Why should you eat watermelon with seeds? Watermelon seeds - benefits and harm

Both children and adults love watermelons for their refreshing and sweet taste. At the same time, many people spit out the bones while eating, considering them harmful. And it’s completely in vain, because the seeds are no less useful than the pulp, and they also have medicinal properties.

Why are people afraid to eat watermelon seeds?

Many people believe that watermelon seeds can cause inflammation of the appendix. This belief has long been refuted by doctors, however, it continues to exist. From an early age, children are instilled with fear of watermelon seeds, so when they become adults, people still try to spit out every last seed, despite the fact that it is very inconvenient.

What are the benefits of bones?

Watermelon seeds contain fatty acids: linoleic, palmitic, oleic, linolenic. Unsaturated fatty acids prevent cholesterol deposition and dissolve atherosclerotic plaques.

Watermelon seeds are not only beneficial for fatty acids. They have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic and laxative effects. Traditional medicine successfully uses watermelon seeds to expel worms, treat urinary tract problems, and prostatitis. If you constantly eat them, there will never be stones and sand in the kidneys and bladder.

Both the pulp of the watermelon and its seeds expel excess water from the body, remove salts, and reduce the temperature.

Watermelon seeds can even be dried, and then ground into flour and added to all dishes. This will allow you to benefit from watermelon even when the season of these striped fruits ends.

Watermelon seeds are rich in vitamins E, C, B1, A, B2. Among microelements, they contain potassium, iron, sodium and calcium.

Watermelon seeds contain hemicellulose. These plant polysaccharides accelerate lipid metabolism, adsorb various toxic substances, and rid the body of bad cholesterol.

The fiber contained in watermelon removes toxins and prevents the accumulation of toxins. Watermelon seeds can be crushed and added to food for viral and cold diseases.

Watermelon is good for people with heart and vascular diseases; it makes blood vessels elastic, removes excess fluid, and strengthens the heart muscle.

Both the watermelon itself and its seeds are very useful for people suffering from liver diseases.

It is unlikely that there will be people indifferent to the juicy and ripe pulp of watermelon, because, as you know, it is not only very tasty, but also has healing properties. The large berry perfectly cleanses the body, expels sand and stones from the kidneys and promotes weight loss. When eating a fruit, its seeds bother us so much, and we try in every possible way to get rid of them - although this is a huge mistake. From this article you will learn for what purposes watermelons are needed; they are great and invaluable to humans.

It turns out that the unremarkable black grains contain biologically active substances - just like the berry itself. The seeds also have an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect and can be used as a prevention and treatment for genitourinary diseases. Watermelon seeds are also rich in pectin. The benefit of this substance is that it removes pesticides from our body and also eliminates it. That is why watermelons with seeds are recommended for people working in hazardous factories.

When consumed, cholesterol levels are normalized. Infusions and decoctions of them have a beneficial effect on the intestinal tract and liver. The seeds contain vitamins B, E, C, beta-carotene, fatty acids, trace elements and minerals (selenium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, etc.). The chemical composition and beneficial properties of seeds have not been fully studied. But it is known for sure that they help remove uric acid, and therefore prevent the development of urolithiasis.

They are especially useful for men, as they contain large amounts of selenium and zinc. These microelements normalize the functional functioning of the reproductive system, prevent the development of prostatitis and adenoma, and also improve sperm quality. Watermelon seeds are used to heal abrasions, burns and wounds. Their benefits are colossal. They have anthelmintic and soothing properties. They help improve vision, normalize metabolic processes, and restore weakened hair and nails.

Since ancient times, healers have used watermelon seeds as an anthelmintic. The benefits of dried and crushed seeds with milk in the old days were beyond doubt. This medicinal mixture (proportions 1:10) should be drunk 400 grams during the day on an empty stomach. The second method: take fresh seeds (5 g), crush them in a mortar, add a liter of water and cook for 40 minutes. The decoction is filtered and taken 200 ml 3 times a day.

The seeds are also widely used in cosmetology; they are used to make medicinal masks that return freshness, velvety and smoothness to dull skin. Grind 10 grams of seeds and mix with water until mushy - apply the mask in a thick layer on the face and leave for 20 minutes.

Watermelon seeds are used in cooking. Experts assure that they have a beneficial effect on our health and are highly nutritious. In Russia, for example, they began to make porridge based on seeds using special technology. Such porridges retain all their healing qualities. They are recommended for use for rheumatism, indigestion, fever, dermatitis and liver diseases.

In different countries of the world they are prepared in their own way, for example, in Africa the seeds are added to first courses, in China they are used as a spice and fried. seeds are known to many; they are in no way inferior to pumpkin seeds.

Watermelon is loved by most people. They are very juicy and tasty. But few people know how healthy and nutritious their seeds are. We simply throw them away without thinking about the fact that we are throwing away a valuable source of minerals and vitamins. Is it possible to eat watermelon seeds, what beneficial substances are contained in them, how they are good for the health of men and women, recipes on how to properly consume and prepare them, as well as what contraindications and harms there are from consuming them - you will learn about all this from our article.

Main medicinal properties

Watermelon seeds are low in calories but contain a lot of nutrients. Moreover, these seeds do not contain poisons or toxins.

On the contrary, they have many useful properties. They are good for heart health, support immunity and sugar levels. They contain zinc, copper and selenium. These substances are found quite rarely in foods, so a person often lacks them in the body. And eating watermelon seeds will help compensate for their deficiency. And this is a very simple and cheap way. You won't have to buy medications or nutritional supplements containing these minerals. Just don't throw away the seeds when watermelon season comes around.

They can be consumed whole or in powder form. Another feature is that they contain proteins and B vitamins. This product can be a good snack.

Not only the seeds, but also the oil from them have many benefits. It is produced by cold pressing dried seeds. In West African countries, this watermelon seed oil is widely used for hair and skin. It is also useful for children's skin, as it moisturizes well and has a fine texture. The oil is rich in vitamins and microelements. One of the important components is linoleic acid. It benefits the skin and also prevents stroke.

Many people prefer to buy watermelon without seeds so that they do not cause trouble. This product is more convenient to eat. But from a health point of view, watermelon seeds are a real treasure.

Can you eat watermelon seeds?

« Don't eat watermelon seeds, otherwise you'll get appendicitis- scared us as children. In fact, we even need to eat them. They can be chewed when we eat watermelon. This will be the easiest way. You can also eat sprouted seeds. They are even more useful. You will get a considerable dose of protein and other substances if you are not lazy and germinate watermelon seeds. To do this, you need to remove the hard shell. They will germinate for several days, but will bring a lot of benefits. To do this, you need to soak the seeds overnight. There is an opinion that when soaking it can form a fungus, but it’s still worth a try. You need to wait a few days for them to germinate and then dry them in the oven or in the sun. After this, you can consume the product as a snack.

Watermelon seeds can also be fried. Place it on a baking sheet and put it in the oven. They should cook for 15 minutes. After this they will become crispy. True, after baking the seeds will lose some of their nutritional properties, but the taste will only improve. Drizzle them with olive oil and lightly salt them.

Another way to get the benefits of watermelon seeds is to consume their oil. It can be added to food and is also widely used in cosmetology.

Let's talk about the beneficial properties of watermelon seeds in more detail.

Why should you eat watermelon seeds?

Firstly, eating seeds in their original form is beneficial. But eating sprouted ones is even better. Just one-eighth of a glass contains 10 g of protein. Sprouted seeds are absorbed by the body much better. By consuming them, you will receive proteins, magnesium, and B vitamins. An important beneficial property is cholesterol reduction. This is good prevention of stroke.

Among the amino acids contained in the product are: arginine. Our body produces it in small quantities. But additional consumption of arginine will bring a lot of benefits. It helps normalize blood pressure and helps with coronary heart disease. Other amino acids in this product include: tryptophan and lysine. Niacin, which is a B vitamin, will support healthy nerves, skin and digestion. These seeds also contain folate, thiamine and riboflabin.

Among the minerals here are iron, copper, sodium and others. In addition, the product is rich in fatty acids.

Compared to other snack foods, watermelon seeds are superior in many ways. With a relatively low calorie content they contain a lot of nutrients. Let's take a closer look at their BZHU, calorie content and composition.

The benefits of watermelon seeds include supporting the immune system, heart health, and improving brain function. Let us describe in more detail all the benefits of this product.

1. Watermelon seeds strengthen the heart

   Since watermelon seeds contain magnesium, they help maintain heart health. They also control blood pressure.

   Scientists in Kentucky have found that this is due to the fact that the product is an antioxidant and also has vasodilating and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, these seeds are a rich source citrulline , which can reduce aortic pressure. This property protects the heart. Use of this product lowers cholesterol.

   Another study sheds light on the importance of magnesium for cardiovascular health. This is one of those minerals that restores electrolyte balance in the body, which contributes to the stable functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Magnesium is especially useful for those who suffer from heart failure. Products with this mineral are often prescribed before heart surgery. Chronic deficiency of this substance in people with heart disease can be fatal. Magnesium also helps in treating cardiac arrhythmia.

   For those who suffer from hypertension, it will be very useful to consume dried watermelon seed tea.

   The University of Maryland conducted research showing that a diet high in magnesium reduces the risk of death from cardiac arrest. If calcium and magnesium enter the body, this will significantly improve heart function. But you need to make sure that there is not too much magnesium in the body. This can lead to vasodilation and cause a diuretic effect, causing a lot of minerals to leave the body in the urine.

   Also very important for heart health zinc. There is also a lot of it in watermelon seeds. It promotes the entry of calcium into the heart. Calcium deficiency can lead to cardiac arrest. It has been found that patients with heart failure are commonly deficient in zinc.

2. Watermelon seeds to boost immunity

   Watermelon seeds, especially when fried, are rich in iron, a mineral that is extremely important for immunity. Also in this regard, the content of B vitamins in the product is important.

   Magnesium, according to scientists, plays a significant role in maintaining immunity. Studies have been conducted on rodents in which they found that magnesium deficiency weakens the immune system. This mineral is also important for allergies.

3. The benefits of watermelon seeds for the male body

   Watermelon seeds improve potency and male fertility. Zinc contained in watermelon seeds is important for the male reproductive system. Chinese scientists have found that consuming zinc foods and supplements improves sperm quality in men suffering from infertility. The seminal plasma of infertile men contains reduced amounts of zinc. There is still limited research in this area, but the results are encouraging. Watermelon seeds also contain a lot of manganese. According to research at the University of Maryland, manganese deficiency can also lead to infertility.

4. Diabetes help

   According to an Iranian study, watermelon seeds contribute to the accumulation of glycogen reserves, which is important for diabetics. Since the seed extract can reduce sugar levels, it is considered anti-diabetic.

   Omega-6, which is contained in watermelon seeds, can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. According to other studies, a lack of magnesium can lead to diabetes. This can also lead to metabolic syndrome. This problem is very often the cause of diabetes. This was proven by conducting experiments on rodents. With increased magnesium intake, the development of diabetes slowed down. Magnesium has been shown to prevent imbalances in insulin regulation. These disorders are the cause of the development of this disease. But before taking magnesium supplements, you should consult your doctor. Some experts are concerned in this regard.

   Scientists have found that diabetic patients almost always suffer from magnesium deficiency. It is also required for activation tyrosine kinases. This is an enzyme that is necessary for the proper functioning of insulin receptors.

   Digestive problems and alcohol consumption can cause mania to be much less absorbed by the body.

   The zinc found in watermelon seeds has been found to be beneficial for glycemic control. It is also important for carbohydrate metabolism. In many countries, the number of people who suffer from zinc deficiency is increasing. At the same time, the number of people with diabetes is growing. Increased intake of zinc has been found to significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. But before taking supplements with this mineral, you should consult a doctor. Each body reacts to zinc differently.

5. Impact on brain health

   The magnesium in watermelon seeds helps improve memory. It prevents memory loss that occurs with age. Scientists in the USA conducted experiments that showed that magnesium improves memory and helps speed up the learning process.

   A link has been found between low magnesium levels and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment for patients suffering from dementia improves memory when supplemented with a diet rich in magnesium. This mineral is involved in many biochemical processes that are important for the functioning of the nervous system. It protects nerve cells and improves the condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

   Zinc deficiency is known to lead to dementia as well as other brain diseases. Sometimes it causes epileptic seizures.

6. Improves digestive health

   Zinc deficiency also affects problems with the digestive system. This can lead to problems with acidity levels and diarrhea.

7. Watermelon seeds for hair

   Magnesium not only strengthens hair, but also prevents breakage and promotes growth. Low levels of magnesium, according to research, can lead to hair loss. Hair renews itself every 7 years, and for this process to occur correctly, it is very important to maintain normal magnesium levels.

   Korean scientists have found that zinc prevents the destruction of the hair follicle and promotes the rapid restoration of follicles.

8. Cleanses and revitalizes the skin

   The same magnesium plays a big role here. It affects the appearance of the skin, reduces acne and prevents other skin problems. This is achieved by reducing the level cortisol and stabilization of cellular processes.

   Magnesium eliminates redness, deeply cleanses and prevents the development of many skin problems. The mineral affects the functioning of enzymes, which leads to a slowdown in the formation of wrinkles. Skin cells that receive enough magnesium are better able to fight free radicals.

   Many allergic skin reactions, as well as skin diseases, are symptoms of magnesium deficiency. This leads to the development of itching. Due to the lack of this mineral, the level of fatty acids in the skin decreases. This causes inflammation and dryness, reducing elasticity.

   Manium and zinc help fight acne and blackheads. Zinc helps treat herpes and speeds up healing.

9. Watermelon seeds slow down aging

   According to research, magnesium slows down skin aging. And zinc is important for protein synthesis, cell division and repair. All this leads to slower aging.

We talked about the benefits of eating watermelon seeds. Now let's look at some interesting facts.

• More than 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown in the world.
• In China and Japan, guests bring it as a gift to their hosts.
• All parts of the watermelon can be eaten.
• It is grown in more than 96 countries.
• The largest watermelon was grown in Tennessee in 2013, weighing more than 158 kg.

Simple recipes for the proper use of watermelon seeds

How to properly fry watermelon seeds?

It's pretty simple. The seeds should be washed, then drained and dried. You can fry watermelon seeds in a frying pan with olive oil and salt. You need to fry until the seeds become crispy and golden. You can add other seasonings. You can also fry them in the oven. To do this, it will be enough to hold them for 20 minutes. Once the seeds are golden brown, you can remove them from the oven. After this, they will be immediately ready to eat.

How to eat watermelon seeds

One way is to chew watermelon seeds raw and swallow them along with the peel. Another way is to first separate the seed. It is not difficult. Hold the seed vertically with the tip facing your mouth. Bite the seed and press lightly on it until you feel it crack. Slowly break the seed until you reach the inside.

You can make watermelon tea. To do this, you need to take 4 tablespoons of watermelon seeds. They must be fresh. This amount will require 8 glasses of water. Grind the watermelon seeds in a blender or coffee grinder. Place water on the stove and bring to a boil. Pour in the crushed seeds. It should sit for 10-15 minutes. Then you need to strain the tea.

How do watermelon seeds germinate?

The main method is soaking. But watermelons in this case are an exception. When soaking, the risk of fungus formation increases significantly.

In addition, these seeds are very sensitive to frost. The cold kills them very quickly. Seeds should be planted in pots with peat about a month before the last frost date in your area. Once the risk of frost has passed, they can be planted in the ground.

To get a better harvest, it is advisable to fertilize the soil.

Raising the temperature will also help. The warmer the soil, the faster the seeds will germinate. If they are germinating indoors, use a heater to do so. In this way, you can reduce the germination time from 10 days to 3. If you have already planted the seeds outside, use a black film that will absorb sunlight during the day and heat the soil.

Watermelon seeds should not be buried deeply. The depth should be from one and a half to 2.5 cm.

It is also very useful to eat sprouted watermelon seeds. It's much healthier than the fried version. Since raw, and even more so sprouted, seeds contain much more valuable vitamins and nutrients.

Uses of watermelon seed oil

This oil is very widely used for skin and hair care. It is almost universal and suitable for any skin.

If you use watermelon seed oil on your skin regularly, its condition will improve significantly. This is due to the rich content of beneficial acids in the product. The skin becomes softer and the rash goes away.

This product also helps remove impurities and oil from the skin, preventing the formation of blackheads and blackheads.

How many seeds are in a watermelon?

Even experts cannot formulate a definite answer to this question, since the number of seeds in a watermelon varies. It depends on the variety, the degree of maturity, and even on the conditions in which the plant grows. If you ask a seller why a watermelon has so many seeds, he will say that it is because it is large and very ripe.

Impact on the figure

Watermelon has a lot of liquid and no fat. Many people believe that during watermelon season you need to eat them in very large quantities in order to lose weight. But with seeds the situation is different. They are much higher in calories than the watermelon itself. This is natural, because oil is obtained from it. 100 g of watermelon seeds contain more than 500 kcal. This is a quarter of a person's caloric needs. Therefore, their use must be kept under control. This is especially true for people who exercise little, are obese or have diabetes.

This product will be useful for those who play sports. By consuming it, they will replenish their reserves of energy and nutrients needed during physical activity.

• Watermelon seeds should be consumed in moderation. In particular, this is due to the fact that they contain a lot of omega-6 acids. This component is certainly very useful for many functions of the body, especially for the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, but omega-6 must enter the body along with omega-3 acids. Otherwise, their excess can lead to a negative effect on the body.
• Watermelon seeds have been found to contain oxalates and phytins. There are few of them, but they can interfere with the absorption of minerals.
• Since these seeds are high in calories, they should be eaten with caution by people who exercise little or are obese.
• It is better not to consume watermelon seeds for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. It is not advisable to use them for children under 3 years of age. This is due to the fact that they contain citrulline. In addition, it may affect patients suffering from citrullinemia.

Popular questions and answers

Experts' answers to readers' questions

Is it possible to gain weight by eating watermelon seeds?

They make up too small a portion of the diet. To recover from them, you need to regularly consume this product in large doses.

Why do watermelons have so many seeds?

From a scientific point of view, there is no specific answer.

But some botanists believe this is due to the fact that animals that eat fruits also eat their seeds. When they release them after digestion, it opens the way for the next generation of fruit. But an animal can bite through the seed and it will spoil. And when there are many seeds in each fruit, this reduces this risk. Some seeds will definitely survive. This explanation sounds quite strange, but it is the only one at the moment.

Why do watermelons have black and white seeds?

The black seeds are mature and can germinate. And white ones are immature watermelon seeds. Usually one fruit contains both white and black, since they ripen at different times.

How to remove seeds from watermelon

Use a large knife to cut off a few centimeters from the top and bottom. Then cut the fruit in half. Place half on the board and cut off the ring with a knife. Cut the fruit vertically into pieces 2 cm thick. Separate the seeds from each slice and place the pulp in a separate bowl.

We hope after this information you will want to try watermelon seeds and you will stop throwing them away.

What else is useful?

Everyone loves watermelon - both old and young for its sweet rich taste, sugary pulp, and freshness. But inside this sunny berry, along with the pulp, there are a large number of seeds. It is generally accepted that eating seeds is undesirable, they interfere with the process of pleasure, and some believe that they can harm the body. For example, children are often told that watermelon seeds, when they enter the intestines, cause inflammation of the appendix. One way or another, the bones are removed from the pulp, either by spitting them out during eating, or by picking them out with a knife first.

However, in fact, watermelon seeds have a lot of useful properties along with the pulp. So is it possible to eat watermelon with seeds or not?

Usually watermelon seeds suffer the same fate as rinds, and they go together in the trash. It turns out that in this way a person personally gets rid of a most valuable product, the benefits of which are invaluable in the body’s fight against many ailments.

Misconceptions and fears associated with eating watermelon seeds

The taste of watermelon seeds is reminiscent of sunflower seeds, but it is even more similar to the taste of ground nuts - peanuts. Watermelon seeds have been used in the cooking of Asia and the Middle East since ancient times. They are also very popular in African countries - Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria. Although they are used to produce oil and flour, the main consumption of watermelon seeds is through eating them after they are removed from the shell. A common option is to fry and dry watermelon seeds, which results in a product that is in no way inferior in popularity to salty sticks and chips. The only exception is that this alternative has a lot of nutrients and does not harm the body, as chips and sticks do.

Among a large part of people, the stereotype instilled in childhood about the connection between eaten watermelon seeds and inflammation of the appendix continues to operate. To be fair, it should be said that seeds can cause inflammation of the appendix, like any other product, but the likelihood of such consequences occurring is negligible. Out of habit, people continue to spit out bones even when it is not entirely convenient. This stereotype has long been dispelled by modern medicine as untenable, but this fact is not always able to overcome the force of habit.

So what are the beneficial properties of the seeds of this largest berry in the world?

1. The composition of slightly dried watermelon seeds includes protein. If a person’s daily protein requirement is 50 g, then 100 g of watermelon seeds will provide more than half of this amount. And protein, as you know, is the main builder of muscle tissue due to the considerable amount of amino acids it contains. In addition to the development and growth of muscles, amino acids are involved in the synthesis of energy necessary for the body. Of all the amino acids present in the protein of watermelon seeds, the most valuable is arginine. Its presence in the body is important for the good functioning of the heart valve and blood pressure regulation. The risk of a disease such as cardiac ischemia is reduced several times when arginine is present in sufficient quantities in the human body. Watermelon seeds also contain amino acids such as lysine, tryptophan, and glutamic acid.
2. Next, consider the level of fat content in this product. Researchers estimate that fats make up just over half of the product's weight. In other words, out of 100 g of seeds, 51 g will be fat. Among them is Omega-6, whose important role is to reduce high blood pressure.
3. Of the vitamins in seeds, group B is widely represented. Vitamins of this group play a significant role in converting food consumed by a person into the energy the body needs. An element such as niacin is known for its value and positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and ensures the health of human skin. In 100 g of watermelon seeds its content is 3.8 mg, which corresponds to the amount required for a person for 19 days of life.
4. Let us now consider the mineral composition of the product. Phosphorus, iron, potassium, manganese, zinc and copper are present here in varying quantities. But the champion among them is magnesium. It is enough to consume 100 g of watermelon seeds to provide yourself with 139% of your daily requirement. It should be remembered that magnesium is responsible for the absorption of carbohydrates, is involved in regulating blood pressure, and helps reduce blood glucose levels.
5. Watermelon seeds are useful for their dietary fiber. They are known to have a positive effect on the digestive system.
6. An infusion of watermelon seeds is used as a remedy against swelling, cough, and fever. There is evidence that they can help with uterine bleeding and in the fight against worms. However, before using the product as a remedy, it is necessary to rule out allergic reactions and consult a doctor.
7. In cosmetology, seeds are used in the fight against acne; scrubs are made from them.

Harm of eating watermelons with seeds

In conclusion, it should be said that a healthy person needs to remember the benefits of watermelon seeds and not forget about it the next time he feasts on this giant berry. It is a real waste to throw away such a useful product that can enrich the body with protein, vitamins, fats, and essential minerals.

Video: what happens if you eat watermelons with seeds?

Nutritionists believe that disdain for watermelon seeds is the result of ignorance of their beneficial properties, while the benefits of watermelon seeds for the human body have been established for quite some time. In addition, when prepared in a certain way, they become an unusual, wonderful delicacy.

They are especially useful for those who constantly play sports or are associated with frequent activities. Their use will be an ideal opportunity to replenish energy.

They contain a large number of useful substances:

• the seeds of this berry contain almost 60% of the daily value of protein, which is involved in replenishing the body with energy and forming muscle tissue, which confirms the opinion that watermelon seeds are beneficial;
• Watermelon seeds contain arginine, a substance related to and directly affecting the functioning of the heart. It normalizes blood pressure and prevents ischemia;
• They contain polyunsaturated acids, including omega-6, which has an effect on blood pressure in the direction of reducing it, and also reduces the risk of occurrence by removing cholesterol plaques from the walls of blood vessels.

A complex of minerals and trace elements has been found in watermelon seeds, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire body. Among them, magnesium, which functions as a “regulator” of blood pressure and glucose levels.

Zinc, which is part of the seeds, helps strengthen the immune system and has a positive effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin. Iron in watermelon seeds is actively involved in hematopoiesis, and B vitamins and a whole set of amino acids keep the nervous system in a balanced state.

At the same time, watermelon seeds can bring not only benefits, but also harm.

1. It is worth noting that watermelon seeds are contraindicated for those who suffer from kidney disease. This is explained by the presence of citrulline in the bones - an absolutely useless amino acid, according to doctors, which, moreover, can also harm such people, as it disrupts the functioning of the bladder.
2. Watermelon seeds will not bring any benefit, but can cause serious harm to those who are obese, since watermelon seeds are high in calories: 100 g of seeds contain 557 kcal, which is more than a third of the daily calorie intake.
3. They are also contraindicated for pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding, as well as children under three years of age. This is explained by the increased protein content in them, as well as the presence of the already mentioned amino acid – citrulline.
4. As for office workers and anyone whose work leads to physical inactivity, as well as retirees who like to spend a lot of time sitting on a bench, it would be better for them to limit their seed consumption. This is explained by the fact that watermelon seeds, which have undoubted benefits, can cause significant harm to these categories of people due to their high calorie content and significant protein content.

An excellent delicacy can be obtained if watermelon seeds are fried with the addition of salt. If you prefer sweets, then raw or roasted bones should be dipped in honey, allowed to drain, and then dried well. However, remember that watermelon seeds, the benefits of which have been confirmed by many years of research, can be harmful to your health if consumed in excess or if you ignore the restrictions associated with your health condition.

Watermelon seeds. Did you know that they have healing properties and are widely used to treat diseases? Read more below

Watermelon seeds - beneficial properties and secrets of use

Few people realize the benefits of watermelon seeds. Simply eating them with pulp is tasteless and not very pleasant.

However, you shouldn’t throw them away, as they can be used as medicine to improve your health.

This remedy helps provide the body with the required nutrients and bring maximum benefits.

They also have great nutritional value, as they contain proteins and fats.

Chemical composition of watermelon seeds

The nutritional value of a product is determined by the content of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and microelements in its composition:

• Vitamin B1 thiamine - 0.2 mg
• B2 riboflavin - 0.15 mg
• B6 pyridoxine - 0.09 mg
• B9 folic - 58 mcg
• RR - 3.5 mg
• Phosphorus - 750 mg
• Calcium - 55 mg
• Potassium - 650 mg
• Magnesium - 514 mg
• Sodium - up to 100 mg
• Iron - 7.3 mg
• Manganese - 1.62 mg
• Copper - 690 mcg
• Zinc - 7.3 mg

What are the benefits of watermelon seeds?

The negative effect is due to the content of citrulline in the composition. This amino acid breaks down when it enters the body and turns into ammonia.

That is why this medicine is contraindicated in the presence of problems with the kidneys and bladder. Do not take during pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under 3 years of age.

Since this is a highly nutritious product, it is best for obese people to avoid it.

Watermelon seeds are a unique product in their composition that can saturate the body with almost all useful and nutrient substances, and will also help get rid of many diseases.

However, it is imperative to adhere to the dosage and take into account existing contraindications.

But watermelon seeds are especially valued for their combination of microelements, which are not found in such quantities in any other product. Some of the metals provide a standard portion of the body's daily requirement. At the same time, minerals are also contained in the seed shell, so it is important to eat not only the core, but also the peel. This is the answer to the question, is it possible to eat watermelon seeds?

Zinc is especially useful for the male body. It also keeps the immune system in good shape. If your hair begins to fall, fatigue and diarrhea appear, you need to include zinc-containing foods in your diet. There is not enough iron in plant foods. You can get it from watermelon seeds and meat and fish foods. Iron is required for the production of red blood cells in the hematopoietic system.

It is known that fibrous components are like a windshield wiper for our digestive system. In watermelon seeds, hemicellulose serves as a cleaner, which has a gentler effect on the mucous membrane than regular fiber.

The value of citrulline in watermelon seeds

The benefits and harms of watermelon seeds largely depend on the content of the amino acid citrulline in the product. This substance is contained in all components of watermelon, but it is also synthesized in the body itself. This substance is very necessary for the body. Therefore, dietary supplements are used to stimulate the cardiac activity of athletes and to increase potency in men. It has already been proven that the use of citrulline in foods or dietary supplements:

• reduces hypertensive pressure;
• suppresses sickle anemia;
• normalizes blood sugar.

However, along with the benefits for healthy people, the use of seeds can become problematic for individual citizens. There are people whose bodies do not produce citrulline. The disease is called citrullinemia and is caused by a metabolic disorder. The metabolism of the incoming substance involves its conversion into arginine with a breakdown product containing ammonia. It is excreted in urine and is irritating. This is the basis for the harmfulness of citrulline.

In West Africa, watermelon seeds are a mandatory addition to soups. In China, roasted watermelon seeds are used in many seasonings.

Based on the complex effects on the human body, the beneficial properties of watermelon seeds have not been confirmed for people:

• patients with citrullinemia;
• pregnant women due to the presence of proteins and citrulline;
• nursing mothers and children under three years of age;
• persons with pancreatic diseases;
• persons with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

If during examination this amino acid is detected in the patient’s blood, then watermelon seeds are contraindicated. For people suffering from genitourinary diseases, the use of seeds for food should be limited.

How to properly fry seeds?

Fry the washed and dried seeds in a dry thick-walled frying pan for several minutes until darkened. Dilute a teaspoon of salt in 50 ml of water and simmer the seeds in this solution until it boils. You need to eat the seeds with the shell.

Roasted seeds can be used as an anthelmintic for preventive purposes and during illness.

You can eat dried seeds as a healthy addition to the menu, or as a treat. However, women have found other uses for this product. The mixture, ground into flour and mixed with medical clay, produces effective cleansing procedures. The scrub turns out to be light, non-traumatic, but effective.

Video about the benefits of watermelon seeds

Some people like watermelon, some don’t, but they eat it a lot (especially in summer and autumn) and it is not an exotic fruit (read about it). In its red juicy sugar flesh there are always a lot of dark brown hard large seeds. Simply chewing them with watermelon pulp is unpleasant and not tasty. Should I throw them away? Can they be eaten? Do they have healing properties? Let's figure it out.

Properties of watermelon seeds

All the substances that make watermelon healthy are present both in the pulp and in the seeds, and even in the rind of the watermelon. For example, biological substances that increase the alkalinity of urine and affect the cleansing of the genitourinary tract: salt toxins dissolve in the kidneys and are excreted in the urine. Also, in addition to the diuretic effect, watermelon seeds have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. They taste no worse than sunflower seeds; they can also be fried, dried and salted. So, we can safely talk about both the medicinal and culinary properties of watermelon seeds.

By the way, for the first time I ate dried watermelon seeds in Thailand, they are sold there like pumpkin seeds in any store! But here in Russia and Ukraine, for some reason, they are thrown away.

Chemical composition of watermelon seeds

The calorie content of watermelon seeds per 100 g is 560-600 kcal, so there:

Proteins - 28.3 g
Fat - 47.4 g
Carbohydrates - 15.29 g
Saturated fatty acids - 9.78 g
Water - up to 5 g
Ash - up to 4 g
There is no fiber at all, but a lot of vitamins and beneficial micro and macroelements.

Vitamins:

Vitamin B1 - 0.2 mg
B2 riboflavin - 0.15 mg
B3 nicotinic acid - 0.35 mg
B6 pyridoxine - 0.09 mg
B9 folic - 58 mcg
RR - 3.5 mg

Macronutrients:

Phosphorus - 750 mg
Calcium - 55 mg
- 650 mg
Magnesium - 514 mg
Sodium - up to 100 mg

Microelements:

Iron - 7.3 mg
- 1.62 mg
Copper - 690 mcg
Zinc - 7.3 mg

Raw watermelon seeds contain hemicellulose, the more common name is semi-fiber, and it contains polysaccharides that are insoluble in water and enhance the cleansing properties of the seeds. Although we know that watermelon is not an oilseed crop, its seeds still contain 20-40 percent oil. Its properties are reminiscent of almond.

The protein content (approximately 35%) indicates a sufficient amino acid content to maintain muscle mass and replenish the energy expended by the body. There are four beneficial amino acids in watermelon seeds: tryptophan, glutamic acid, lysine and arginine. The latter supports the heart muscle and normalizes blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack.

Less effective, but still the beneficial substances of watermelon seeds help improve vision, maintain healthy eyes, nails, skin, and hair. They improve metabolism, nervous system function and are very well known as an anthelmintic.

Studies have shown that citrulline is broken down in the body, releasing a “bad” product – ammonia. It is excreted in the urine, but this very fact proves the harmfulness of watermelon pulp and seeds for patients with citrullinemia, which is associated with the urea cycle.

Anthelmintic recipe: Before preparing the product, watermelon seeds are dried in the oven, then crushed and mixed in a ratio of 1:10 with low-fat milk. The resulting “cocktail” is drunk at least 2 glasses throughout the day. Drink on an empty stomach.

Traditional recipe for hypertension: Dry the seeds and rind of the watermelon, then grind them into powder. Take it half a teaspoon 2 times. in a day. If you take the powder continuously for one month, your blood pressure will normalize. The recipe also acts as a choleretic agent, but you need to consume the powder 2 or 3 teaspoons in the morning and before bed.

In general, watermelon seeds are used more actively in the cooking of other countries. The Chinese, for example, fry them with various seasonings; in Africa, they crush them and add them to soups and sauces.

Continuing to look at perhaps the most anticipated and delicious fruit of the summer, watermelons, today we will focus on watermelon seeds, which we in most cases throw in the trash. But it turns out we are in vain to ignore in this case. Watermelon seeds, unlike the pulp of watermelons, are not as sweet, however, they are much more nutritious in composition. Beneficial properties of watermelon seeds They are important as a rich source of vegetable protein and biologically active substances, which has a significant effect in cleansing the body of waste and heavy metal toxins.

To the greatest extent, seeds can be distinguished as a source of pectin and semi-fiber, which have a complex cleansing effect on the entire body.

Pectin is especially useful as a means of removing heavy metals and pesticides from the body. Today, this is necessary and important for almost everyone, especially for residents of large cities, since modern nutrition is full of harmful substances. This is also important for our region of Eastern Europe, since the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant will have consequences for our health and the health of our children for many decades to come.

In addition, pectin has a preventive effect on the health of the digestive system, both the stomach and intestines, and the liver and pancreas.

The second most important component of the seeds, semi-fiber, is a water-soluble polysaccharide that improves metabolism in the body and has a cleansing effect.

The combined effect of these two components also cleanses the circulatory system, reducing the level of bad cholesterol and sugar. Thus, the body is protected from high blood pressure, diabetes and excess weight.

As a blood cleanser, watermelon seeds will also be of interest to men, since it is directly related to the second heart of a man, the prostate gland. Comprehensive blood purification and replenishment of the body with zinc and selenium plays an important role in the prevention of prostate diseases and improvement of sperm quality.

As a blood cleanser, the seeds are also of interest as a source of unsaturated fatty acids, the main purpose of which is to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and provide antioxidant protection to blood vessels. In addition, healthy fats restore the body's immune defense and promote active longevity.

It is also worth adding that the bones contain an extremely large amount of magnesium compounds, which, in addition to lowering blood pressure, is also responsible for lowering blood sugar levels and restoring the nervous system.

The danger from watermelon seeds awaits us only on one side. A large amount of nitrates that can be used when growing watermelons.

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