We all love watermelon.
The delicious fruit comes from the gourd family. The red pulpy fruit is incredibly hydrating because it is mostly water. You can have watermelon as a delightful drink or serve the juicy flesh of the fruit as it is.
But did you know you could eat the rind and seeds of watermelons too?
No one ever thinks of the nutritional benefits of the watermelon seeds they are probably spitting out when consuming the delicious red pulp of the fruit.
But those black beauties are a source of magnesium, healthy fats, protein, B Vitamins, and iron.
Watermelon seed tea is a refreshing hot drink but its the health benefits what make it worth your attention.
Keep reading to know more about:
- What is Watermelon Seed Tea?
- Health benefits of Watermelon Seed Tea
- Easy Watermelon Seed Tea recipes
What is Watermelon Seed Tea?
Watermelons were cultivated in Libya 5000 years ago and in Egypt 4000 year ago.
Our ancestors were interested in the water in the fruit, and they consumed the seeds too.
It had a green or yellow interior then, as opposed to the red one we see today, which is the result of a long time of selective breeding. [1]
The seeds of the watermelon fruit are edible, low-calorie and high in nutrients.
They possess nine minerals essential for human body. These minerals are, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.
It also has six vitamins which are essential for healthy growth and nutrition because the body cannot synthesize them. These vitamins are folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin and Vitamin B6.
Watermelon might be high in sugar, but its seeds keep your blood sugar levels under control as potassium intake helps with blood pressure reduction in adults. [2]
It can also improve your digestion as it is has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. It stimulates evacuation of the bowels and passing of urine.
These seeds are full of nutrients that your body cannot afford to miss out on. [3]
You can have sun-dried watermelon seeds whole, reduce them to powder or extract the oil out of them. Prepare watermelon seed tea with fresh seeds.
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Health Benefits of Watermelon Seed Tea
Watermelon seeds contain the following nutrients that make it deserve particular attention.
1. High in Folate
Folate is natural Vitamin B9 and is necessary for the formation, growth, and function of new red blood cells.
It reduces risk of heart disease and promotes health and function of the brain by breaking down a toxic protein into a beneficial one. [4]
It can also prevent depression, slow down aging, reduce the risk of cancer, promote liver health and preserve bone health. [5]
2. High in Potassium
Potassium decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease by maintaining consistent blood pressure.
The potassium in watermelon seeds can help flush out kidney stones. [6]
Potassium supports muscle strength so a deficiency of it can lead to fatigue and weakness.
A diet high in potassium also prevents the loss of muscle mass. [7]
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3. High in Vitamin B
As previously mentioned, watermelon seeds contain thiamine, B6, and pantothenic acid.
Thiamine improves digestion, eases nerve pain by reducing nerve inflammation and boosts your immune system. [8]
Vitamin B6 is crucial for brain development and neurological function. It is not only an excellent source of minerals and vitamins itself, but it also helps your body absorb them.
Pantothenic acid breaks down cholesterol, particularly ‘bad’ cholesterol known as LDL which causes blockages in your blood vessels.
4. High in Magnesium
Magnesium, along with the B Vitamins, strengthens your immune system. [10]
It is beneficial for the heart as it regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels. [11]
It also improves your memory.
5. High in Protein
If you need to incorporate more protein into your diet, watermelon seeds are an excellent source of it.
Your body tissues such as muscle and hair are made of protein, as are enzymes and antibodies.
It helps keep your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood healthy. It builds and repairs tissues.
You also need to include it in your diet regularly if you wish to maintain weight by gaining muscle.
6. High in Zinc
Watermelon seeds contain zinc, which promotes heart health by regulating the way calcium moves in your heart cells. [12]
Zinc has antiviral effects. Viruses cause the common cold. Zinc reduces the incidence, severity, and duration of common cold symptoms. [13]
It also lowers the incidence of infections. [14] It boosts fertility. [15]
7. High in Iron
Watermelon seeds are rich in iron.
You need iron to transport oxygen in the blood, muscles. It also improves your cognitive function. [16]
It is essential not just for your mental performance, though. It is crucial for your physical performance as well because it preserves your energy. [17]
Easy Watermelon Seed Tea Recipes
There are many recipes for watermelon seed tea that are easy to make and tastes great. Here are our top 3.
Recipe 1: Watermelon Seed Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of watermelon seeds
- 1 liter of water.
Direction:
- After drying the watermelon seeds, crush them in a mortar with a pestle.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Put the watermelon seeds inside.
- Let it boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and cover it for 5 minutes.
- Sieve the tea and drink it after every meal to improve digestion.
Recipe 2: Watermelon Seed Tea with Watermelon Juice
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of watermelon seeds
- 1 liter of water
- 150 grams of watermelon juice
Direction:
- After drying the watermelon seeds, crush them.
- Boil the water and add the seeds.
- Let the seeds boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and leave the watermelon seed tea covered for 5 minutes.
- Sieve the tea.
- Refrigerate in until cold and then pour 150 grams of watermelon juice in it.
- Voilà! You have a rejuvenating drink on a hot summer day that couldn’t be healthier.
Recipe 3: Watermelon Seed Tea with Green Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of watermelon seeds
- 1 liter of water
- Green tea
Direction:
- Dry and crush the fresh seeds in a food processor.
- Add green tea to it.
- Shake the tea bag and then submerge it in a cup of boiling water until all the color and flavor has seeped out.
- Serve it immediately.
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Bottom Line
Watermelon seed tea has amazing health benefits if you make it at home. It is high in folate, potassium, Vitamin B, magnesium, protein, zinc, and iron. It decreases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
It helps you lose any extra weight you have gained by enhancing digestive health.
Drinking watermelon seed tea is safe. Watermelons grow abundantly in 96 countries. We are sure it is available in yours.
What are you waiting for? The science-backed health benefits of watermelon seeds are yours for the taking as soon as you drink it.
Drinking watermelon seed tea is a simple way to live a healthy, happy life.
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