No fruit comes at par with a watermelon to beat the heat in the scorching summers. Eating watermelon is good for your health. But, do you know about the benefits of watermelon seeds? Yes, the seeds of this watery fruit are equally good for your health. These low-calorie black seeds of watermelon are loaded with essential minerals and vitamins that benefit our body if eaten in the recommended dose.
They contain essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins necessary for various body functions, including hair and nail growth, muscle development, and immune system support. Watermelon seeds are also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which contribute to heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. The seeds contain minerals like magnesium, iron, and copper, which play important roles in bone health, energy production, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, watermelon seeds are a good source of dietary fibre, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.
You can get detailed information on the benefits of watermelon seeds by searching on the internet for the benefits of watermelon seeds, the uses of watermelon seeds, the benefits of eating watermelon seeds, and the health benefits of watermelon seeds.
In this article, we will help you understand all about watermelon seeds uses and benefits of watermelon seeds.
Watermelon Seeds Nutrition
Before we dig deeper to unravel the benefits of watermelon seeds, it is important to understand the nutrients present in these black seeds. Here is a list of nutrients found in these low-calorie watermelon seeds:
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Calcium
- Folate
- Good Fats
10 Incredible Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon Seeds
Here is the list of reasons that explain the health benefits of watermelon seeds:
1. Good for your Skin
Eating sprouted watermelon seeds is a tonic for your skin. These seeds are full of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Besides, there is magnesium in these seeds that help to prevent skin disorders like eczema at bay. Watermelon seeds are like a natural moisturizer for your dry and dull skin.Â
2. Strengthens Hair
Watermelon seeds are often praised for their potential health benefits, including their effects on hair strength. Watermelon seeds are rich in phytochemicals and minerals such as silamine, iron, magnesium, and copper. These minerals and phytochemicals are essential for hair growth and strength. Iron, in particular, is important for carrying oxygen to the hair follicles, while magnesium and copper contribute to the overall health and integrity of the hair. Silamine is a phytochemical that offers conditioning, lubricating, and softening properties to hair. It is used as a stimulant for hair growth (reduces hair loss) and serves as a powerful addition to creams and gels.
This ingredient is known for its ability to provide nourishment and promote the overall health of the hair. Its inclusion in hair care products helps enhance manageability and contributes to a smoother, more lustrous appearance of hair. Additionally, silamine’s moisturising qualities can help combat dryness and improve the overall texture of the hair. Its versatility makes it a valuable component in various cosmetic formulations aimed at promoting hair strength and vitality.
3. Good for your Heart
Eat watermelon seeds to keep your heart strong and healthy. These seeds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, there are good fats present in watermelon seeds that help to avoid the risk of heart strokes.Â
Watermelon seeds also contain magnesium, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart. It helps the heart function properly and keeps blood pressure in check. The positive impact of watermelon seeds on the heart can be attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood vessel-widening properties.
These seeds are also a great source of citrulline, a substance that has been shown to lower aortic blood pressure, providing protection to the heart. Additionally, the extract of watermelon seeds has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. Citrulline may also have benefits for athletes, as it could enhance performance and endurance.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
One of the health benefits of watermelon seeds is that it can regulate your blood sugar levels. Magnesium present in these seeds helps to keep the blood sugar levels under check.Â
5. A Super Immunity Booster
Packed with iron and other essential minerals, watermelon seeds are a superfood for your immunity. They are also rich in Vitamin B, a key nutrient responsible to enhance the function of the immune system.Â
6. Improves Metabolism and Gives Energy
One of the benefits of eating watermelon seeds is that they can quickly boost an individual’s overall metabolism. These seeds are rich in amino acids, potassium, folate, zinc, and magnesium. So, when you eat these seeds regularly, your energy levels increase and you stay energetic for a longer duration.Â
7. Watermelon Seeds Prevents Osteoporosis
To get the health benefits of watermelon seeds for Osteoporosis feed yourself with a handful of watermelon seeds and you can easily prevent the risk of this disorder. These black seeds may look ordinary but are rich in all the nutrients required for good bone health like copper, potassium, and magnesium.Â
8. Enhances the Function of the Nervous System
The list of benefits of eating watermelon seeds does not end here. Eating watermelon seeds help the nervous system to function properly. It is a rich source of Vitamin B, which is good for your brain and nervous system.
9. Helps Reduce Asthma Symptoms
Whether you know it or not, eating watermelon seeds is good for your lungs. These seeds if consumed in an adequate amount will help reduce asthma symptoms. This happens due to the rich Vitamin C content found in these seeds, which helps manage symptoms of asthma.Â
10. Watermelon Seeds Benefits for Women
Women can get straight hair by consuming watermelon seeds. This is a lesser-known benefit of eating watermelon seeds for women who like to have straight hair. Being a rich source of zinc, magnesium, copper, and protein, these seeds also promote hair growth.Â
11. Watermelon Seeds Benefits for Men
If watermelon seeds are good for women, they are equally good for men. Rich in zinc, these seeds help men with infertility issues. Eating watermelon seeds helps improve the quality of sperm. Moreover, watermelon seeds help keep prostate cancer at bay in men.Â
How to Consume Watermelon Seeds?
There are a couple of ways to consume watermelon seeds.
- Eat them as they are.
- Hull the seeds by biting and cracking them.
- â—¦ Hold a seed vertically with the smaller end facing your mouth.
â—¦ Bite the seed and apply slight pressure until you hear it crack.
â—¦ Slowly continue cracking the seed a little further until it becomes exposed and have the seed.
- â—¦ Hold a seed vertically with the smaller end facing your mouth.
- Â Making watermelon seed tea.
- Take about 4 tablespoons of fresh watermelon seeds (removed from a fresh watermelon) and 8 cups of water.
- Grind the watermelon seeds using a blender or coffee grinder.
- Bring the water to a boil on a stovetop.
- Pour the boiling water over the ground seeds and let them steep in the water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once the mixture has cooled down, strain the liquid to remove the seeds.
Watermelon Seeds Side Effects
Having read all about the benefits of watermelon seeds, it is now your chance to get acquainted with some of its side effects too. Eating watermelon seeds may lead to the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Allergies
The Bottom Line
Consuming watermelon seeds is not that tough if you wish to reap all the above-mentioned uses of watermelon seeds. If you are afraid that these seeds will get stuck in your food pipe, you may even grind them to a fine powder and use them. You can use them in making rice, and desserts, or just roast them and eat them. You can even eat them after sprouting them to get more health benefits.
FAQs
Is it good to eat watermelon seeds?
Yes, it is good to eat because there are several uses of watermelon seeds. These seeds are full of goodness. Eating watermelon seeds help you to get essential minerals like magnesium, and potassium.
Can you grow watermelon from a watermelon seed?
Yes, you can grow watermelon from a watermelon seed. But, it is not easy to grow watermelon, as this fruit needs a warm climate and takes up to 3 to 4 months to grow from a seed into a fruit.
Can I eat watermelon seeds raw?
Yes, you can eat watermelon seeds raw. These are non-toxic seeds that won’t harm you but leave so many nutrients in your body.Â
Can eating watermelon seeds hurt you?
Watermelon seeds are good for your health. Eating these seeds won’t hurt you. But, do not swallow them without chewing, else they might get stuck in your esophagus.Â
Can you eat the black seeds in watermelon?
Yes, the black seeds in watermelon are edible. They are hard and fertile seeds but completely safe to be eaten.Â
Can you gain weight by eating watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are not considered fattening. Since they make up only a small portion of your overall diet, it would require consuming a significant amount of seeds to potentially contribute to weight gain. However, it's important to note that excessive intake of any food can lead to weight gain.
Are watermelon seeds a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
Watermelon seeds do contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness and potentially reducing the risk of obesity. Additionally, these healthy fats may contribute to improved skin health and can be helpful in managing certain skin conditions.
What does the black and white colour of watermelon seeds indicate?
Black watermelon seeds are considered fertile and mature, capable of growing into new watermelon plants. On the other hand, white watermelon seeds are immature versions of black seeds that haven't fully developed. It is common for watermelons to have a mixture of black and white seeds since they may not all reach maturity at the same time.
