Watermelon Seeds - Health Benefits

Watermelon has long ceased to be considered some kind of exotic fruit. Almost everyone loves him and consumes quite a lot during the harvest season. Juicy sugar flesh of this berry (it belongs to them) contains a fairly large number of seeds. Eating watermelon with them is not very nice. But is it wise to just throw them away? Maybe some of them can be used to some benefit? It is necessary to understand this issue in more detail.

What are the properties of watermelon seeds?

The content of nutrients is noted not only in the pulp, but also in the seeds, and even in the watermelon peel. Their composition is marked by the content of biological substances that affect urine alkalinity. They have a beneficial effect on the genitourinary sphere as a whole. The substances contained in the watermelon can lead to the dissolution of salt toxins in the structures of the kidneys and their excretion together with urine. Based on this, we can say that watermelon seeds have a diuretic effect. In addition, they have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Their taste is not inferior to the seeds contained in a sunflower. They are also dried, fried with and without salt. This fact suggests that they are characterized by certain positive aspects in terms of cooking. In Thailand, for example, they are attributed to valuable food products, at a time when our country is simply thrown into the trash.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

In terms of 100 g of product, seeds contain 600 cal. This circumstance allows us to safely attribute seeds to species with a relatively high calorie content. When dried, the seeds practically do not lose their properties, completely preserving them. They are pleasant and taste like that. The composition is marked by the content of vitamin substances and a certain amount of minerals. You can even find mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated acids in it.

Raw seeds contain hemicellulose. It is also called semi-fiber. It is saturated with polysaccharides that are insoluble in water. Despite the fact that watermelon cannot be attributed to oilseeds, its seeds still contain from 20 to 40% oil. In taste, it is close to almond oil.

The positive and negative sides of watermelon seeds

In traditional medicine, the use of this product is very widespread.

1. Seeds contribute to the excretion of uric acid from the body. This is one of the preventive measures that prevent urolithiasis.
2. They are of particular benefit to men, since they normalize the work of the prostate gland. The seeds contain zinc and selenium, and this prevents the development of prostate adenoma. Sexual function comes in order.
3. The product has a lot of amino acids, including arginine, and in seeds there is a high protein content (almost 35% of it), because they contribute to the growth of muscle mass and replenishment of the body's energy reserves.
4. The presence of arginine in the composition ensures the normal functioning of the heart, normalizes peripheral blood pressure. As a result of this, the risk of heart attacks becomes much lower.
5. To some extent, with the use of watermelon seeds, vision improves.
6. With regular use, there is an improvement in all metabolic processes.

All parts of the watermelon contain the amino acid citrulline.Once in the body, it is converted to L-arginine. It comes not only from the outside, but also in certain quantities is synthesized by the body itself. Expanding blood vessels, this amino acid reduces pressure. Under its influence, the level of glucose in the blood is regulated. This amino acid is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

But there is a flip side to the coin. When citrulline is cleaved, ammonia is released. Ammonia leaves the body with urine.

Cooking watermelon seeds

Usually the most popular recipe is frying them in a pan. They are pre-washed and dried using a towel. The pan is heated in advance, as it should. Frying is carried out with an exposure of 6 minutes. Ready-made seeds should acquire a dark color. A teaspoon of salt is dissolved in a glass of water. This composition is added to the pan to the seeds. It is necessary to fry until the liquid has completely evaporated. Then the fire must be turned off. After cooling, the seeds are ready for use.

Helminth Formula

Seeds should be dried in the oven. Then they are crushed. After that, non-fat milk is added to them in a proportion of 1:10. This kind of cocktail is used on an empty stomach. At least two glasses should be drunk per day.

Fighting Hypertension

Sunflower seeds with watermelon peel must be dried. Then all this is crushed to a powder state. Half a teaspoon is taken twice a day. The course is long and is at least a month. If this is done regularly, then the pressure returns to normal. You can use the tool prepared according to such a prescription composition to enhance the outflow of bile. Powder is taken in the morning.

In a number of Asian countries, watermelon seeds in combination with various seasonings are served as an independent dish.

Sunflower seed oil

As noted earlier, watermelon seeds contain 20-40% oil. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This was proved in experiments where rats were the test object. With the introduction of an oil extract of watermelon seeds in animals, swelling of the paws took place. This effect can be compared with that of diclofenac. A similar effect is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of serotonin, histamine and other factors of inflammation.

In addition, the oil has a hepatoprotective effect, protecting hepatocytes from damage. Rats were injected with carbon tetrachloride. The substance has severe toxicity. Then, an oil extract obtained from watermelon seed was administered for 10 days. After administration, a significant decrease in hepatic enzymes in the blood was noted, which is a good indicator.

It is widely used for cosmetic purposes. With its use, the skin becomes soft, takes a velvety character, acne passes.

Contraindications

Watermelon seeds have a number of limitations to their use.

1. Do not use them in the presence of chronic renal pathology, for women during pregnancy and during lactation. You can not give them to children under three years of age.
2. Since the product has a high calorie content, you can not use seeds to people who are prone to obesity, or to those on a diet for weight loss.
3. This product should not be abused, since an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids will adversely affect health.
4. A small amount of seeds contains oxalates and phytins. They complicate the absorption of minerals. Therefore, you should not eat too many watermelon seeds.

Video: watermelon seeds - a real storehouse of vitamins