Swallowing watermelon seeds: Debunking myths and health benefits
19 June 2024 09:23
Do you spit out watermelon seeds? Well, we are not particularly surprised because if we've been warned about the tragic consequences of this activity since childhood, the residue of those superstitions might still linger within each of us. Yet, it's worth trying to change that.
Is there even one person among us who never heard in childhood that swallowing a watermelon seed, a cherry pit, or a sour cherry pit would make something grow in our stomach that shouldn't be there? The versions varied: some were told they would grow fruits inside, while others would grow bushes and trees. Neither option seemed very appealing to kids.
Swallowing a cherry pit is indeed not a pleasant event, and doing it in large quantities could even lead to cyanide poisoning. Meanwhile, watermelon seeds seem harmless by comparison. And that’s quite true, to say the least. These small bits, so despised by children, are pure health.
Watermelon seeds — spit or swallow?
Eating a watermelon seed won’t harm us and will also help us. Inside them, we find a multitude of nutritious properties. B vitamins support metabolic processes, arginine regulates blood pressure, unsaturated fatty acids maintain the structure and function of mucous membranes, and fibre keeps us fuller for longer while aiding digestion. Watermelon seeds are also packed with minerals: iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Watermelon seeds in the diet
The conclusions, in this case, are pretty simple. Swallowing watermelon seeds seems a far more sensible option than spitting them out. The problem is that not everyone likes to do that. Moreover, a large number of unchewed seeds can irritate our intestines. That is why there are recipes that allow us to safely enjoy the health benefits of the seeds — without having to swallow them.
The most popular of these recipes is roasted watermelon seeds. What should you do? Spread the seeds on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and put them in an oven preheated to 160°C (320°F). After 15 minutes, our healthy, tasty, low-calorie snack will be ready.
