Watermelon Seeds — sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Watermelon seeds are the seeds of the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a scrambling and trialing plant that bears large, edible fruit. These rind-covered berries house numerous seeds that come in two main colors: white and black. White seeds are immature, while the black seeds are fully developed. Though not usually eaten along with the rest of the fruit, watermelon seeds are highly nutritious parts of the watermelon plant.

List of known nutrients

While very low in calories, watermelon seeds are known to be loaded with:

• Calcium
• Carotenoids
• Copper
• Dietary fiber
• Folate
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Monounsaturated fatty acids
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Potassium
• Protein
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
• Zinc

Although watermelon seeds have a considerable concentration of protein, the best way to get the most protein out of them is to allow the seeds to sprout. To do this, soak the seeds overnight in water and then wait a few days until they’ve sprouted. Once sprouted, the seeds can then be dried out under the sun or on a dehydrator.

Medicinal uses for watermelon seeds

The combination of dietary fiber and good fats means that watermelon seeds can help lower high cholesterol, specifically, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. This is the type of cholesterol that’s known to increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack by depositing plaque in the arteries, so watermelon seeds can serve as preventive measures against these heart conditions as well.

Diabetics can consume watermelon seed with little worry; in fact, watermelon seeds are said to be good for people struggling with diabetes. Watermelon seeds can help lower insulin and control blood sugar better, reducing the stress on the pancreas prevent glucose spikes and drops. Moreover, watermelon seeds contain magnesium, which can slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Body systems supported by watermelon seeds

As a rich source of beneficial essential fatty acids and antioxidants, regular consumption of watermelon seeds can keep the skin well moisturized and free of wrinkles, blemishes, and lines. In addition, watermelon seed oil can lower the chances of developing acne by preventing the pores from clogging up.

Watermelon seeds are said to have a positive effect on hair because of their protein, magnesium, and copper content. Protein and magnesium play important roles in maintaining hair growth and strength, while copper is necessary for the body to produce melanin, the pigment that provides color to hair.

More than just stabilizing cholesterol levels, one other way that watermelon seeds protect the heart is by keeping blood pressure regular. The potassium and magnesium content are responsible for this effect, as these two minerals ensure that the blood vessels can dilate and contract properly.

Watermelon seeds are packed with antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, and carotenoids that can aid the immune system by improving its function and making the body less susceptible to all kinds of chronic diseases.

Thanks to the variety of B-complex vitamins, watermelon seeds can be good for the nervous system as well.

Ways to use watermelon seeds

Those who don’t want to sprout their watermelon seeds can roast them instead. This diminishes the nutritional value of the seeds somewhat, but their flavor is enhanced. To roast watermelon seeds, spread them on a baking sheet and then place them in the oven for 15 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re crispy.

Watermelon seeds can be brewed into a tea. For this recipe, simply take four tablespoons of watermelon seeds and either grind them in a food processor or crush them using a mortar and pestle. Cook the seeds in two liters of water over high heat for 10 minutes then drink the tea over several days to feel its benefits.

Where to learn more

• 6 Fruits & Vegetables Seeds You Should Not Throw Out
• 7 Benefits of Watermelon Seeds – Good Reasons You Should Not Throw Them
• Fight Diabetes with the Power of Zinc
• Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
• Watermelon With Seeds

Summary

Watermelon seeds are full of health-promoting nutrients that can decrease the likelihood of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as making it easier to manage diabetes. Furthermore, they can nourish and support the heart, skin, hair, immune, and nervous systems.

Sources include:

GyanUnlimited.com
TheKitchn.com
EatThisMuch.com
DailyHealthPost.com