6 Benefits of Watermelon Seeds Boiled in Water
Watermelon seeds have become popular in recent years, as they’ve been recognized to have some nutrients and properties that contribute to better health. While they aren’t super powerful as some claim, they can be a good supplement to promote well-being.
According to a publication in the International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, watermelon is a source of bioactive compounds such as cucurbitacin, triterpenes, sterols, alkaloids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, many of these properties are concentrated in its seeds.
Do you know the benefits of watermelon seeds boiled in water? Although there’s no conclusive evidence, this popular remedy is believed to have health-enhancing properties. We detail them below.
The benefits of watermelon seeds
Many of the benefits attributed to watermelon seeds come from anecdotal data and lack scientific evidence. Therefore, they should be considered a nutritional supplement, and not a remedy or treatment for health problems.
Although there isn’t enough evidence on its safety and efficacy, a drink made from watermelon seeds is considered safe for consumption by most healthy adults. Therefore, it’s the way in which many take advantage of the properties of this food. What are they used for?
1. They can help fight constipation
No evidence shows that watermelon seeds are helpful against constipation. However, when they’re prepared in water, they can contribute to digestive health, since an adequate supply of liquid is key to fight constipation.
In addition, as they contain fiber, they may help to increase the frequency of bowel movements, as a meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology states.
2. They can aid weight loss
It’s important to clarify that neither watermelon seeds nor other foods have the miraculous property of helping you lose weight. However, you can use them as a complement in this process, since they’re low in calories and help prolong the feeling of satiety.
3. They contain essential nutrients
According to an article published in the International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, watermelon seeds contain a lot of nutrients, which can lead to better health. According to this publication, they contain:
- Fats
- Protein
- Fiber
- Ash
- Carbohydrates
- Minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, and Zn).
4. They provide energy
Watermelon seeds have a considerable caloric intake. For this reason, they can recharge your energy in those moments of fatigue. Even preparing them in water can be a good option to rehydrate your body, for example, on hot days.
5. They aid heart health
Thanks to their slight contribution of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, watermelon seeds can cause positive effects on heart health.
According to the American Heart Association, these types of fats have a positive effect in preventing heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. In addition, they help lower blood cholesterol levels.
6. They contribute to skin health
The nutrients watermelon seeds contain are also beneficial for skin health. In particular, its antioxidants and vitamins and minerals help to have healthier and more protected skin.
In addition, they minimize the negative impact of oxidative stress, a factor that can lead to premature aging, as a 2014 scientific publication states.
Visit this article: You’ll be Surprised by These 3 Benefits of Watermelon
How to prepare this watermelon seed tea
Watermelon seed infusion is safe for most healthy adults. However, given the lack of scientific evidence, it should be consumed with caution and in moderation. If there’s any suspicion of illness, or if you’re taking a medical treatment, it’s best to avoid drinking it.
Ingredients
- 40 watermelon seeds
- 2 quarts of water
Preparation
- To make this magnificent tea, all you have to do is grind 40 watermelon seeds with a mortar or a food processor. The fresher the seeds, the better.
- Then, boil them in the 2 quarts of water and they’re ready.
How to consume them
- You’ll be able to consume the tea over two days. In case you still have some on the third day, throw it out and prepare a new batch.
- If you consume this after the third day, it could actually become toxic. It’s better not to run the risk of this.
- It’s also a good idea to drink this with the same frequency that you drink water. You’ll enjoy the same benefits of watermelon seeds if you drink it cold, so you may keep it in the refrigerator if you prefer chilled drinks.
Watermelon seeds aren’t a superfood
Watermelon seeds are nutritious and can provide positive health effects, as long as you include them in a healthy and balanced diet. However, you must bear in mind that they aren’t a superfood and they don’t have the miraculous ability to improve health on their own. Therefore, they should only be considered a complement.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Erhirhie, Eo & Ekene, Ne. (2013). Medicinal Values on Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon): Pharmacological Review. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences. 4.
- Albishri HM, Almaghrabi OA, Moussa TA. Characterization and chemical composition of fatty acids content of watermelon and muskmelon cultivars in Saudi Arabia using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Pharmacogn Mag. 2013;9(33):58–66. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.108142
- Wani, A. A., Sogi, D. S., Singh, P., Wani, I. A., & Shivhare, U. S. (2011). Characterisation and functional properties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed proteins. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 91(1), 113–121. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4160
- G.O, O. (2012). Functional and Physicochemical Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seed and Seed-Oil. IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2(2), 29–31. https://doi.org/10.9790/5736-0222931
