Can You Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Watermelon seeds are tiny, green, and almost microscopic in size, and they are surprisingly pretty. They look a lot like poppy seeds, which are a lot larger, and they are often added to breads and baked goods to give them a festive look.
Watermelons are a summertime favorite, but you may have heard that eating the seeds is bad for you. So is this true? Not exactly, since you’re not eating the seeds themselves, but rather the fleshy inside that surrounds the seeds.
Watermelon seeds are edible and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Watermelon seeds contain an assortment of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
However, they are not recommended for consumption as they contain chlorogenic acid which can cause nausea and diarrhea.
Watermelon Seed Oil Benefits? Find out more here.
Nutritional value of watermelon seeds
Watermelon seeds are high in dietary fiber and other essential nutrients that have been tied to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among other health benefits.
Watermelon is a colorful fruit that is best enjoyed in the summer. It is commonly consumed across the world.
The seeds of this delicious fruit are the secondary edible parts of the watermelon. The seeds contain a considerable amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
They contain a number of amino acids, enzymes, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of Vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
Watermelon has been selected as one ingredient for the super alkaline salad. Learn more here the 12 Best Alkaline Vegan Recipes
The watermelon seeds are a good source of vitamins
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Watermelon seeds are a fantastic snack that offer a great source of Thiamine – an essential vitamin. Thiamine is needed to convert the carbohydrates in our bodies into energy, which is why it is so important to include it in our diets.
Also, it is a natural part of what our body uses to break down carbohydrates and fats for energy. Thiamine is also especially important for pregnant women, as it helps them and their babies to get the important nutrients they need.
Thiamine deficiency is rare, but it does occur. There are also many reasons why a person may not get enough Thiamine, including poor diet, low body weight, medication side effects, or poor absorption.
- Niacin
The watermelon is a sweet and juicy fruit that is commonly consumed in many regions of the world. It is used for its many health benefits. The watermelon seeds are a good source of Niacin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.
Niacin , also known as nicotinic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is found in almost every living organism.
- Iron
Watermelons are one of those fruits that you love to hate, and the seeds are among those foods that you never bother to look at, but don’t be so quick to dismiss them because they do have some benefits.
The seeds are a good source of iron, but they also contain a high concentration of lycopene, making them an excellent source for those interested in weight-loss by improving health. The content of lycopene is not only present in the milk but also in the seeds of the watermelon. Find out more here about Which Seeds Are Good For Weight Loss.
- Magnesium
Watermelon seeds are a good source of Magnesium, but if you think they’re just a food that supplies a nutrient, think again.
Watermelon seeds (Citrullus lanatus) are actually more than just a rich source of Magnesium. They also contain Beta-sitosterol, the highest known source of Phytosterol.
The seeds contain a whopping 38% Magnesium, which is more than twice as much as the RDA of that mineral that you get in most foods.
- Phosphorus
The rinds are actually a great source of phosphorus and protein. However, it’s not just the rind that’s packed with nutrients.
The watermelon seeds are also a good source of phosphorus and protein. The seeds are used in many European dishes, and are a great addition to all sorts of salads.
- Zinc
Zinc is present on most of the foods we eat, and yet many of us are not getting enough of it. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, reproduction, and cellular growth and division.
It plays a key role in the formation of bones and teeth, and is involved in making a range of hormones, such as testosterone, and enzymes that enable the body to process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Copper
Watermelon seeds are extremely high in copper, a mineral that plays a role in many vital body processes. Copper helps promote bone growth and bone health, especially in older adults.
Copper is also used in the production of red blood cells, which helps the body transfer oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
- Manganese
Manganese is an essential trace metal that is crucial for proper growth and development. Just like iron, it’s important to get enough Manganese in your diet, as it plays an important role in bone and hair health, and you can find Manganese in a wide variety of foods, including beans, nuts, and legumes.
Manganese is also found in nuts and seeds such as sesame and sunflower seeds, and you can find it in many types of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
Some people have trouble absorbing Manganese into the body, so eating Manganese-rich foods is a good way to boost your intake of this trace mineral in the body.
You also take a look at this article about the Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds, which has high in manganese.
Hey'all I'm Amy, a born foodie and diagnosed with celiac disease 7 years ago. I refused to cave into tasteless, boring gulten free food and create my own!
On my blog you'll find info & cool facts along with recipes, all on gluten free foods!