Health benefits of eating watermelon seeds are not known to many people. Whenever you lay your eyes on a mouth- watering, fleshy, lusciously dripping piece of watermelon, rarely would you think about the seeds contained therein. Truth is, all you want is to eat the flesh part and probably throw away the seeds. If you ever learn about the health benefits of eating watermelon seeds, you will change your attitude towards watermelon seeds.
Benefit 1 : Rich Source of Protein
Watermelon seeds are highly edible and nutritious. I used to throw away the seeds whilst helping myself on a piece of a water melon until one day I decided to chew some. I had thought they would be unpalatable but no! I realized that they are good to eat. Some people swallow them whole. I learnt what I was missing when I used to throw them away-and rued over my blatant ignorance. Watermelon seeds are protein rich. In a typical 1 cup of dried watermelon seeds, you will get 30.6g of protein. The daily recommended is less than 15g, which explains how rich watermelon seeds are in protein. This protein contains the essential and non -essential amino acids.
Amino acids are the molecules that are the building blocks of the complex protein chains that are essential for the body. An example of these amino acids is Arginine. Although this non -essential amino acids, at times your body may need an addition of this and one of the surest sources is watermelon seeds.(Non- essential amino acids are those that the body can naturally manufactured while essential amino acids are those that the body does not manufacture hence can be obtained from the food we eat.
Benefit 2 : Blood Pressure Regulation and Coronary Heart Disease Prevention
Arginine helps to balance blood pressure and treating coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the disease that results from the narrowing of the arterial vessels, hindering flow of blood. Arginine, a vital component found in watermelon seeds prevents narrowing of blood vessels. Other amino acids found in these amazing seeds are tryptophan and lysine.
Benefit 3 : Vitamin B Source , Niacin,thiamine, Riboflavin, B6 and Pantothenic Acid.
Watermelon seeds are also rich in vitamin B known as niacin. This vitamin is essential for a healthy nervous system, digestive system as well as caring for your skin. Other vitamin B present in these seeds includes thiamine, riboflavin, B6 and Pantothenic acid.
Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2 mainly found in enriched flour, eggs and greens. It helps to convert carbohydrates into simple sugars. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause burning eyes as well as eyes that are sensitive to light. Thiamine is vitamin B1 that helps to convert carbohydrates to energy.
Benefit 4: Dietary Management of Beriberi caused by Vitamin B6 Deficiency
It’s a water soluble vitamin whose deficiency can cause a condition known as Beriberi. B6 is a complex vitamin B which is also water soluble and helps convert carbohydrate into energy. It is essential for the manufacture of neurotransmitters.
Benefit 5: Rich Source of Magnesium for better Immune System
We are not through this amazing seeds. The benefits of eating watermelon seeds ensure plenty supply of magnesium. Magnesium is mostly found in foods such as wheat, rice, oat and cocoa powder. It is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Its deficiency can lead to muscle spasm, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes among others. Pantothenic acid is also called vitamin B5.It’s crucial for breaking down carbohydrates into energy and is mostly found in legumes, animal meat and vegetables.
Recommended Resources :
Wikipedia : Watermelon
