Health, Skin and Hair benefits of Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realizing or rather knowing of their health benefits.

WHEN you think of the health benefits of watermelon, the seeds probably do not come to your mind. You probably think of the sweet, juicy pulp without considering the seed as being good too. The fact is, watermelon seeds whether wet, dry or roasted make a great snack. The United States Department of Agriculture has listed different nutritional components of the seeds.

The seeds are very rich in protein. A cup of dried watermelon seeds contains more than 30 per cent proteins, which is the 61 per cent of the daily-recommended dose. The proteins in the seeds consist of amino acids, tryptophan, glutamic acid, lysine and arginine. Medline Plus states that some health conditions may benefit from additional arginine.

Some of the health benefits of arginine include; regulating blood pressure and treating coronary heart disease. Mineral found in the seeds is magnesium.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and the metabolism of carbohydrates, which has a beneficial effect on blood sugar level. Other important minerals in watermelon seeds are phosphorous, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese and zinc.

The most surprising thing about watermelon seeds is the amount of fat they contain. A cup of the dried seeds contain 51 per cent fat. Other categories of deposits in the seeds are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-6 fatty acids.

The American Heart Association reports that mono and polyunsaturated fats reduce blood cholesterol, while omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce high blood pressure.
Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:

As stated earlier, watermelon seeds are a rich source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to get their nutritional content. Some of the health benefits of watermelon seeds are given below.

1. Your body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids. Lysine helps in calcium absorption to facilitate formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.

2. Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grams of seeds providing 139 percent of the recommended daily requirement. Magnesium is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.

3. Watermelon seeds contain lycopene which is good for your face and also helps in improving male fertility.

4. These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements. B vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy blood, nervous system and effective immune response.

5. These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in 1 liter water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should be taken every day like tea.

6. Watermelon seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your memory.

Skin Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:
In addition to their health benefits, watermelon seeds are good for your skin as well. watermelon seeds keep your skin healthy and glowing from inside. Some of their benefits for skin are as follows.

1. The unsaturated fatty acids in watermelon seeds keep the skin moisturized, soft, firm, well-toned and prevent acne and other skin disorders.

2. Watermelon seeds prevent signs of ageing because they contain antioxidants and oils which make your skin look younger, healthier and more vibrant.

3. Water melon seed oil, also known as Ootanga oil or Kalahari oil is extremely beneficial for your skin. Being light in texture, it does not clog skin pores, thus allowing your skin to function naturally and is a great moisturizer. Due to its excellent moisturizing properties, watermelon seed oil is used as an essential ingredient in baby oils.

4. Watermelon seed oil also removes sebum, dirt and grease that build up in your skin pores and are responsible for causing acne and giving a dull appearance to your skin. This oil is suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, acne prone and maturing skin.

5. Watermelon seed extract locks moisture, thus combating the ageing degradation. It also rejuvenates the elasticity of your skin.

6. The wide array of nutrients contained in watermelon seeds protects your skin from certain types of skin cancers and infections as well.

Hair Benefits of Watermelon Seeds:
As stated earlier, watermelon seeds have a high content of protein in them which can keep your hair healthy and shiny.

1. Roasted watermelon seeds contain copper which is involved in the production of melanin. As you know, melanin is a pigment that provides color to your hair and skin.

2. In addition to its skin benefits, watermelon seed oil can also be used for your tresses. As pointed out earlier, this oil is light in texture that gets absorbed easily without clogging the pores of your scalp. It provides moisturizing benefits and improves hair growth by maintaining hair and scalp health.

3. Watermelon seed oil provides the hair with essential fatty acids which are needed by your hair to prevent breakage and keep it moisturized.