Fruits make up a major part of our daily diets although not everyone consumes these nature's gift on a daily basis. Notwithstanding that fruits are part of our diets, yet not every part of certain fruits are eaten such as the rinds and seeds. Some of these fruits parts are considered non-edible hence are usually discarded. One of such fruits is the watermelon of which the seeds and the rinds are normally thrown away while the colourful reddish pulp or flesh is eaten. Researchers have recommended the regular consumption of watermelon as it is highly nutritious and contains numerous medicinal properties. It is noteworthy that it is not only the watermelon flesh that is considered nutritive. The seeds have equally been considered safe to be an essential part of our diets due to its numerous health benefits.Watermelon, which is botanically known as Citrullus lanatus is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family alongside gourds, pumpkin, cucumber and squash. Some varieties of watermelon include jubilee, sugar baby, golden midget, yellow baby and starlight. Watermelon differs in colour, shape, size and texture. Some species of watermelon can either have a dark green rind, yellowish green rind or pale green stripes, round, oblong or oval in shape, small or large in size with smooth skin. Watermelon fruit is distinguished by the numerous small black seeds lodged in the centre of the flesh. Watermelon contains B vitamins (B1 and B6), vitamin C, dietary fibre, water, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, lycopene, phenolics, ß-carotene, flavonoids, carotenoids, carotenoid and citrulline.
Benefits of Watermelon Fruit
Tackles Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is associated with a less active way of life and this is amongst the leading cause of death. Watermelon can help to minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to its high constituent of lycopene as well as other vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, C, potassium and magnesium.
Ideal for Diabetic Patients
Watermelon fruit is considered safe for diabetic patients due to the presence of lycopene in it. Lycopene can act against the neuropathic pain caused by diabetes.
Enhances Exercise Performance
Consumption of watermelon enhances exercise performance due to the presence of lycopene, vitamins A, C and l-citrulline in it.
Alkalinizing Properties
Watermelon contains alkalinizing properties thus can be used as a diuretic drug by oedema patients.
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds- Watermelon seed is an excellent source of vitamin B, phosphorous, protein, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, low-molecular-weight polypeptides such as albumin, globulin, glutenin as well as serine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
- Watermelon seed contains antibacterial activity because it is rich in phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. Bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli have been scientifically proven to be susceptible to the seed extract of watermelon.
- Watermelon seed can be used as a natural coagulant for treating water. It is considered a suitable replacement for alum and other synthetic polyelectrolytes in water treatment.
- Watermelon seed has antihypertensive properties thus effective for lowering high blood pressure.
- Watermelon seed has cardioprotective effects thus protects the heart from heart diseases.
- Watermelon seed contains anti-diabetic properties thus suitable for regulating the blood sugar level.
- Watermelon seed has anti-obesity properties thus suitable for use in maintaining a balanced body weight.
- Watermelon seed possesses anti-ulcerogenic effect thus suitable for preventing the onset of ulcers.
- Watermelon seed has anti-arthritic effect hence suitable for relieving or preventing the onset of arthritis or its symptoms.
- Consumption of watermelon seed helps to reduce the risk of onset of cardiovascular diseases and cancers due to its high constituent of phenols.
- Watermelon seed possesses antioxidizing properties thus can offer protection against tissue damage caused by free radicals.
- Watermelon seed oil can be used for manufacturing cosmetics such as body cream and soap.
- Watermelon seed can be used for baking snacks and for making sauces.
- Watermelon seed promotes healthy growth.
- Watermelon seed extracts boost sperm count.
- Oil extracts from watermelon seeds can be used for cooking.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
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- Pixabay (2018), Images via https://pixabay.com/
- Shanely et al., (2016), Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise-Induced Alterations in Systemic Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, and Plasma Antioxidant Capacity, Nutrients, 8(8), 518.
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