The health benefits of watermelons are known and many people love and eat this sweet fruits and spit out the seeds; unknown to them they are throwing away powerhouse of wonderful nutrients.
After reading this, you will value the seeds as much as you value the fruit. Sit back and enjoy your reading as I take you through the wonderful health benefits of watermelon seeds.
They are nutritious
These seeds are loaded with important nutrients like proteins, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
They have important minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper and manganese; the amino acids they contain include arginine, lysine, tryptophan and glutamic acid. They also have important essential fatty acids like linoleum and oleic fatty acids and they are rich in vitamin B complex.
They strengthen the immune system
The seeds of watermelon especially the roasted ones enhance the functions of the immune system; they are rich in iron and B vitamins which strengthens immune functions.
They are also rich in Magnesium which supports a healthy immune system and protects against allergic reactions.
They make the hair healthy
The seeds of watermelon are rich in proteins which forms part of the human hair; they are also rich in Iron which promotes growth and strengthen the hair, it prevents thinning and breaking of hair and makes it bright.
The seeds contain magnesium which makes the hair strong and healthy; they also have copper which is used by the body to produce melanin which is responsible for the colour of the hair and skin also. It is rich in essential amino acids and it treats itchy scalp.
They improve male fertility
They are rich in Zinc which is important for a male reproductive system; it enhances sperm quality, the seeds also contain manganese that boosts sperm production.
It makes the skin glow
These seeds are rich in fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleum acid; these fatty acids make the skin healthy and keep it moisturized. These fatty acids prevent dry skin; dull appearance and acne, it makes the skin smooth and gives it a fair complexion.
It also clears blemishes, wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and other skin related problems. The seeds are packed full with antioxidants that delay the process of aging and make the skin flawless.
They make the brain healthy
They are rich in magnesium which improves memory and fight memory lapses with aging. Low levels of this mineral have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients improved when magnesium was given to them.
They are also rich in Zinc which is used to treat numerous brain ailments and some form of schizophrenia, deficiency of zinc affects communication and can lead to dementia and cognitive decline. It is also rich in Niacin which prevents brain fog and other psychiatric symptoms.
They are good source of calories
These seeds are loaded with fatty acids and calories; a cup of watermelon seeds contains about 600 calories which is three times that of brown rice. It is a good source of energy and fatty acids.
They support healthy digestion of food
Their rich sources of magnesium activate digestive enzymes that help the body to digest, absorb and utilize nutrients. It also helps in the production and transport of energy during digestion.
Zinc which is present in these seeds helps digestion as low levels of this mineral has been linked to digestive problems and disorders. Zinc deficiency can cause leaky gut, diarrhea and other issues with stomach acid.
It increases sexual urge
The seeds are known as “natural Viagra” because they are very effective in boosting sexual urge. They are loaded with important amino acids like lysine, glutamic acids and arginine; arginine boosts sexual power and desire while they are also rich in lycopene which helps in the formation of sperm.
It slows aging
Its rich content of magnesium slows down cellular aging; zinc plays a role in the synthesis of proteins, cell division and cellular repair.
It can control blood sugar
These seeds have the ability to lower blood sugar and thus they can help in the management and treatment of type II diabetes. To control high blood sugar with watermelon seeds; take a cup of tea made with watermelon seeds every day.
The seeds are rich in magnesium which will regulate the metabolism of carbohydrate and this will have an impact on the level of sugar in the blood.
They lower cholesterol
Their rich content of fiber and fatty acids lowers dangerous levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol which is responsible for plaque deposition on the walls of the blood vessels; this increases the risks of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. It boosts the levels of good cholesterol (High density lipoprotein)
They make the heart healthy
Their rich content of magnesium makes the heart to function properly; they maintain normal blood pressure and regulate metabolic processes.
These seeds contain arginine which treats coronary heart disease and regulates blood pressure; they are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce blood pressure.
They prevent bone problems
These seeds are rich in magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese; these minerals strengthen bones and improve their density, it cuts the risk of osteoporosis and other bone problems.
They benefit the nervous system
The seeds are rich in Niacin which maintains the nervous system and helps it to function properly.
They are also rich in thiamine, folate, riboflavin and pantothenic acid which help in improving the functions of the nervous system and aiding communications between the brain and organs and brain and muscles.
They lower blood pressure
Their rich source of arginine and omega-6 fatty acids lowers blood pressure; the seeds are also rich in potassium which is a natural vasodilator that helps in regulating blood pressure, potassium also reduce the strain on the heart and cardiovascular system.
They can be used as snacks
When craving for unhealthy snacks and junk foods; you can take snacks, soups and sauces made with roasted or dried watermelon seeds.
How to make use of watermelon seeds?
They can be roasted, dried or turned into sprouts. To make water melon seed sprout; soak watermelon seeds for a few days in water; then you fry it on an oven. These seeds can be eaten raw, roasted or sprouted and they can be used to make snacks, soups, sauces or added to meals.
They are very healthy and have no side effects. The seeds have to be chewed properly before swallowing so that they can be digested easily if not they will come out intact of the digestive tract.
How to roast watermelon seeds?
Rinse the seeds, drain them and pat them dry; then you toss the seeds with olive oil and salt or any other seasoning of your choice in a skillet until they turn golden and crispy.
Another way to do it is to spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast them at 345 degree Fahrenheit in an oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You can eat them or add them to whatever meal you want. Have it in mind that roasting the seeds will compromise the nutrient quality.
How to make watermelon seed tea?
Grind four tablespoons of fresh watermelon seeds using a blender or coffee grinder; boil 8 cups of water on a stove and when it has boiled, pour it over the seeds and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool, then you strain it and your watermelon tea is ready.
How to sprout watermelon seeds?
One of the best ways to get most of the nutrient out of the seeds is to sprout them; you will have the full protein concentration. Soak the seeds for 2 or 3 days, and then dry them in the sun or on a dehydrator.
Your sprout watermelon seeds are ready; you can make snacks with them or add them to smoothies or yogurts. It is better to take the seeds this way than roasting them.
How to make dried watermelon seeds?
The dried seeds of watermelon are grounded dried; the powder is stored in an airtight container. This powder can be used to make watermelon tea or it can be added to smoothies or fruit juices.
How to make snacks using watermelon seeds?
You will need half cup of watermelon seeds, ¼ teaspoon of olive oil, add a little sugar and mix them very well. Put them on a baking tray and roast them for 10 to 15 minutes at 325 degrees. You can now eat or serve your homemade watermelon seeds snack.
Do you know there is watermelon seed oil?
Oil can be extracted from the seeds and this is another popular option that helps one benefit from these nutrient rich seeds.
This oil is popular in West Africa and Asia. This is not a process that can be done at home but it involves sun drying the seeds and cold pressing them to bring out the oil. It can be added to meals and salads. It can also be used on the hair and skin.
