Many of us have grown with a misconception that watermelon seeds are poisonous and need to be discarded. It is a hoax as these nutritious seeds are not poisonous at all. A sad reality is among other fruit wastes in the world, watermelon seeds rank high on the list. We bet if everyone gets to know the benefit of these miraculous seeds, nobody would ever waste them again.
What are Watermelon Seeds?
These black colored seeds are highly nutritionally advantageous and a perfect snack as well. If anyone wants to eat them, first it should be sun dried and then roast them and they are ready to eat.
These seeds are jam-packed with nutrients. They are the supreme source of proteins, vitamins, omega 3 and 6, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, etc. Roasted seeds are a rich source of energy as well.
Before viewing its nutritional and other benefits, let’s get a glance at its history.
History of Watermelon Seeds
Wild watermelon seeds were found in the prehistoric site of Libya. Besides watermelon cultivation, shreds of evidence of its seeds were also found in Pharaoh tombs in Egypt. From ancient times, this fruit is grown in tropical or temperate regions. All the parts of watermelon were edible and in ancient Egypt, people used to cook its rind to consume it after mixing with beverages or juices and even pickle them.
In the modern world, people still eat its pulp, and the major cultivation of this juicy fruit is carried out in China. In 2017, China delivered about 2/3rd portion of the world’s total watermelon production. Today there are about 1000 varieties of watermelon.
Nutritional Facts of Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds are safe to consume once the seeds are shelled and dried because they can be digested easily. The following nutritional facts are for ½ cup of watermelon seeds.
Energy: 160 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4 gm
Protein: 10 gm
Fats: 11 gm
Iron: 5 gm
Water: 91.4 gm
Vitamin C: 3.1 gm
Potassium: 700 mg
Magnesium: 556 mg
RDA of Watermelon Seeds
It is safe to consume ½ cup to 1 cup of these seeds daily.
Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds are small packets that are full of nutrients like protein, fatty acids, magnesium,
zinc, and these nutrients provide our bodies with astounding health benefits. Some of the benefits of these seeds are as follows
1. Healthy Skin
Magnesium is a great aid in maintaining the overall appearance of the skin. Watermelon seeds are a good source of magnesium and this magnesium plays a vital role in the treatment of acne and other skin issues. Magnesium present in these seeds lowers the cortisol levels, improves cellular processes, and balance hormones. Many DIY facial masks are made with watermelon seeds that treat redness, deeply cleanses the skin as well as prevents getting wrinkles. The zinc content of the watermelon seeds aids in treating herpes simplex infections and speeds up the wound healing process.
2. Improves Heart Health
Several studies carried out on the health benefits suggested that monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids available in watermelon seeds play a pivotal role in protection against stroke or heart attack. The high content of magnesium in these seeds regulates normal blood pressure. These profounding seeds have excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilator properties which keep our heart healthy. The zinc present in watermelon plays a key role in heart health as well as regulates the calcium movement within the heart. Another substance called Citrulline greatly diminishes the aortic blood pressure and also lowers the blood cholesterol level. This Citrulline is considered supreme in improving athletic performances and endurance.
3. Immunity System Booster
These seeds are stunning packets of iron and minerals which are great immunity boosters. These seeds also contain vitamin B complex that enhances the body’s immunity system and protects the body from getting infected by various diseases.
4. Improves Male Fertility
Chinese have conducted many kinds of research on male fertility and found that a mineral called zinc enhances sperm quality in men. As watermelon seeds are abundant in zinc, they are considered to be the foremost source of elevating the sperm count and quality in men.
5. Treating Diabetes
Several studies have been carried out to prove that watermelon seeds are beneficial for diabetes treatment. Iranian study suggested that watermelon seeds have a pragmatic effect on glycogen stores within the body which serve as diabetes prevention or treatment. The watermelon seed extract is appraised as antidiabetic because they help decrease the plasma glucose levels within the blood. Magnesium present in these seeds is a great aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates that maintain blood sugar levels and treats type 2 diabetes.
6. Osteoporosis Treatment
These seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and potassium. All these minerals are considered supreme is escalating bone health and even treats other bone disorders like osteoporosis.
7. Energy Boosters
These seeds are best at their taste when roasted and eaten as watermelon seeds are rich in micronutrients. They elevate the energy in the body for a longer period as well as boosts the energy level. This elevated energy gives a feeling of fullness and keeps our stomach fueled for a longer time. Calling it a super munching snack with the best of health advantages won’t be wrong.
Side Effects
Though these seeds have no potential side effects as they are easily digested by the human digestive tract and doesn’t even elevate sugar and sodium level but anyone who is allergic to potassium, magnesium or phosphorus, should not consume these seeds because watermelon seeds are a rich source of these minerals.
Final Verdict
Watermelon seeds are nutrient-packed munching snacks that give a fulfilling effect and are also great appetizers without being too high on calories. These seeds are healthy snacks in between the gaps of meals and are also greatly helpful for people who are trying to lose weight.
