It might be the perfect summer treat but almost all of us have gotten into a habit of throwing out watermelon seeds once we are done savoring its heavenly flavors. According to Food Data, this might not be such a wise thing to do after all, given that one cup of these seeds contains just 16 grams of carbohydrates while simultaneously containing more than 30 grams of protein.
unsplash/Amanda Lins. Think of a summer treat and without fail, watermelon is almost always what comes to mind.
Additionally, these watermelon seeds are packed with nutrients and are a great source of zinc, potassium, and B-complex vitamins. This, compounded with the fact that these seeds are extremely rich in protein, makes them a great choice as a healthy addition to your diet.
Not only can these seeds make for a fulfilling afternoon meal after being sprouted or roasted, but they can also be sprinkled on your oatmeal, salads, or chia pudding to make it even more nutritious. With time, regular consumption of watermelon seeds can improve your body’s muscle-to-fat ratio and blood pressure.
They Are Great for Your Skin
Due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, watermelon seeds can greatly improve the health of your skin. Merely one ounce of watermelon seeds contains 26% of the daily intake of zinc recommended by My Food Data. According to reports from Healthline, zinc helps combat and reduce skin disorders like rosacea, eczema, and acne.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also mean that zinc is a key component for tissue repair and clinical trials have proven its effectiveness against pigmentary disorders, psoriasis, and warts.
unsplash/Олег К. It might be a summertime favorite in the United States but watermelon actually originates from the African continent.
They Are Great for Digestion
As most of us are probably aware, dietary fiber plays a key role in supporting our digestive system and regulating it. According to the Mayo Clinic, it also reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol while increasing satiety.
Diets that are high in fiber have been concluded to result in a lower risk of cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. Just 3.5 ounces of watermelon seeds contain more than 39 grams of fiber which makes them not only great for cutting weight and calories but also ideal for your body’s digestive functions.
They Are Great for Your Heart
While it’s perfectly fine to eat them raw too, roasting or sprouting watermelon seeds makes it easy for our body to metabolize their nutrients and digest them. According to a report by Open Heart, close to 300 enzymatic reactions in our bodies are regulated by magnesium. It is also a key component in improving physical health and cardiovascular function whereas a deficiency of magnesium in our bodies can lead to heart failure, an erratic heartbeat, and even death due to issues associated with the heart.
unsplash/煜翔 肖. A watermelon’s high water content is great for hydration.
Just one ounce of watermelon seeds can contain 35% of the daily intake of magnesium recommended by My Food Data. So the next time you find yourself craving a bag of crisps or other unhealthy snacks, why not change it up with a nutritious meal involving watermelon and its seeds?