Watermelon is a fruit in the melon family that can be eaten or made into drinks. There are more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon with variation in their size, shape, and colour of the flesh. Watermelon was originated from southern African countries and it spreads to all over the tropical and subtropical regions. Externally, the fruit has smooth, deep green or yellow colour thick exterior rind with light-green or gray coloured vertical stripes all over its outer surface. Internally, the flesh is juicy, pink, red, or yellow with numerous small black seeds embedded in the middle part of the flesh. Watermelon has a neutral flavour, and tastes plain-sweet like light sugar syrup. Wonderfully delicious, thirst-quenching watermelons are the great source of much-needed water and electrolytes to beat the tropical temperatures. Globally watermelon is widely consumed, but in most places watermelon seeds are disregarded and discarded but the health benefits of those watermelon seed cannot be overemphasized.
The nutritional benefits of watermelon seed
Watermelon seeds contain fatty acids. About 100 gram of watermelon seeds provide about 600 calories same as having 10 loaves of bread. About 400 calories come from fats in the seeds. Fat content in 100 gram of watermelon seeds is around 80% of daily dietary requirement of fats.
Watermelon seeds are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. 100 gram of watermelon seeds contains a significant amount of the following vitamins: Thiamin (14 percent of recommended daily value), riboflavin (9 percent), niacin (19 percent) and folate (16 percent). The vitamins are essential in maintaining the nervous system, digestive system, fertility, prevents structural defects in infants and improve skin health.
Regarding minerals, watermelon seeds provide calcium (6 percent), iron (44 percent), magnesium (139 percent), phosphorus (82 percent), potassium (20 percent), zinc (74 percent), copper (37 percent) and manganese (87 percent). Magnesium is responsible for normal heart functioning, promoting normal blood pressure, supporting energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism and thereby checks blood sugar and controls diabetes. Calcium and phosphorus help strengthen the teeth and bones. Iron and copper helps to improve the blood components. Potassium, zinc, etc., promotes heart health and improves blood circulation.
Watermelon seeds also contain essential amino acids like lysine and arginine which cannot be produced by the body. Lysine plays important role in calcium absorption and formation of collagen and connective tissues in body. Arginine helps in improvement of body metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.
Watermelon Seed can be dried and grinded to extract oil. This oil is known as Ootanga Oil or Kalahari Oil. Watermelon seed oil can be used as body moisturizer; it eliminates toxins from skin, keeping it fresh and elastic. It is used in producing baby oil. It is also used in making hair care products.
In order to obtain the desired nutritional benefits in watermelon seeds, it must be chewed and swallowed but due to its high calorie and fat content, watermelon seeds should be taken in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain.
Written By Obi Lois Amarachukwu (Tasie)
amytessy@yahoo.com
