Watermelon is one of the popular refreshing and thirst-quenching fruits in the summer. Eating the flesh of watermelon, we, as a rule, throw out its seeds and do not think about what they are useful for and if there is any benefit for the organism in them. This happens rather from our ignorance about the beneficial properties of watermelon seed.
Meanwhile, watermelon seeds, like watermelon, also contain quite a lot of nutrients, including fatty acids, basic proteins and many minerals. Watermelon bones are rich in B vitamins, such as niacin, thiamine, folic acid. Among the minerals should be noted such useful macro and trace elements as potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper. In addition, watermelon seeds are a good source of calories. 100 grams of seeds contain about 600 calories.
On the contrary, it contains almost no sugar, which is especially appreciated by diabetics. Avocado has a slightly mild flavor, so it is often eaten with spices or in addition to other dishes. Here the ideas are endless: you can cut them into salads, cook pasta, cocktails, ice cream or the popular guacamole. Many people throw a stone after collecting avocados. The pest also has a large amount of fiber.
Why should you soak before eating nuts and seeds?
There are so many that in some countries, especially where avocados grow under natural conditions, seeds are used as a cure for diarrhea and other digestive diseases. It was found that nuts, grains, cereals and seeds are valuable foods rich in good fats, protein, vitamins and many valuable minerals. There are ways to make us healthy.
In the countries of Asia and the Middle East watermelon bones do not throw away. Fried watermelon seeds are served there as a side dish or used in the preparation of salads. And in Nigeria, for example, watermelon seeds are used to make some soups.
A wonderful watermelon oil is obtained from the seeds, which is very useful in the proportion of hair and skin.
Nuts are a source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which the body itself cannot produce. Nuts and seeds improve the ability to concentrate, add energy and reduce stress. Seeds, nuts and legumes contain natural enzyme inhibitors, which are enzyme inhibitors that protect the plant from premature germination, and, once in the body, block the digestive enzymes, leaving the body only absorbing some of the valuable ingredients.
In addition, they contain phytic acid, which, in particular, prevents absorption. calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc. For these reasons, nuts and seeds are considered super power products. What gives us soaking nuts? There are ways to help your body absorb the nutrients found in nuts and grains. In addition, it is not difficult. Dip it first in water, then eat it straight or add to salads, desserts and dishes. This will reduce or even completely remove phytic acid and goiter, neutralize enzyme inhibitors and increase the amount of vitamins contained in nuts.
Useful properties of watermelon seeds
After learning about these beneficial properties of watermelon seeds, you may no longer throw them away and leave them only for handicrafts. So how are watermelon bones useful?
Watermelon seeds contain some essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, such as tryptophan, lysine, arginine and glutamic acid.
Soaking will make valuable nut substances even up to 100%, and soaked nuts will be easier to digest, which is especially important for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This operation will also help us clean the skin, such as almonds or blending.
The exposure time depends on the type of product and should last from 4 to 12 hours. Nuts can be eaten or dried immediately, for example, in an oven at the lowest temperature. We can soak in water or with lemon juice, salt or apple cider vinegar, which more quickly neutralizes phytic acid.
Lysine helps in the absorption of calcium, which is involved in the formation of collagen and connective tissue. Arginine improves the body's metabolism, is needed for the health of the cardiovascular system.
Watermelon bones are a good source of magnesium. One hundred grams of watermelon seed contains 139 percent recommended daily needs this item.
Nuts, pumpkin seeds - at least 10 hours. Walnuts, almond - at least 8 hours. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts - 1 hour. For the same reasons, legumes, cereals, cereals, cereals and rice must also be soaked before cooking.
Until recently, silage was associated mainly with fermented cucumbers, or with chopped cabbage in a barrel. Today, more and more, we also write fruit. Pitching is one of the culinary trends that is not passing. Definitely more often in the lead role here, however, vegetables. And it turns out that you can also order different kinds fruits. And the best thing to do is when the fruitful season begins.
Magnesium is vital for the normal functioning of the heart, maintaining blood pressure, metabolism and protein synthesis.
Watermelon seeds also contain lycopene, a carotenoid related to antioxidants. Lycopene is important for the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, reduces oxidative processes in the body and performs many more functions.
Chewing is one of the oldest and best ways food preservation. Not only is it cheap and uncomplicated, it still allows you to save valuable nutritional properties and even increase their number. Through the fermentation process, the sugar content decreases, so fresh fruits have more than the sugar content. They also have fewer calories and are easily digested. Prevents constipation and has a positive effect on intestinal motility. They also contain acetylcholine, which affects the regulation of blood pressure.
Silage also acts on the body. In fact, most fruits and vegetables can be placed. Lemon, mandarin and apples are usually added to the jar. Maya Sobchak, the author of the book “Recipes of Happiness”, suggests Antonovka. To make apples according to the recipe, we need: 3-4 medium-sized apples, two slices of ginger, cinnamon sticks, two bay leaves, currant leaves, five juniper berries, a few sprouts of black pepper and a flat spoonful of salt. We wash the apples and cut them into quarters. In a saucepan, we mix hot water with salt.
Watermelon seeds are also excellent sources of B vitamins, which are important for the development and maintenance of the nervous system and immunity.
Watermelon seeds contain oil, which consists of 20 percent of saturated fat, and the remaining 80 percent of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids.
Prepare an overflow of cans with boiling water, put apples, spices and salt water. Of course, the process of sucking fruit also changes its taste. An apple from a can will not taste like fresh and will not resemble a compote. Fruits can be tasted to your liking: they can be less salty, sweet and even spicy. Thanks to this method of cooking, we can discover their new tastes and applications - ideal for soups, roasted meat, vegetables, salads and pastes. They are also quite fragrant, so they clearly emphasize the nature of the dish.
Most watermelon pips are spit out, not understanding what their health and nutritional properties are. They contain a small amount of calories and, after surprising, become crispy and tasty snacks. The fiber contained in the stones can help digestion and is extremely important for healthy intestinal flora. Watermelon seeds help cure fungal infections, bacterial, skin, digestive and respiratory diseases. Systematic consumption of watermelon seeds can cure even peptic ulcer!
One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains 50 grams of fat, which is about 80 percent of the recommended daily intake. Thus, we can conclude that watermelon bones are an important source of calories and energy.
One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains about 30 grams of protein. Protein is vital for the growth and regeneration of muscles, skin and connective tissue. We also need protein for hair and nails. A lack of protein in the body can lead to serious illnesses.
They also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to the amino acid citrulline, which acts as an antioxidant, the blood vessels expand, which improves blood circulation. In addition, the stones contain vitamins A, B and C, magnesium and iron.
Roasted watermelon berries To quench the watermelon pips, heat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius, wash the seeds thoroughly and place on baking. Bake in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally for even baking. Watermelon pips reduce calories!
Healthy fats, which are contained in watermelon seeds, reduce the level of bad cholesterol, which ultimately helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The benefits of watermelon seeds for skin
Being rich in beneficial nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, watermelon seeds are good for the skin. They saturate it with useful elements, making it healthy and radiant from the inside.
If you like snacks, it is worth remembering that a bunch of watermelon pips contains only 22 calories compared to french fries, whose handful contains up to 160 calories. To make the pips taste better, you can add a few drops of olive oil and salt to roasting. In sweet, delicious versions lined with cinnamon and sugar mousse.
A recipe for making tea and a watermelon seed cocktail. To enjoy all the benefits of pips, you can, for example, taste delicious tea with watermelon. Then boil the tea for 15 minutes. Dry seeds can be crushed, for example, in a mortar, and then mixed with milk in a ratio of 1.
Unsaturated fatty acids contained in watermelon seeds keep the skin moisturized, soft and elastic, tone up well, prevent acne and other skin diseases.
The antioxidant compounds included in the composition of watermelon seeds help to prevent premature aging of the skin and make the skin younger. One, two handfuls of watermelon seeds will be enough to maintain the health and youth of their skin.
What ingredients contain watermelon seeds. Magnesium Magnesium is one of the most important minerals found in watermelon seeds. 4 grams of pips contains 21 mg of magnesium. It is necessary for the proper metabolism of the body, it also supports the proper functioning of the nerves, muscles, heart and bones.
Iron Several watermelon pips also contain 29 mg of iron. It also helps convert calories into energy. Folic acid Folic acid is important for the proper functioning of the brain and controls the level of homocysteine. It is especially suitable for pregnant women.
Good for skin and a little watermelon. This is a very light oil, does not clog pores, perfectly moisturizes the skin. Besides hypoallergenic. It can be used on any type of skin: dry, oily, mixed, age, with acne and other skin defects. This oil is used in some children's creams.
Watermelon seed extract has regenerating properties, makes the skin supple and taut.
"Good fats" Watermelon seeds, a good source of fatty acids. According to the American Heart Association, these fats are good for preventing heart attacks and strokes and reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Fruit pips are real vitamin capsules. We mostly reluctantly separate them from the edible part of the fruit, preventing us from savoring it. However, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at pips.
One of the women selling grapes in the bazaar told me to chew fruit. The bitter, sour taste always prevented me from eating these tiny green sweets. However, it turns out that the woman was absolutely right! Such stones are a real mine of vitamins. They support our hair, nails, thanks to which the skin is firm and elastic. Grape seed oil is available on the market. Great for frying, for salads. This is a great addition to many dishes. Moreover, it is a typical ecological product. It is most often produced from grape cubes remaining after squeezing the juice from which it is produced.
The composition of watermelon pits includes some compounds and substances that can prevent the appearance and development of skin cancer.
The benefits of watermelon seeds for hair
As mentioned above, watermelon seeds contain a fairly large amount of protein of the main building material of the cells. It is also useful for hair, which allows you to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
The process of pressing this oil does not require complex equipment, and it does not need to be improved by human hands. Tomato peeling is great for metabolism. Perfectly "sweep" of intestinal harmful substances. The same stones can serve as a peeling. If we decompose the whole tomato, along with the pips and the resulting pulp that we encounter, we will get excellent results after just one application. This natural, simple mask is ideal for people with oily skin.
Refreshes and inhibits excess sebum. Few people know that pumpkin seeds contain tocopherols - fertility vitamins; They have an aphrodisiac effect. It is worth correcting your daily menu. A few minutes a day is enough to notice an improvement.
Essential amino acids such as tryptophan, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine are also needed to make hair look healthy and strong.
Roasted watermelon bones contain copper, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that is responsible for the color of our skin and hair.
We eat them for breakfast with muesli, we know that they have a lot of fiber. They are very high in calories, so we should not exaggerate them. It is worth buying oil from pips of this juicy fruit. Watermelon seed oil is extremely light and rare, very well absorbed, moisturizes and soothes irritations. From dry to fatty, eels, but also mature. Watermelon oil is also beneficial for hair care because of its moisturizing and protective properties combined with its lightness.
Author: Alexandra Shilovska, nutritionist. Watermelon pips are a superfood product rich in nutritional value and beneficial to health. Pots provide plenty of protein and healthy fat, as well as magnesium, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants. They have a very wide health effect - they lower blood sugar levels, have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, treat stomach ulcers and protect the liver from toxins. Watermelon pips can be eaten as snacks, fried and spiced.
Useful for hair and watermelon oil, which is well absorbed without clogging the pores of the scalp. It moisturizes and nourishes the hair, prevents fragility of hair.
Watermelon Seed Tea
Watermelon seeds are not sunflower seeds. Just gnaw them a little harder. But the bones of watermelon can be brewed as tea. This tea will be useful for the treatment of diabetes, recuperation after the disease.
Watermelon seeds have more nutritional value than fruit pulp. Watermelon pips are what we eat while eating a fruit, or at least we don’t chew it. It often happens that the ingestion of watermelon seeds is safe, and children are told that it is forbidden for them to eat, because their watermelon will grow in the stomach. At the same time, it turns out that watermelon pips are not only safe, but even very beneficial for your health. Dried and roasted seeds provide delicious snacks that successfully replace chips and salty sticks.
Benefits of using watermelon seeds
In addition to the health benefits of evidence-based watermelon seeds, they can also show other effects of the presence of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The potential benefits of using watermelon seeds include. Strengthening the hair - iron present in the stones, promotes faster hair growth, while magnesium and copper are responsible for their healthy appearance and intense color. Fatty acids, when wetting the hair, prevent their drying, cracking and cracking. Glossy skin - unsaturated fatty acids prevent dryness and eczema of the skin, making it no longer gray and healthy. Increased potency in men - due to the content of arginine and other important amino acids, watermelon seeds can positively affect potency. Positive effects on the cardiovascular system - magnesium, potassium and iron are necessary for the proper functioning of the heart and circulatory system, and arginine-amino acid helps to reduce blood pressure. Supplementing the protein needs of a vegetarian diet - beer watermelons are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a vegetarian diet.
Culinary use of watermelon pips
Antioxidants protect against wrinkles, discoloration and premature aging. . Watermelon pips, which are used to thicken soups, are popular in West Africa.Watermelon tea is a good diuretic that can be used to clean the kidneys. You can use this tea to treat urinary tract infections, removing sand from the kidneys.
Watermelon seed tea also contains magnesium, which is good for heart health. Tea stabilize metabolic processes and ensure the normal functioning of the heart.
Brew watermelon tea from the seeds is very simple. To do this, 4 tablespoons of seeds (whole or ground) pour two liters of boiling water. Cover the jar or pot with a lid and towel and leave until the tea has cooled to room temperature.
Then strain and drink up to 4 times a day.
In diabetes, tea is made from a handful of watermelon seeds and one liter of water. Seeds are poured with hot water and boiled at a low boil for 45 minutes. The pan should be closed with a lid.
There are no contraindications to drinking watermelon tea. The only thing you need to know, it can not be drunk for a long time.
When taking medicines for kidney disease, you should consult with your doctor before drinking watermelon seed tea.
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There is at least one component of any ripe watermelonwhich most people ignore in the food plan. I'm talking about watermelon seeds.
Provided that you are not pregnant, they are able to provide your body with the necessary nutrients and bring many benefits.
But this will happen only if you chew watermelon seeds, and not swallow them whole.
Useful properties of watermelon seeds
Dried watermelon seeds are about 35% composed of protein, which means they contain a large number of amino acids (AA) that are necessary for the body to form and grow muscle tissue, to synthesize long-term energy, etc.
- Especially important is the amino acid arginine. Specialists from the Mayo Clinic advise you to look for products with its high content. This AK is extremely beneficial for the heart, the level of blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease depend on its presence in the body. Other useful amino acids that make up watermelon seeds are tryptophan, lysine, and glutamic acid.
- One cup of seeds contains 30.6 g of protein, which is 61% of the recommended daily allowance for an adult.
- One of the most amazing facts nutritional value watermelon seeds - fat content. In 1 cup of the dried product there are 51 g of fat, including 11 g of saturated fat, as well as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6. The American Heart Association reports that unsaturated fats reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, and omega-6 has the ability to lower high blood pressure.
- Watermelon seeds necessarily contain the B vitamins. Scientists from the American Cancer Society report that these vitamins are necessary for the complex process of converting food into energy and for other important physiological processes.
- Most of all in watermelon seeds of niacin: 3.8 mg per 1 cup of the product, or 19% of the daily value. Niacin feeds nervous system, has a healing effect on the digestive tract, protects skin health.
- Other B-complex vitamins found in watermelon seeds are thiamine, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid.
Especially a lot of useful properties of watermelon seeds owe their existence to a rich mineral composition.
- In 1 cup of the dried product is 556 mg of magnesium (139% of the recommended daily value). According to the National Institutes of Health (USA), this mineral helps regulate blood pressure, is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and has a beneficial effect on blood sugar.
- Other important minerals in watermelon seeds are phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese and zinc.
- Zinc is crucial for the health of the immune system. If your body is deficient in zinc, this is manifested in hair loss, diarrhea and weakening protective forces. Every adult should receive about 15 mg of zinc per day from food. 100 g of watermelon seeds contain as much as 10 mg of this useful trace element.
- Your body needs iron to make red blood cells. In the seeds of watermelon it is quite a lot. Other sources of this trace element are oysters, beef, turkey, chicken, tuna and pork. For an adult individual aged 19-50 years, the daily rate of iron is 8 mg. A deficiency of this mineral can lead to anemia, a feeling of weakness and eternal fatigue.
Another important component of watermelon seeds is dietary fiber. It is necessary for the health of the digestive tract. This is despite the fact that the body is not able to properly digest plant fibers. However, I mention the benefits of dietary fiber in almost every new article and I will not dwell here in more detail.
Controversial citrulline
All parts of the watermelon, including the crust, pulp and seeds, contain citrulline, an essential amino acid that is converted into L-arginine in the body. Why is this amino acid called non-essential? The fact is that our body is capable of its independent synthesis.
If you still prefer watermelon pulp, please note that the yellow and orange varieties of watermelons contain the maximum amount of citrulline. But for what it is needed and whether it is needed at all, let's see.
Citrulline benefits
Citrulline managed to gain popularity, but in the circles of alternative medicine. It is often added to the diet of athletes, although clinical trials impact on athletic endurance was not carried out. In alternative clinical practices, citrulline treats male impotence (6–18 mg of citrulline malate per day).
According to specialists from the US Department of Agriculture, this AK acts as an antioxidant and a vasodilator (vasodilator). It turns out that a portion of watermelon seeds has a truly magical useful properties thanks to citrulline: reduces pressure, prevents the development of sickle-shaped anemia, has a positive effect on blood glucose concentration.
Citrulline harm
In our body, citrulline decays to release ammonia, an unnecessary product that is excreted in the urine. Just this physiological fact is the cause of proven harm not only of watermelon seeds, but also of watermelon pulp for some individuals.
The study was conducted at the Meier Children's Hospital and published in the Journal of Hereditary Disorders of Exchange of Substances for the year 2005.
It turned out, despite the fact that for most people citrulline is safe, it can seriously harm people with citrullinemia, a genetic disorder of citrulline synthesis associated with the urea cycle in the human body.
How to fry watermelon seeds?
Fried watermelon seeds are especially attractive and tasty. Cook them easily.