Jan 18, 2022
The Hidden Treasure
The next time you think of throwing out the seeds of the deliciously healthy melon you delighted in, think again! Packed with nutrients and extremely versatile, there's a lot to melon seeds that make them a guilt-free resource to have at home
Muskmelon is a popularly loved fruit, especially in the summers. The juicy, cooling fruit gives you rest from the heat; moreover, being pulpy, it also keeps you feeling full, hydrated and provides a good load of fibre. It has numerous health benefits. However, there is one big mistake we all have been making while enjoying this healthy fruit… throwing away its seeds!
Those melon seeds that simply land up in your trash (or compost bin, if you are conscious about waste management), are a great deal of nutrition lost. Once you get to know the health properties that melon seeds pack, you will find a much better use for them.
Melon seeds are power-packed with protein. This becomes even more significant for vegetarians, who don’t get enough of their dose of protein from a non meat-based diet. Melon seeds include about 3.6% protein, 4% fat, and 2.5% carbohydrate. This nutritional content is equivalent to other vegan sources like soy.
Melon seeds are loaded with vitamins. They are incredibly rich in Vitamins A, C and E, making them great for good eyesight as these vitamins prevent macular degeneration of the eyes. They are also rich in antioxidants, keeping the blood cholesterol levels under check. Very importantly, they have been found to reduce the chance of cancer. Moreover, the vitamin C content of the seeds helps in warding off cold and flu by improving your immunity.
Melon seeds are also a great source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals that help control blood pressure. They enhance bone strength and density and reduce the chances of Type 2 diabetes. Many people suffering from migraines, insomnia and depressive disorders have observed melon seeds to be an answer to their woes.
These seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that take great care of your heart function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Don’t be too quick in shunning them for their fat content, as they are also an excellent source of unsaturated fat, which is essential for your body.
Furthermore, the fibre content in the seeds as well as the netting around them help in better digestion, resulting in weight loss.
Melon seeds are the perfect solution for people troubled with problems like hair fall or weak and brittle nails. The high protein content helps maintain the tissues of the body, thus promoting healthy, shining hair and nails.
Melon seeds help get rid of worms in the intestines when consumed in crushed form. They also remove excessive phlegm in the body caused by congestion. These health benefits make melon seeds a powerhouse of nutrition. So next time when you eat a melon, remember not to throw away the seeds but to make the most of them. Fret not, you don’t have to eat the slimy tasteless seeds as they are. You can wash and dry them, even roast them if you wish, and then consume. There are several ways in which you can eat melon seeds, by simply adding them to meals and snacks that you like. One simple way is to toss them in your salads and fruit bowls. Not only will this give a boost to the health quotient of the food, but also add an exciting crunchiness and enhance the texture. That's the way to make a simple serving gourmet-looking!
Another way you can consume them, without actually even knowing the difference, is to add it to your smoothies or milkshakes. Grinding them right in will make your smoothie thicker and richer, both in nutritional value and consistency. If you like spreads like nut butters, you can make your own variant at home by adding in some ground melon seeds and enjoying it on yummy breads, making your snack more healthy as well as filling.
Leave aside cornflour or other such thickening agents. Melon seeds are an ideal addition to soups, stews and even gravies and sauces, making them thick as per your preference.
Add the seeds in to your breads, pies and crumbles, enhancing their look as well as nutrition.
Children will love healthy home-made candies that you can prepare by dry-roasting them and mixing them up with melted jaggery. Adding a few more nuts in this preparation can also give you a delicious healthy bar.
You can toss them in with some fennel seeds, poppy seeds and mint essence, making for a healthy mouth freshener post meals. Their digestive properties will come in handy here as well.
Quite simply, just wash the melon seeds thoroughly, dry them and give them a quick roast. Store them in a jar to make a crispy, healthy snack that you can keep munching on without any guilt.