. The sweet taste of the • The surface should be firm to
cantaloupe lends itself to being eaten alone, in touch.
a fruit salad, or as a dessert when paired with a
frozen confection. One interesting fact about • There should be a sweet aroma
the cantaloupe is that the rind, although and sweet smell. If there is no
inedible when fresh, can be dried and eaten as smell, it is not yet ripe.
a snack. Cantaloupe is a fruit you can find in • If there is a stem, it was picked
the grocery store year-round, but its "season" too soon. The stem area should
is June through August. be concave and smooth.

The cantaloupe falls into the “orange
category” of produce; it is high in vitamin C,
beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A in Source:
the body), and provides a good source of fiber. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantaloupe