Are watermelon seeds poisonous?
In this article, we will answer the question “are watermelon seeds poisonous”? and discuss what are the health benefits of watermelon seeds?
Are watermelon seeds poisonous?
No, watermelon seeds are not poisonous. Watermelon seeds are safe to eat and have a small quantity of cyanide. Watermelon seeds are a rich source of important nutrients such as protein, minerals, phytosterols, phenolic acid, carotenoid and tocopherol.
Are all watermelon seeds edible?
Yes, all watermelon seeds either it is black or white or having reddish tints, are edible and safe to eat. Black seeds are mature and can produce another watermelon plant while white seeds are the immature seeds but both are edible and safe to eat.
How to eat watermelon seeds?
You can eat watermelon seeds raw with the fruit. It is safe to eat but you can’t digest the whole raw seeds so you won’t get any nutrients from them. Rather these pass through your body. But you can eat roasted or sprouted watermelon seeds.
Simply collect watermelon seeds, sprinkle olive oil and salt and roast them in the oven on high heat. Roasted watermelon seeds are the healthiest snacks for you.
You can add roasted seeds in the yogurt, salads and oatmeal. You can also use watermelon seed butter as a spread for wholegrain toast. It can be used in smoothies.
Sprouted seeds have more nutritional value compared to the whole seeds because sprouting removes the compound that is difficult to digest and makes them easy to digest to get the maximum nutrients. You can also use them as a powder form.
Nutritional value of watermelon seeds
Watermelon seeds have a high nutritional value. Let’s discuss in detail:
Low calories: Watermelon seeds have very low calories as compared to potato chips. 4 gram of watermelon seeds have 23 calories.
Magnesium: Magnesium is the important mineral that is essential for metabolic function. It is important for maintaining muscle and nerve function. Magnesium can improve heart and bone health and is required for the immune system.
Watermelon seeds are the rich source of magnesium, 4gram of watermelon seeds can provide 21 mg of magnesium which is 5% of the daily requirement. The daily requirement of magnesium is 420mg.
Iron: Small quantities of watermelon seeds can provide 0.2mg of iron which is 1.6% of the daily intake. Human body needs 18mg of iron to fulfil their daily requirement.
Iron is the main component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body. It can convert calories into energy. Watermelon seeds contain phytates that inhibit the iron absorption in the body.
Fatty acids: watermelon seeds provide polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids which are considered good fats. 4gram of watermelon seeds can provide 1.1 g of polyunsaturated fatty acid and 0.3 g of monounsaturated fatty acid.
These fats can protect the body from heart attack and strokes and it can lower the level of the bad cholesterol in the body.
Zinc: watermelon seeds are the important source of zinc. 4g of watermelon seeds can provide 4% of the daily value or one once can provide 26 % of the daily value intake.
Zinc is an important mineral for the body’s immune system. It is important for the digestive system and nervous system. It is necessary for cell regrowth and cell division and also for the senses of smell and taste. But iron phytate can prevent their absorption in the body.
Other FAQs about Watermelon which you may be interested in.
Are watermelon rinds good for dogs?
What are the health benefits of watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds can reduce the blood glucose level and can control diabetes so it is a good option for diabetic patients.
Watermelon seeds are good for skin. It is used in cosmetics that treat acne and signs of aging. It is a rich source of antioxidants that is important for skin. It can prevent dryness due to the presence of fatty acid.
Watermelon seeds are important for hair growth. As it contains protein and iron so it can maintain the quality and texture of your hair. It is important for hair regrowth. It can prevent hair damage and hair fall.
Watermelon seeds are a rich source of magnesium, copper and potassium. These minerals are essential for bone health. They can improve bone density and give strength to the bones.
Watermelon seeds may protect your heart. Watermelon seeds can lower the triglyceride, LDL and cholesterol level in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These are the rich source of L-citrulline and L-arginine which can prevent inflammation and oxidative stress.
These contain nitric oxide which can improve the blood flow in the vessels and increase lipid metabolism and reduce atherosclerosis.
Watermelon seeds can reduce body weight because they are low in calories. Watermelon seeds have a satisfying effect and it can reduce the body weight, waist of hip ratio and body mass index.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Are watermelon seeds poisonous”? and discussed what are the health benefits of watermelon seeds?
If you have any questions or comments please let us know.
