Read nutritional benefits of watermelon seeds

A nutritionist on Tuesday in Lagos advised people not to discard watermelon seeds after eating the fruit, but consume them too because of their nutritional benefits.
The nutritionist, Olusola Malomo, told the News Agency of Nigeria that as watermelon is rich in nutrients and minerals, so also the seeds; therefore it should be chewed and swallowed.
He said that watermelon seeds had many health benefits; the amounts of minerals and vitamins in them could be low but still better than unhealthy snacks.
Malomo said: “Watermelon seeds contain some essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own such as lysine and arginine among others.
“The amino acids help in calcium absorption to facilitate the formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body and improve the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.
“Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium, which is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis.
“It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.
“Watermelon seeds contain lycopene, which is good for your face and also helps to improve male fertility; it also helps in growth and repair of muscles, skin tissues and rich in enzymes.
“These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements; it is an important source of calories and energy and can be beneficial in combating protein deficiencies.
“The healthy fats present in watermelon seeds, including Omega 6 fatty acids, help in reducing the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood, which reduce cardiac ailments and health complications.”
Malomo, however, said that the seeds could be used to make tea in case one could not eat them.
He said: “Grind four spoons of watermelon seeds, bring to boil in two litres of water, allow to cool, sieve the seeds, the tea is ready for consumption, you can drink at least four times in a day.
“Watermelon seed tea works as a natural diuretic; it can be used for kidney cleansing, eliminate kidney stones, urinary infection and control diabetes.”