Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we
all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds
scattered in it without realizing or rather knowing of their health benefits.
These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins
and lots of minerals. These seeds are rich in vitamin B like thiamine, niacin,
folate and minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc,
phosphorus and copper. Besides they are a great source of calories with 100
grams of watermelon seeds providing around 600 grams of calories.
Watermelon seeds, also called as ‘tarbooj ke beej’ in Hindi are used in
Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Roasted watermelon seeds are served as a
snack or used to garnish salads. In Nigeria they are used in certain soups.
Watermelon seed oil is extracted from these seeds which is beneficial for your
hair and skin. To say the least, watermelon seeds are edible and can be a
healthy option.
Watermelon
Seeds Benefits
Health
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:
As stated earlier, watermelon seeds are a rich
source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These
seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to
get their nutritional content. Some of the health benefits of watermelon seeds
are given below.
1. Your
body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as
arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to
be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential
amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids. Lysine helps in calcium
absorption to facilitate formation of collagen and connective tissues in the
body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and
sexual health.
2. Watermelon
seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grams of seeds providing 139
percent of the recommended daily requirement. Magnesium is vital for normal
heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic
process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of
cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and
diabetes.
3. Watermelon
seeds contain lycopene which is good for your face and also helps in improving
male fertility.
4. These
seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the
supplements. Vitamin B present in watermelon seeds comprises of niacin, folate,
thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are vital for
maintaining healthy blood, nervous system and effective immune response.
5. These
seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in
1 liter water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should
be taken every day like tea.
6. Watermelon
seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your
memory.
7. Almost
half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent
saturated and polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of
dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grams of fat which constitutes about
80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus, watermelon seeds are an
important source of calories and energy.
8. Protein
deficiency is quite common, leading to diseases like marasmus and kwashiorkor
in poorer countries of the world. Being high in protein, watermelon seeds can
be extremely beneficial in combating protein deficiencies. One cup of dried
seeds provides about 30 grams of protein. Protein and its amino acids are vital
for growth and repair of muscles, skin and connective tissues as well as for
making enzymes. Protein is also required for the maintenance of long and strong
nails.
Skin
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:
In addition to their health benefits, watermelon
seeds are good for your skin as well. Being rich in nourishing nutrients such
as unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleum acids, watermelon seeds keep
your skin healthy and glowing from inside. Some of their benefits for skin are
as follows.
9. The
unsaturated fatty acids in watermelon seeds keep the skin moisturized, soft,
firm, and well-toned and prevent acne and other skin disorders.
10. Watermelon
seeds prevent signs of ageing because they contain antioxidants and oils which
make your skin look younger, healthier and more vibrant. These benefits can be
observed by consuming a handful or two of watermelon seeds a week.
11. Watermelon
seed oil, also known as Ootanga oil or Kalahari oil is extremely beneficial for
your skin. Being light in texture, it does not clog skin pores, thus allowing
your skin to function naturally and is a great moisturizer. Due to its
excellent moisturizing properties, watermelon seed oil is used as an essential
ingredient in baby oils.
12. Watermelon
seed oil also removes sebum, dirt and grease that build up in your skin pores
and are responsible for causing acne and giving a dull appearance to your skin.
This oil is suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, acne prone and
maturing skin.
13. Watermelon
seed extract locks moisture, thus combating the ageing degradation. It also
rejuvenates the elasticity of your skin.
14. The
wide array of nutrients contained in watermelon seeds protects your skin from
certain types of skin cancers and infections as well.
Hair
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:
As stated earlier, watermelon seeds have a high
content of protein in them which can keep your hair healthy and shiny. This
protein contains certain essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine,
tryptophan and glutamic acid which are needed by your body to keep your hair
healthy and strong.
15. Roasted
watermelon seeds contain copper which is involved in the production of melanin.
As you know, melanin is a pigment that provides color to your hair and skin.
16. In
addition to its skin benefits, watermelon seed oil can also be used for your
tresses. As pointed out earlier, this oil is light in texture that gets
absorbed easily without clogging the pores of your scalp. It provides
moisturizing benefits and improves hair growth by maintaining hair and scalp
health.
17. Watermelon
seed oil provides the hair with essential fatty acids which are needed by your
hair to prevent breakage and keep it moisturized.
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