Is it possible to eat watermelon with bones

The juicy and sweet flesh of the watermelon delights adults and young lovers of natural delicacies. But the world's largest berry, in addition to its amazing taste characteristics, has a whole arsenal of other useful properties. For example, watermelon helps in weight loss and cleanses the liver well. This crop is widely used in pharmaceutical and folk medicine. But if everything is clear with the possibilities of application of watermelon pulp, then the question about the options for using the seeds of the large fruit remains behind the scenes.

Indeed, traditionally the seeds go to waste, although they also have a lot of positive properties. After all, the composition of watermelon seeds is full of nutrients, which our body needs all the time. It is no accident in some national cuisines of the world they are used in cooking. In cosmetology they also found a use for watermelon seeds - in processed form they are added to skin scrubs and other care products. So it's time to uncover the secrets of the amazing fruit and find out what benefits you can get from watermelon seeds at home.

What are the benefits of watermelon seeds

Watermelon is usually always served at the end of the family meal. And the pink-red pulp quickly disappears from the plate, on which remain black, brown or beige hue seeds. Most housewives, throwing them in the trash, do not even think about what a valuable product is discarded. Watermelon seeds contain up to one third of all proteins alone. It is known that proteins are an energy generator and also participate in the synthesis of essential amino acids, which help to build muscle mass. This is only one valuable component, and in total in the composition of the seeds there are several dozen. Let us list the main active substances:

1. Arginine - this component refers to amino acids. It participates in the work of almost all organs and systems: it supports cardiac activity, regulates blood pressure, has anticarcinogenic activity.
2. Tryptophan is another very useful amino acid that participates in metabolic processes. It has a positive effect on the emotional background, improves skin and hair.
3. Glutamic acid together with lysine regulates carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
4. The fats contained in shiny bones are able to provide the body with the necessary proteins. For example, a 200-gram serving of dried watermelon seeds contains the daily norm of protein. These are mainly omega acids, which not only determine the heart muscle performance, but also the functions of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
5. B vitamins are responsible for the nervous system and blood vessels. They are necessary for normal digestion and skin.
6. Mineral elements are also represented by an impressive group of substances: zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium and many more. Each mineral is responsible for its strictly assigned function, and when combined, these substances increase the body's defenses, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and ensure the removal of excess fluid.
7. Dietary fiber improves digestion and intestinal motility.

All of this set of substances is fully preserved in properly dried watermelon seeds. With regular consumption of the natural product, the following positive effects are observed:

• The level of blood pressure is normalized;
• the work of the intestines is normalized;
• Brain activity is activated;
• Improves the condition of hair, skin and nail plates;
• increases protective functions of the immune system;
• metabolic processes are improved;
• Blood sugar levels are normalized.

In addition, watermelon seeds in any form of use inside have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and reproductive functions of women and men.

Caloric value
Interestingly, even nutritionists advise that watermelon seeds should not be thrown away, but processed. They can be dried and fried, as well as consumed raw. True, the energy content of the seeds can't be called small, because a 100-gram portion of the pure product contains 557 kcal, and this is a quarter of the norm that an adult needs daily. Therefore, those who are used to sitting all day in front of a computer screen, this caloric product should not be included in the diet. But for people who maintain an active lifestyle, watermelon seeds will be very useful.

This is interesting: High calorie content combined with a complex of omega fatty acids makes watermelon seeds an ideal option for a healthy snack.

For women

Back in the olden days, women of the weaker sex husked seeds during gatherings. And not only sunflower seeds were popular, but also pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds. In modern society, the love for sunflower seeds has not disappeared, although they are used in a slightly different format.

The rich composition with a high content of vitamins and mineral salts is very useful for the skin. If at home grind watermelon seeds with a coffee grinder, you get an excellent scrub to cleanse the facial dermis. Such a product will be useful for hair and nails, and the valuable oil from watermelon seeds can be directed to combat acne.

Home care products using watermelon oil rejuvenate facial skin, returning it to elasticity and firmness.

In folk medicine, the seeds of the berry are widely used in home therapy for a variety of diseases: they have components that stimulate tissue regeneration and the course of metabolic processes. In kidney disease, the seed oil is taken on an empty stomach to improve urine excretion and relieve symptoms of inflammation.

For men

Watermelon seeds are good for men's health because they contain a high percentage of zinc, the element that is responsible for the production of sex hormones.

1. When the seeds are regularly used as a condiment to the main dishes of the diet, the risk of prostatitis will be reduced, and the ground seeds will help in the fight against baldness.
2. Protein-rich seeds increase stamina and help a man recover quickly after excessive physical exertion.
3. Many athletes are sure to include watermelon seeds in their diet to keep their muscles toned.

Note: Watermelon seeds are included in many dietary supplements.

Pregnancy

Unfortunately, watermelon seeds for women are on the list of banned products during pregnancy. The reason for such restrictions is, oddly enough, due to the high concentration of proteins in the product.

When breastfeeding

Watermelon seeds are not suitable for internal intake and during breastfeeding. Some components of the composition of the seeds can cause digestive disorders and other disorders in the baby. But it is allowed to use a useful product to maintain beauty for breastfeeding mothers.

For children

Of course, adding watermelon seeds to the food of babies especially of an early age is hardly worth it, but in the means for baby skin care you can introduce the oil of the seeds. The natural product perfectly softens and moisturizes baby skin, preventing diaper rash. Children over 3 years old are given watermelon seeds for helminth infections. By the way, the seeds of the largest berry are considered the best remedy for the treatment of worm infestations.

When losing weight

Despite the off-scale caloric content, the watermelon seed has justified its ability to work on reducing body weight. For example, the following decoction is popular among weight-loss people:

1. Pour a handful of raw seeds with a glass of water.
2. Put the pot on the fire.
3. When the liquid boils, turn down the heat to minimum.
4. In this state, the decoction to simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Strain the cooled drink.

Take decoction of watermelon seeds can be taken up to 3 times a day. As practice shows, it is possible to lose from 4 to 7 kilograms of excess weight in a week with such gentle therapy.

Good to know: folk healers advise to eat watermelon seeds to all healthy people. Such a supplement will be a good prevention of diseases of the liver and other gastrointestinal organs.

Is it possible to eat watermelon seeds

The peoples of Asia and Africa have long used watermelon seeds as a food. In some countries, they chew raw seeds, peeled from the outer shell. But the most common type of cooking is roasting the product. After heat treatment the seeds have a pleasant aroma and taste, they are added to salads, porridges and soups. Dried watermelon seeds are perfectly combined with dried fruits and nuts. Watermelon seeds are not inferior to chips in their gastronomic characteristics, but their usefulness is several orders of magnitude higher. After all, the seeds of ripe berries are much more necessary substances for the body than potatoes. In addition, for their eating and digestion takes several times more time than it takes to process potato delicacies. Therefore, it is simply impossible to eat a large portion of the product.

In cooking, watermelon seeds are often used to make flour, and then added to confectionery products. Whole watermelon seeds can be added to curd casseroles and fruit desserts.

Important: The seeds of the unripe fruit are not suitable for eating. Not only that, but they can be harmful to your health. Before consuming watermelon seeds, you need to be sure that the crop was grown without the use of chemicals.

The benefits of eating the seeds along with the pulp

Now about consuming the seeds together with watermelon pulp. This option is allowed, although it complicates the ingestion of valuable proteins. Getting along with the juicy pulp, the seeds will cleanse the intestines and help regulate stools. But, wanting to strengthen your body at the expense of a natural product, you should not try to eat in one sitting all the seeds that are contained in one berry. One small handful of seeds will be enough. It is necessary to observe a measure, even when eating healthy foods.

Watermelon seeds in folk medicine

The useful composition endowed watermelon seeds with healing properties. Therefore, this product is particularly loved by healers and herbalists. Thus, it has long been proven that watermelon seeds are a natural diuretic. On their basis are prepared compositions, which help in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. With the help of watermelon seeds at home you can relieve the unpleasant effects of alcohol intoxication and lower blood pressure, get rid of diarrhea and even out blood sugar levels.

Here are a few popular recipes based on watermelon seeds as an example for practical use.

Blood Pressure Beverage

A recipe for making a hypotensive tea is common in Ayurveda. The preparation of the drink is simple:

1. Grind 20-30 g of dried seeds.
2. Pour the resulting mass of 2 liters of water.
3. Boil the composition for a quarter of an hour.

Take tea with watermelon seeds should be 1 liter per day for two days, then take a break for one day, and then, if necessary, continue the course of treatment on the same schedule. To normalize the work of the kidneys, you can take 1 tsp of pure product every morning on an empty stomach.

Remedy for worms

Watermelon seeds gained great popularity in the fight against worms. They were used for this purpose in the old days by folk healers. To prepare the medicine you need:

1. Grind the seeds dried in the oven.
2. Then combine the powder with milk in the proportion 1:10.
3. To achieve a therapeutic effect, drink 2 glasses of such a cocktail daily.

It is better to take the anthelmintic remedy on an empty stomach, then the effect of treatment will be fast.

Note: To expel worms, it is recommended to use the seeds of striped watermelons. To do this, first wash them, then lay them out on a piece of cloth for natural drying in the sun. But you can dry valuable raw materials in the oven to save time.

Remedy for uterine bleeding

Such a problem is often faced by women. To prevent major bleeding, you must first crush the watermelon seeds in a mortar and dilute the resulting raw material in raw milk. Drink the medicine prepared according to this recipe, 4 tablespoons every two hours until the condition improves. This method of treatment will help with heavy periods, otherwise you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Harm and contraindications

The seeds of a wonderful berry called "watermelon" have a high nutritional value and can be beneficial in the treatment of various pathologies. But, despite such a wide range of possibilities, their use is contraindicated in the following cases:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• In pancreatitis and obesity of any degree;
• Children under three years of age;
• Chronic kidney and bladder diseases.

Regarding the last limitation, we would like to remind that the seeds contain a component such as the amino acid citrulline. This organic compound during decomposition releases ammonia, which can worsen the condition of kidney problems up to the development of renal failure. Also restrictions apply to diabetics. Although on the one hand, watermelon seeds help to normalize blood sugar levels, on the other hand, a sharp decrease in indicators can significantly worsen the condition of the sick person. Therefore, include this product in the daily diet of such patients can only be with the permission of an endocrinologist.

So, it is easy to conclude that people with health problems can consume watermelon seeds only after consulting with your doctor. But even if there are no contraindications, you should not get carried away with such a delicacy, especially people prone to obesity.

How to roast watermelon seeds

Fundamentally, roasting watermelon seeds does not differ from the same way of cooking sunflower and other types of seeds. The whole process is divided into several steps:

1. Rinse the seeds under running water.
2. Then wait for them to dry out a little.
3. Then cover the bottom of the baking tray with a sheet of paper, and then scatter the watermelon seeds evenly on it.
4. Roast the seeds at a temperature no higher than 160 degrees and no more than 15 minutes.

If you want to get a crunchy treat, you can increase the roasting time by 2-3 minutes. It is important to maintain these parameters, otherwise the valuable raw material will be irrevocably spoiled.

Before serving, the cooked seeds can be salted and peppered, sprinkled with lemon juice or flavored with cinnamon and sugar to improve their flavor.

Any of the above options will turn the seeds into a gourmet treat.

Second option
Those who prefer crunchy roasted seeds can use this cooking method:

1. Rinse and lightly dried kernels and first roast them in a pan for about 5-6 minutes.
2. After that, pour a salt solution prepared according to the formula into the pan: 1 tsp. salt per glass of water.
3. Fry the seeds until the water is completely evaporated.

When the product has cooled, consume it as intended.

Conclusion
Having studied the features of ripe watermelon seeds, it is safe to say that it is a very useful product. Despite some limitations, watermelon seeds can be used in cooking and home treatment. The natural product with regular use will be a source of vitamins and valuable minerals, and with proper use will not become a cause of illness. Therefore, this product deserves a worthy place on the table.