The benefits and harms of watermelon seeds. How to fry watermelon seeds

Many of us are accustomed to eating watermelon and throwing away the seeds. But you can eat them too. Dry it, grind it into flour and make a paste. Or fry, mix with sugar, salt or honey. The industry knows such a product as watermelon seed oil. Don't rush to throw away the seeds. This is a tasty and healthy treat.

Benefit

• Dried watermelon seeds contain more than thirty percent protein. Consequently, they contain many amino acids involved in the formation of muscle tissue and long-term energy.
• Arginine in watermelon seeds is an amino acid that is good for the heart. It regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
• One hundred grams of seeds contain more than sixty percent of an adult’s daily protein requirement. Other important amino acids in the composition are tryptophan, lysine, oleic, linoleic, glutamic acids.
• Dried watermelon seeds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In particular, Omega-6 lowers high blood pressure and reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol plaques do not settle on the inner walls of blood vessels. The risk of atherosclerosis in old age is reduced.
• Watermelon seeds contain B vitamins. They help convert food entering the body into energy.
• Niacin in the product is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, skin health and digestive tract.
• Watermelon seeds can boast of their mineral composition. Magnesium regulates blood pressure and sugar levels and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
• Zinc is important for strong immunity, healthy and shiny hair. If there is a deficiency of the element, diarrhea develops and the person gets sick more often.
• Iron is involved in the production of red blood cells. Watermelon seeds prevent and treat anemia, eliminate weakness and constant fatigue.
• Phosphorus, copper, manganese. The amount of these minerals in one cup of watermelon seeds almost completely satisfies the daily requirement for them.
• The fibrous component of the seeds helps the digestive tract. Slags and toxins are removed from the body. The chair is being adjusted. Our intestines are not able to digest plant fibers properly. They work like an absorbent sponge. Gently clean everything around, collect and remove.
• Watermelon seeds have vasodilating properties.

Harm

The negative effect of watermelon seeds is associated with the citrulline content in them. This amino acid breaks down in our body to release ammonia. A completely unnecessary product.

In a healthy person, it is painlessly excreted in the urine. If there are pathologies of the kidneys or bladder, citrulline can seriously harm. All parts of watermelon are harmful to people with citrullinemia. This is a genetic disorder of the synthesis of this amino acid associated with the urea cycle.

Calorie content

Watermelon seeds are eaten raw, fried and dried.

Consider the calorie content of dried seeds. A 100-gram cup contains 557 kcal. That's quite a lot. Approximately a quarter of a person's daily energy requirement.

People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are advised to enjoy the seeds with caution. This may be a separate meal. For athletes and those engaged in heavy physical labor, watermelon seeds in the diet are excellent energy support.

How many calories are in ground dried seeds that are placed in different kitchen “meters”?

Contraindications

As already mentioned, watermelon seeds are contraindicated for people with kidney disease and citrullinemia.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under three years of age should not eat the seeds. This is due to the high protein content and the presence of citrulline in the seeds.

Watermelon seeds are a high-calorie product. It is better to avoid them completely for people suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The nutritional value

The main share in the calorie content of the product is fat. The energy ratio is as follows:

• proteins – 20%;
• fats – 77%;
• carbohydrates – 11%.

Vitamins and minerals

Thus, watermelon seeds can help ensure vitamin and mineral balance in the body. The high content of mineral salts helps metabolic processes at all levels. B vitamins - the basis of the vitamin composition of seeds - improve the functioning of the central nervous system, preserve the beauty of skin, hair and nails for a long time. Plus, watermelon seeds are delicious.

Watermelon seeds usually go in the trash along with the rinds. But it turns out that we are throwing away a very valuable product that could serve the body well. What exactly are the benefits and can there be harm from watermelon seeds?

Watermelon seeds are something that is usually mercilessly thrown away during consumption of the fruit. At the very least, they try not to chew them. The question is often asked whether it is dangerous to swallow watermelon seeds, because, despite “vigilance,” this still happens. And many adults even tell children that they should not swallow them, because “a watermelon will grow in their tummy.” Meanwhile, it turns out that watermelon seeds can be eaten, and what’s more, they can be very beneficial for health!

What do watermelon seeds taste like? Won't you have to make big sacrifices for the sake of benefit? Not at all. They resemble sunflowers, but are still a little closer to peanuts.

The pits are traditionally used in the cuisines of the Middle East and Asia, as well as in Sudan, Egypt and Nigeria. They can be used to make flour and extract oil. But most often, watermelon seeds are eaten without the shell as a snack. When dried and fried, they are a tasty, nutrient-rich product that successfully replaces unhealthy chips and salty sticks.

Composition, nutritional value

The seeds of this giant berry are characterized by a nutritional value close to that of other seeds and seeds (and, notably, significantly superior from this point of view to the pulp of the fruit itself). Watermelon seeds have a fairly high calorie content: 100 g (dried) is 557 kilocalories.

• They are high in protein - they contain almost twice as much as sunflower seeds and almonds. 108 g of dry seeds contains approximately 30.6 g. For comparison, the same serving of chicken contains only 23 grams of protein.
• Watermelon seeds supply the body with a lot of arginine, an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. It is also important for people actively involved in sports, as it accelerates the regeneration of muscle cells due to their better supply of oxygen.

Note to men. Arginine in watermelon seeds promotes the production of nitric oxide in the body and helps in the treatment of acute erectile dysfunction. Eating them and the pulp itself helps maintain an erection and increases sperm production.

• Other amino acids found in watermelon seeds are tryptophan, glutamic acid and lysine. The latter have a beneficial effect on mental abilities, improve concentration and reduce fatigue as a result of intense intellectual work.
• The fats found in watermelon seeds are saturated mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-6. *Watermelon seeds provide a significant amount of magnesium: 30 g (added to oatmeal, for example) meets 38% of the daily requirement for this substance.
• Bones are also an important source of iron, zinc, copper and manganese, B vitamins, which control energy changes in the body and affect the functioning of the nervous system.
• A very large number of chemical compounds have been found in watermelon seeds that have antioxidant properties that protect cells, proteins and DNA from free radical attacks. Thanks to this, they reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and inhibit premature aging. Antioxidants present in watermelon seeds are saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Watermelon seeds: benefits and harm

What are the benefits of watermelon seeds from the point of view of alternative medicine?

You can make healing tea from watermelon seeds. 20-30 seeds need to be dried, crushed and boiled for 15 minutes in 2 liters of water. The drink must be drunk for 2 days, then take a day off. Drinking this tea for several weeks is designed to support kidney function.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, if you eat 1 teaspoon of watermelon seeds every day for 3-4 weeks in the morning and evening, it reduces blood pressure.

In folk medicine, watermelon seeds are used as an emollient and tonic.

Beneficial properties of watermelon seeds revealed by science

The very wide range of beneficial effects of these seeds is increasingly being confirmed in scientific research. What are the benefits of watermelon seeds from a scientific point of view?

Antimicrobial and antifungal action

Watermelon seed extract is effective against bacteria and fungi, in particular Escherichia coli and Candida albican. Its effect is comparable to the effect of pharmacological drugs, for example, clotrimazole and gentamicin.

Antioxidant action

The powerful antioxidant potential of watermelon seed extract was revealed through studies using free radicals - DPPH and hydrogen peroxide.

Effect against diabetes

Watermelon seeds affect pancreatic cells and prevent their death. Due to this, they can be of significant importance in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. They affect the reduction of blood glucose levels and increase insulin levels. Tannins, saponins and flavonoids, as well as soluble fibers are likely responsible for this effect.

The effect of watermelon seeds on the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers

Studies on rats have shown that the extract from these seeds is effective in treating stomach ulcers when compared with standard drugs. The positive effect may be caused by inhibition of the secretion of juices and digestive enzymes, as well as a protective effect on cells.

Inhibition of prostate hypertrophy

The effect of watermelon seed extract on reducing prostate size was demonstrated in studies on rats. Histological examination clearly showed that the methanolic extract from the seeds is a potential medicinal agent for the treatment of disorders caused by male sex hormones, particularly prostate hypertrophy.

Other properties of watermelon seeds that provide benefits to their consumption

In addition to the health benefits supported by scientific research, watermelon seeds may also have other benefits stemming from the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they contain. This is how watermelon seeds can potentially be useful for the human body.

• Strengthening hair - the iron present in the bones promotes rapid hair growth, and magnesium and copper are responsible for its healthy appearance and rich color. Fatty acids moisturize hair, prevent drying, brittleness and split ends.
• Shiny skin - unsaturated fatty acids prevent skin dehydration and rashes, making the face no longer gray and looking healthy.
• Antioxidants take care of protection against wrinkles, age spots and premature aging.
• Positive effects on the cardiovascular system – magnesium, potassium and iron are essential for the proper functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system, and arginine helps lower blood pressure levels.
• Positive effect on the nervous system - due to the content of magnesium and B vitamins.
• Filling Protein Deficiencies in a Vegetarian Diet – Watermelon seeds are an excellent source of protein and can be a valuable element of a vegetarian diet.

Watermelon seed oil is good too!

Watermelon seed oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which have been confirmed in studies on rats. The extract caused a significant reduction in paw swelling in animals within a maximum of 3 hours. Its effectiveness is comparable to the effect obtained with the use of diclofenac, a well-known anti-inflammatory drug. Watermelon seeds inhibit the synthesis of serotonin, histamine and prostaglandins - the main mediators of inflammation.

In addition, watermelon seed oil is beneficial because it has a protective effect on liver cells. After injecting rats with carbon tetrachloride, which is toxic to the liver, and then a portion of oil for 10 days, there was a marked decrease in the blood levels of liver enzymes, which are an indicator of organ failure. The activity of watermelon seed oil is comparable to that of silymarin, a compound known for its protective effect on the liver.

Watermelon seeds: when will they be harmful?

• Acids of the omega-6 family are necessary for the proper functioning of the body and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. However, it is very important to remember to maintain the correct proportion of them with omega-3 fatty acids. Excess omega-6 can have a negative impact on health - this should be kept in mind and a sense of proportion must be maintained.
• Watermelon seeds contain small amounts of oxalates and phytins, which hinder the absorption of minerals.
• The high calorie content of watermelon seeds makes them a dubious delicacy for obese and overweight people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
• The presence of the amino acid citrulline, which is synthesized by the human body, can cause problems for people with citrullinemia. This same substance is cited in a number of sources as a reason for refusing to consume healthy watermelon seeds by pregnant, lactating and children under 3 years of age.

Watermelon seeds: use in cooking

Eating not only the pulp, but also the seeds and rind is a long-standing tradition in Asia and Africa. Thus, in West Africa, the use of watermelon seed flour is popular, which is used to thicken soups. The seeds are also fermented to produce a sweet delicacy called ogiri. Another African delicacy, igbalo, is made from roasted grains, wrapped in leaves and boiled. However, other people's culinary traditions are, of course, an interesting experience, but not always acceptable. How can we use watermelon seeds in order to get benefits and not create unnecessary complications?

It is best to remove the shell from raw seeds. In principle, you can eat them with it, but in this case you will have to chew them especially long and thoroughly to make it possible to use valuable nutrients for the benefit of your body. If you don’t bother chewing, but swallow along with the pulp, then the whole bones will pass through the gastrointestinal tract and can only be beneficial in the form of lighter stools.

The most common culinary use of the seeds is to eat them roasted and seasoned. They can be eaten as a separate dish, or you can add them to a mixture of nuts and dried fruits and put them, for example, in oatmeal or sprinkle them on soups or salads.

How to fry watermelon seeds?

Roasting watermelon seeds at home is quite simple. It is necessary to spread the washed and dried seeds on a baking sheet covered with baking paper and place in the oven, heated to 160 degrees Celsius, for 15 minutes.

The seeds can be fried a little longer to make them crispier.

Then season them to your liking, such as olive oil and a pinch of salt, lime juice and hot pepper, or for a sweet version, cinnamon and a pinch of sugar.

Roasted watermelon seeds are the perfect snack to replace chips or crackers. True, they supply a similar amount of calories, but the nutritional value of the seeds is incomparably higher than that of salty snacks. In addition, 30 g of chips, which supply about 160 kcal, are only 15 pieces, and 30 g of watermelon seeds with the same calorie content are about 400, which means that the seeds will have to be eaten much longer, as a result of which there is a chance of eating less of them quantity.

Watermelon seeds are considered a superfood. They have high nutritional value and have a beneficial effect on health, providing our body with plenty of protein and healthy fat, as well as magnesium, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants. They have a wide, varied effect on health: they reduce blood sugar levels, provide an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, treat stomach ulcers, protect the liver from toxins, etc. Watermelon seeds are easy to prepare and fried with seasonings for an interesting snack. Thus, watermelon seeds have scientifically proven benefits and only minor harm, and only under certain conditions. You should definitely remember this on the eve of the season of many adored berries and dry them for future use throughout the year.

From childhood, parents instill in their children that they should not swallow watermelon seeds. They don’t talk about their benefits, but the harm is described very colorfully: from “a watermelon will grow inside” to “appendicitis will begin”, “there will be poisoning.” Traditional healers claim that watermelon seeds have healing properties.

Is it possible to eat watermelon with seeds?

Good news for anyone who is annoyed by the seeds in watermelons - you can eat them! And not only fried and dried, but also raw. This will not bring such gastronomic pleasure as the sweet berry itself, but it will help your health no less than the pulp.

In 100 g of such raw materials, 28 g are proteins, 15.29 g are carbohydrates and 47 g are fats. They also contain water (5 g) and ash (4 g). Watermelon seeds are not rich in fiber, but they do contain folic acid and other B-group vitamins, as well as PP.

They also contain mineral reserves - calcium, sodium and phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, as well as macroelements - manganese, iron, zinc, copper and four amino acids. Surprisingly, oil was also found in watermelon seeds (about 20-40%).

Usually they go to waste in the company of watermelon rinds. We underestimate the benefits and harms of seeds. When fried, it is a nutritious “snack” that can compete with chips and other popular snacks.

Contraindications and harm

No matter how great the benefits of watermelon seeds are for the body, their use can also cause trouble. They can be dangerous for people suffering from kidney pathologies and for those with citrullinemia. And all because of the presence of citrulline.

During the processing of this amino acid, ammonia is released. This substance is not at all safe for humans. If everything is in order with your health, then it will not affect your well-being in any way, because it will come out along with the urine. But when there are problems with the kidneys or bladder, ammonia will have a negative effect on the general condition.

Special Recommendations

Before you start actively consuming such a product, you must take into account that the benefits of watermelon seeds are possible, but with big reservations. In order for them to have a therapeutic and preventive effect, and not send you to the doctor, you must adhere to some rules.

• In order for watermelon seeds to have a positive effect, they must be chewed thoroughly and not swallowed whole;
• The optimal norm for an adult is 1-2 tbsp. l. per day;
• To obtain the maximum therapeutic effect, it is necessary to clear the grain from the hard peel - it does not contain healing components, but it may well “clog” the stomach and intestines;
• This is a high-calorie “dish” - 100 g contains up to 600 Kcal, so you shouldn’t overeat on watermelon seeds, because they pose a threat to your figure!

Cooking recipes

You can click this “delicacy” without pre-treatment, if there are no contraindications. But chewing watermelon seeds is not so easy, and hardly anyone would want to remove the hard shell.

The easiest way to prepare them is to dry them in the oven. The seeds must be washed thoroughly and placed on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then they should be placed on a baking sheet and kept in the oven for 30 minutes. at a temperature of 80 degrees.

Watermelon seeds will be even more appetizing if you roast them. Here's how the seeds are prepared: take ripe grains and wash them. While they are drying, make a brine from 50 ml of water and 1 tsp. salt. Heat the frying pan well, pour the seeds onto it (without adding vegetable fat). Fry, stirring all the time, for about 6 minutes, until the seeds begin to darken. Then add salt water and boil until all the liquid has evaporated.

Use this unusual “medicine” with caution, keeping in mind its side effects. If watermelon seeds are consumed in excessive quantities, they can cause diarrhea and even colic. To make sure that your body is not against such a “delicacy”, it is better to start with a few things a day.

Probably everyone has tried the juicy pulp of a watermelon at least once in their life. This is truly a very tasty and healthy product, which, by the way, is a berry. However, few people know that watermelon seeds are no less useful for humans. They are actively used in folk medicine and will help with many ailments if you know how to prepare medicines based on them.

First, let's look at the chemical composition of watermelon seeds.

Vitamins:

The nutritional value:

Calorie content is about 600 kcal per 100 seeds.

The product also contains other useful substances:

• polysaccharides;
• hemicellulose;
• lysine;
• tryptophan;
• pyridoxine;
• folates;
• glutamic acid;
• pantothenic acid;
• arginine

Watermelon seeds are extremely high in calories and rich in various substances, so they should not be considered as a dietary product. However, the abundance of useful compounds has a beneficial effect on the body in various pathologies or diseases.

Beneficial features

Watermelon seeds have the following beneficial properties for humans:

All the beneficial properties of seeds have not been fully studied, so the list goes on. It has been noted that they are especially useful for men, as they strengthen the genitourinary system, fight prostate adenoma, improve sperm synthesis and stimulate the functioning of the prostate gland.

Watermelon seeds are also important for women's health. A large number of vitamins and minerals improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair, and zinc compounds have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to avoid various rashes, such as pimples and blackheads. This property is used in cosmetology, including for skin rejuvenation.

Indications for use

Watermelon seeds will be useful for the following diseases:

• prostate adenoma;
• prostate dysfunction;
• visual impairment;
• stress or;
• helminths (worms);
• inflammation of the urinary tract;
• weakened immune system;
• anemia (lack of iron);
• brittleness of hair and nails;
• elevated cholesterol levels;
• metabolic disease;
• hypertension.

This product has a wide therapeutic spectrum to combat many diseases, therefore it also serves as a good prophylactic for their prevention.

Harm and contraindications

Before using watermelon seeds, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible harm to the body. For a normal person, they are absolutely harmless if you do not abuse them, but there are several contraindications:

• diseases of the genitourinary system in the acute stage;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children under 6 years old;
• citrulline intolerance;
• obesity.

In rare cases, individual intolerance in the form of an allergic reaction is possible.

How to use them?

Let's consider several traditional medicine recipes based on watermelon seeds:

Watermelon seeds are highly recommended for everyone without exception. This is an incredibly useful product that is effective even in small doses. It is enough just not to abuse them so as not to cause an overdose. This product will help both men and women. The seeds contain almost all the beneficial substances the human body needs, which will significantly improve your well-being and overall health.