Everybody has those days when they’re happily munching on a slice of watermelon until they accidentally swallow a seed. A shudder of fear runs through us for a second. If you bite into a watermelon seed, what will happen? while the other half attempts to spit it out as fast as possible.
Eating a watermelon seed probably won’t hurt you and may even have some nutritional benefits, so don’t worry about it.
Healthy fats and a wide range of vitamins and minerals can be found in watermelon seeds, as reported by healthline. Raw, shelled watermelon seeds (about a quarter cup’s worth) include almost 168 calories, 5.6 grams of protein, 5.3 grams of carbs, and 14.4 grams of fat. Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and copper are just few of the many beneficial micronutrients found in these foods. In addition, the essential B vitamins thiamin and folate can be found in good amounts in shelled seeds.
There is still not enough research to draw any firm conclusions about the health advantages of watermelon seeds. Inflammation can be reduced, digestion improved, and “heart-healthy” lipids like omega-3 fatty acids found, according to some research on the seeds. The essential fatty acids in these foods have been shown to reduce the risk of oxidative stress and diseases like cancer and diabetes. The powerful antioxidant cucurbitacin can be found in watermelon seeds. Cucurbitacin has shown promise in vitro as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent, with additional potential benefits including reduced blood pressure and decreased chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
It’s also possible that the long-term nutritional benefits of eating watermelon seeds outweigh the small risk of short-term harm. This is because a tiny study of the senior population in China found that people who regularly consumed watermelon seeds tended to live longer than those who did not.
On the other side, consuming watermelon seeds may come with a number of potential dangers. Consuming too many of them may lead to the formation of kidney stones, according to research. This may be due to the high levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus in the seeds. The seeds are heavy in fat and calories, thus consuming too many of them could lead to unhealthful weight gain. Watermelon seed overconsumption has been linked to digestive issues like gas and bloating.
What occurs after inadvertently consuming a watermelon seed is highly context dependent. In most cases, the seeds from a watermelon are fine to eat, and they may even have some health benefits. Some people may experience negative effects from ovedosing. You should generally restrict your intake of watermelon seeds and always boil them before consuming them.
In moderation, eating a watermelon seed probably isn’t bad for you and might even be good for you because of the nutrients it contains. Just eat carefully and remember the dangers of an overdose.
