Summer is here, and that means watermelon is the official fruit most people will grab to chill off from the heat. But before you dive into the melon and ditch the seeds – or have competitions spitting them the farthest, read on to discover how the least popular part of the fruit may actually be the most nutritious.
Watermelon flesh might by super hydrating and high in antioxidants, but the seeds – which many are quick to discard – consist of nutrients like fatty acids, essential proteins, minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and are full of B vitamins.
Perhaps most importantly, the seeds have citrulline substance, which acts as an antioxidant. It promotes the expansion of blood vessels, therefore, wards off arteriosclerosis, hypertension, angina and erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon seeds literally are ‘food medicine’.
There are a few ways to use the seeds, and they follow:
-Treat diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract by drinking a tea from the seeds (recipe below). This helps remove stones and sand in the kidneys.
-Cook, grind, boil or bake the seeds in order to derive the most medicinal benefits.
Watermelon Seed Tea For Healthy Kidneys
Ingredients:
-20-30 watermelon seeds
-2 Liter Water
Directions:
--Using a coffee grinder, food processor, or high-speed blender, grind the seeds (easiest when they’re dry) until fine.
--Bring 2 Liters of water to a boil.
--Use a nut milk bag or a tea ball to steep the ground seeds in the hot water. Store the tea and serve cold, or heat before serving.
--May add plant-based milk (almond, hemp, cashew, etc…) and raw honey (optional) or stevia.
The watermelon fruit offers numerous benefits, but don’t forget that the seeds are just as medicinal. Enjoy the fruit this summer and utilize the seeds to optimize your and your family’s health.
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