Mega watermelon’s mini seeds & their mighty benefits to mankind!

Does size really matter? Maybe not. Because several nutritious edible seeds prove that true potential lies within and is not limited by the size of the outer shell!

Watermelon seeds are a tiny part of such a giant fruit yet offer a great deal of benefits to the body. These bite-sized seeds are an epitome of essential micronutrients including- Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Selenium, and Zinc that are not necessarily supplied in adequate quantities in the course of consuming a regular diet. These seeds are rich in Protein & Vitamin-B and low in calories, which makes roasted watermelon seeds a healthy snacking option over other foods, owing to its superior nutritional value.

Benefits of consuming watermelon seeds:

• Good for your heart: Watermelon seeds are rich in magnesium and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties which helps to keep the heartbeat steady, prevents blockages in the blood vessels & regulates blood pressure.
• Strengthens immune system: These seeds are a good source of Iron and Vitamin- B that equip the body to ward-off illnesses.
• Controls blood sugar levels: Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc content in watermelon seeds helps in controlling the glycemic index that stabilizes blood sugar levels in the body.
• Enhances brain power: Minerals such as magnesium and zinc present in these seeds help increase memory power and cognitive capabilities thereby maintaining good brain health.
• Improves digestion: Both zinc and magnesium also impact the digestive system as they help in providing & carrying energy throughout the body.
• Beneficial for skin & hair: Magnesium promotes hair growth, cleanses skin and helps to repair and nourish the skin tissues.

Lesser-known facts about Watermelon:

1. Watermelon is actually a vegetable, but is also considered a fruit due to its sweet taste.
2. Each part of the watermelon is edible, but not necessarily for everyone.
3. Cube-shaped watermelons are grown in Japan which are given as expensive gifts priced at nearly $82 each.
4. 92% of the watermelon accounts for its water content, and it is cultivated in 1,200 varieties in over 96 countries across the world.
5. Since the health benefits of watermelon seeds are numerous, the roots of the watermelon plant are also used for medicinal purposes.

Quick and easy snack recipes using watermelon seeds:

• Roasted watermelon seeds give your snacking a healthy twist -

Ingredients:

1 cup raw watermelon seeds

1 tablespoon salt

1 cup Water

Instructions:

1. Ensure the watermelon seeds are washed and dried well before cooking.
2. Place the watermelon seeds in a frying pan on a stovetop on medium flame until they turn golden brown.
3. Then pour water into the same frying pan, add salt and stir well until the water evaporates.
4. Alternatively, they can be toasted in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 325 degrees by spraying them with cooking spray at first and sprinkling salt over them.
5. Let them cool completely before you munch on them. 

• Watermelon seed bars are a healthy snack that you can prepare in a jiffy -

Ingredients:

1 cup Watermelon Seeds

1/2 cup Sugar (or) jaggery

1/2 cup Water

Coconut oil to grease (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast watermelon seeds in a medium-sized pan on a medium flame as you keep stirring continuously for about 7 minutes until they are well-toasted and turn reddish in colour.
2. Set these seeds aside in a bowl.
3. Add water & sugar / jaggery to the pan and bring it to a boil until a thick syrup is formed. 
4. Add the seeds back to the pan and stir to coat all the seeds with the syrup.
5. Brush a mould with coconut oil and pour the seeds mixture into it giving it the desired shape. 
6. Allow it to cool completely and cut into even pieces before you serve.

Incorporating watermelon seeds in your diet in moderation is beneficial for your body. Try using watermelon seeds by Nourish You in the recipes shared above for a delightful cooking experience and rich taste.