Watermelon is the perfect summer treat. They are sweet and juicy, making it the perfect treat to quench your thirst during the scorching summer heat. It's also packed with several nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C. However, along with the bright red flesh there also comes small brown seeds. Skittish adults and children fear that either they might choke on the seeds or the rogue seed will cause a watermelon to grow inside their stomachs. Bursting the common concern, experts elucidate that one should have zero fears for watermelon seeds, and it is perfectly safe if you accidentally eat or swallow a few.
Therefore, if you get a mouthful of seeds along with the watermelon flesh, it's totally fine. Here are a few ways how you can benefit yourself from the goodness and healthiness of watermelon seeds.
1. Sprouted watermelon seeds
Just like chia and flax seeds, watermelon seeds also contain nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which studies have linked with several health benefits. Watermelon seeds are also a rich source of healthy fats and protein. However, in order to get the full dose of protein, one needs to eat the seeds when they're sprouted. It is suggested to get rid of the black shell. The process takes a few days.
Soak the watermelon seeds in water overnight, and then you have to wait for a few days until they're visibly sprouted. After they're ready to get dried in the oven, or under the sun, you can eat them as a healthy snack.
2. Roasted watermelon seeds
You can also roast watermelon seeds. In order to do so, spread the seeds on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 325° F to make them brown and crispy. This would take about 15 minutes. However, some nutritional content is that way, but they're still a tasty and wholesome snack. For a better and enhanced taste, add some olive oil and sprinkle sea salt.
3. Watermelon seed oil
There are a few other ways to consume watermelon seeds in order to get their nutritional benefits. Watermelon seeds can be turned into an oil form as well. Watermelon oil is also known as kalahari oil. It can be used just as any other oil in terms of cooking, drizzling it on salads, or can even be used on the skin. The only downside to watermelon seed oil is that it's not particularly cheap.
Some benefits of watermelon seed:
1. Zinc
Watermelon seeds are a great source of zinc, which aids our immunity and nervous system, helps in digestion, cell regrowth and olfactory senses. Four-five grams of watermelon seeds can cover 20 to 25 per cent of your body's zinc needs.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium and copper, watermelon seed help in lowering the blood pressure levels, and helps in maintaining healthy blood circulation.
3. Increases Memory Power
If you want to use the full potential of your memory, hop on the watermelon seeds club
4. Helps In Blood Sugar Control
Watermelon seeds are nature's answers to diabetic control. If you are suffering from blood sugar level fluctuations, try including this super seed in your diet.
5. Metabolism Boost
Since watermelon seeds are low in sugar, they are a perfect snack for midday snacking. They also are rich in healthy omega3 fatty acids, which helps in blood circulation and metabolism. However, if you go heavy on the portion, there are chances that you may start putting on weight. Watch out for quantity.
6. Prevents Osteoporosis
If you have weak bones and condition of osteoporosis, chances are your bone density levels are low. Try including watermelon seed, which are also rich in in copper, manganese and potassium, in your food to deal with this condition.
7. Immunity-Boosting Food
If you’re facing frequent bouts of cough, cold or other viral diseases, add this super-food in your diet to give your immunity a much-needed boost.
Rich with the goodness of multivitamins like vitamin B, folate, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, zinc, among other nutrients, watermelon seeds should be a must-have in everyone’s dietary intake. From the nervous system to immune and metabolism, watermelon seeds helps in giving all health functions a good boost. Include them in your diet every day
How good watermelon seeds are!
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