Watermelon is everyone’s favorite summer fruit. But did you know that its seeds are just as good for you? Now you’ll learn why you should never throw them away.
In summer, everyone eats watermelon because it’s refreshing and hydrating. Watermelon is an important source of vitamins, especially vitamins A, B and C, which are necessary for the production of energy and antioxidants (carotenoids and lycopene); they also neutralize free radicals.
Lycopene is a substance that helps the prevention of some types of cancer such as prostate, colorectal, lung and breast cancer.
In addition, watermelon also contains something that is not as insignificant as we treat it: seeds. Although many people remove them, the seeds can be reliable allies in preserving our health.
Watermelon seeds are beneficial for athletes as they increase the amount of plant protein in a diet.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, watermelon seeds are rich in magnesium, which is indispensable for athletes to prevent or treat muscle contractions.
The seeds contain magnesium and zinc, which contribute to the effective functioning of the immune system.
The only drawback of watermelon seeds is that they are difficult to digest; therefore it is recommended consuming them only once a week to avoid an upset stomach. The best solution is to crush and dry these seeds before consumption.
Did you know that 108 grams of watermelon seeds contain 556 milligrams of magnesium? Next time you plan to throw away watermelon seeds, think twice.