Health Benefits Of Chewing Watermelon Seeds

Over the years, watermelon has been one of my favorite fruit because of its juicy and luscious taste. Watermelon gives me that happy feeling but at the same time, it numerous amount of seeds drives me crazy. I kept on spitting out those wonderful, precious watermelon seeds without me knowing its health benefits. Thank goodness i read biochemistry where i learnt the health benefits of chewing those precious little seeds. Benefits which i will be sharing with you all today.

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Watermelon which is scientifically referred to as Citrullus lanatus is a water rich fruit that is soaked with enormous amounts of various nutrients ranging from various minerals, Vitamin A,B2, B3, B6 and C, Amino acids and antioxidants which helps in fighting against cancer and various diseases. It is packed with numerous amounts of dark, precious seeds that are very beneficial to our health. This little dark seeds are edible and are almost tasteless.

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Benefits of watermelon seeds

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Contains Cancer fighting agent : Cancer has been the most talked form of disease since recent times and there are A to Z of it types. Since there are various known and unknown causes of cancer, one way we can reduce the risk of having cancer is by chewing watermelon seeds. These seeds contains huge dose of antioxidants and the most famous of all Lycopene which is known for its cancer fight activity. Lycopene is a phytochemical that has been known for fighting against colon, postrate, lungs and breast cancer.

Boost the immune system : The lack of Vitamin C can make one vulnerable to various diseases causing agents. Vitamin C is an essential Vitamin required by the body since the body cannot synthesis it. The good news here is that Vitamin C is present in watermelon seeds, when consumed will help boost the body's immune system to fight against various diseases.

Contains Electrolyte : Watermelon seeds serves as a good source of electrolytes which is required by the body to maintain fluid balance, contraction and relaxation of the muscles most especially that of the heart and in the transmission of nerve impulses. Some of these electrolytes present in the seeds are magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Lowers the risk of diabetes : Due to the new life style and dietary practices which we have adopted all in the name of modernization, diabetes cases has been rapidly growing all around the world. In a research conducted by Teugwa C.M et al., (2013), it was concluded that there is presence of globulins with significant anti-hyperglycaemic activity. These globulins helps with the breakdown of excess sugar in the blood thereby reducing the risk of having diabetes.

Other benefits : As mentioned above, watermelon seeds contains Vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 which serves various functions. Vitamin A which function is to aid good eye sight also helps organs such as the liver and kidney to function properly. Vitamin B6 helps maintain the nervous system, coordinates proper metabolism and helps in boosting positive moods. Vitamin B3 on the other hand is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) which helps in the process of catalyzing important biomolecules such as cholesterol and hormones. It also helps in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and protein.

Since i discovered these health benefits of watermelon seeds, i stopped spitting them out. So you too can do same, chew those seeds. Like i said, it's almost tasteless and posses many health benefit. Thank you for reading.

References

Wani AA, et al., (2011). Characterisation and functional properties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed proteins. J Sci Food Agric. Retrieved Aug 14, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20824684/

Naz A. et al., (2014). Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims. EXCLI J. retrieved Aug 14, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4464475/

Egbuonu A.C.C (2015). Comparative Assessment of some Mineral, Amino Acid and Vitamin Compositions of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Rind and Seed. Volume 10 (5). Asian journal of Biochemistry. Retrieved Aug 14, 2018 from https://scialert.net/fulltextmobile/?doi=ajb.2015.230.236

Teugwa C.M et al., (2013). Anti-hyperglycaemic globulins from selected Cucurbitaceae seeds used as antidiabetic medicinal plants in Africa. BMC Complement Altern Med. Retrieved Aug 14, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3618205/