Watermelon seeds are a treasure trove of health benefits

Watermelon is a fruit that comes to our respite in the hot, humid weather. A glass of its juice can rejuvenate you in no time. Ninety-two percent of the fruit is water but it's also full of vitamins and minerals. It could be rightly said that there is no fruit that helps to hydrate the body and provide nutrients as much as watermelon. The fruit has an abundance of nutrients not only in its pulp but also in its seeds which hold minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium.

Watermelon seeds should be consumed fried after drying them as is done in the case of sunflower seeds. It can also be consumed after adding a little salt and olive oil and baking it at 176 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Like beans, sprouted watermelon seeds can be easily added to one’s diet. The benefits of including watermelon seeds in one’s food regimen are listed below.

Controls diabetes
Watermelon seeds help in the production of insulin in the body. The magnesium contained in the seeds controls the metabolic activities of carbohydrates and regulates the sugar levels in the blood.

Strengthening of bones
The calcium in watermelon seeds helps in strengthening the bones. The mineral also promotes healthy muscles and aids the growth of nerves.

Strengthening of immunity
Zinc is a key requirement for the body’s strong immune response. This micro-nutrient is present in generous quantities in watermelon seeds. Zinc also aids the production and stimulation of cells that fight infections.

Improvement in digestion
The fibre and unsaturated fat in watermelon seeds improve the health of the digestive system. The watermelon fruit and its seeds also make the process of digestion smoother.

Lowering of cholesterol
Healthy fats such as mono-saturated fatty acid and poly-saturated fatty acid are present in watermelon seeds. They lower the cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks and stroke.

Healthy hair
The protein, iron, magnesium, and copper in watermelon seeds improve the health of hair and make it stronger. The magnesium in the seeds prevents strands of hair from breaking off.

Improvement of cardiac health
Magnesium is essential for good cardiac health and for maintaining normal blood pressure. Watermelon seeds contain the mineral in generous quantities. The fatty acids in them also improve heart health.

Good for lungs
Watermelon seeds carry anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. These properties of the seeds eliminate swellings in the body and combat diseases such as asthma.

Beneficial for the nervous system
Vitamin B, which is a catalyst for the healthy functioning of the brain and the nervous system, is present in watermelon seeds. It also lowers the chances of persons getting Alzheimer’s disease and developing mental health problems.

Ideal for skin health
Fried watermelon seeds are a healthy snack for promoting skin health. The nutrients in them will help prevent problems such as pimples and acne. Watermelon is also ideal for maintaining the hydration of the skin.