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Watermelon: Powerhouse of Health Benefits
Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
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.
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. Vitamin B present in watermelon seeds comprises of niacin,
folate, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. 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.
7. Almost half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent
saturated fat and the rest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat including
omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grams
of fat which constitutes about 80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus,
watermelon seeds are an important source of calories and energy.
8. Protein deficiency is quite common, leading to diseases like marasmus and
kwashiorkor in poorer countries of the world. Being high in protein, watermelon
seeds can be extremely beneficial in combating protein deficiencies. One cup of
dried seeds provides about 30 grams of protein. Protein and its amino acids are
vital for growth and repair of muscles, skin and connective tissues as well as
for making enzymes. Protein is also required for the maintenance of long and
strong nails.
Skin Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
Being rich in nourishing nutrients such as unsaturated fatty acids like oleic
and linoleum acids, watermelon seeds keep your skin healthy and glowing from
inside.
9. The unsaturated fatty acids in watermelon seeds keep the skin moisturized,
soft, firm, well-toned and prevent acne and other skin disorders.
10. Watermelon seeds prevent signs of ageing because they contain antioxidants
and oils which make your skin look younger, healthier and more vibrant. These
benefits can be observed by consuming a handful or two of watermelon seeds a
week.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Watermelon seed extract locks moisture, thus combating the ageing
degradation. It also rejuvenates the elasticity of your skin.
14. 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
Watermelon seeds have a high content of protein in them which can keep your hair
healthy and shiny. This protein contains certain essential amino acids such as
lysine, arginine, tryptophan and glutamic acid which are needed by your body to
keep your hair healthy and strong.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Watermelon seed oil provides the hair with essential fatty acids which are
needed by your hair to prevent breakage and keep it moisturized.
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Dated 13 June 2014
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