Watermelon, also known as watermelon, is a fruit that is characterized by being rich in water, which is why it helps the body and skin to stay hydrated. It also improves fluid retention and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
In addition to being diuretic, this fruit has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, digestive and antihypertensive properties, so its regular consumption provides various health benefits, the wellness and health portal specifies. your health. This source explains that the color of this fruit is provided by lycopene, a compound with antioxidant properties.
The recognition of the benefits of the fruit is clear; however, it is possible that not much is known regarding those that generate its seedswhich also make nutritional and beneficial contributions to the body.
According to an article published in the newspaper The vanguardfrom Spain, watermelon seeds are an important source of energy and are therefore a recommended food for people who develop a high level of physical activity, while being rich in protein, allowing muscle development and tissue regeneration.
In a similar sense, an article published in the daily The universal, from Mexico, indicates that these seeds are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids: 0.3 and 1.1 grams, respectively. These fats are recognized because they protect once morest heart attacks and strokes, in addition to reducing the levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, says the American Heart Association.
Watermelon seeds are also rich in zinc, which helps strengthen the immune system and provide antioxidants that delay the signs of aging, due to the effects of free radicals on cells.
Despite the multiple benefits that these seeds have in the body, it is important to understand that if it is consumed, it must be in a controlled amount, since excess of it can cause intestinal obstructionsince the digestive system does not have the necessary enzymes to digest the hard cellulose shell, of which the watermelon seed is composed.
According to a study carried out by experts from the Bozyaka Research and Training Hospital in Turkey, seeds that do not go through a grinding process can also cause appendicitis.
“Avoiding eating undigested fruit seeds and chewing the plants well can help prevent appendicitis”reveals the cited research.
According to the experts of the revealed study, Generally, when a person consumes some food, 95% passes through the digestive system without generating any complications, but there is a remaining 5% that can accumulate in the last part of the large intestine.so it ends up obstructing the connection with the appendix, causing its inflammation.
Also, the portal Consumerfrom Spain, cites a study published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciencesconcluded that: “It is important to clarify that, contrary to popular belief, eating seeds does not increase the risk of suffering intestinal conditions such as diverticulitis and that the clinical practice guidelines of the American Gastroenterological Association do not find evidence to prohibit them in a general way in these patients”.
The usual thing is to consume these seeds as they are in the fruit, along with it. But if people don’t like it, they can be dried and toasted to eat as a healthy snack or cut into pieces to add to other recipes, like nuts in salads. According to experts, young children should not eat watermelon seeds, especially to avoid choking.
