Surprising Facts About Watermelon Seeds
During the scorching summers, watermelon is one of the most favoured fruit in the world and no one can actually say no when it comes to eating this lush fruit. Come summer and one can see watermelons everywhere. But one mistake all of us make when eating this fruit is that we usually discard the seeds. The most common reason for not consuming the seeds is because we think it has no nutritional value at all and also because they do not look very appetising.
Watermelon seeds, no matter how tiny they are, are in fact loaded with surprising benefits. These seeds are amazing sources of protein and fibre, loaded with minerals and vitamins.
Protein
Watermelon seeds have very high protein content and proteins are required for the development and repair of the body tissue. Proteins are made up of amino acids and these seeds are rich in arginine, an essential amino acid, necessary for regulating blood pressure levels and preventing coronary heart disease.
Fats
Watermelon seeds are good sources of vitamins A, D, E and K. These have a high content of saturated fat and fats provide energy. Watermelon seeds also contain unsaturated fatty acids like poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and omega 3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol whereas omega 3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of cancers by improving immunity levels.
Vitamin B
Watermelon seeds are loaded with vitamin B complex. Niacin is the most prominent vitamin B found in them and it helps maintain a healthy digestive system, nervous system and skin. Thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid and folate are also important components found in watermelon seeds. Also, since they contain a good amount of folates, these seeds can also be eaten by women of child bearing age.
Minerals
Watermelon seeds contain minerals like sodium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, zinc, manganese and magnesium. Of these, magnesium is most abundant. It helps regulate blood pressure levels and helps in metabolism of carbohydrates. Also, magnesium is required to promote bone health, maintain heart and muscle function and also to improve immunity.
Copper is the main component in the formation of melanin, a pigment responsible for 3nhancing hair and skin colour. it also plays an important role in transporting iron which is then used to make haemoglobin.
other Benefits
- Watermelon seeds contain lycopene, an antioxidant, which helps tight cancers apart from maintaining skin
- These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil them covered in one litre water for 45 minutes and drink it every day.
- Due to the presence of antioxidants, consuming these seeds delays ageing. making one look younger and healthier.
- Watermelon seeds can be powdered and sprinkled in food or mixed with dough and consumed.