Are watermelon seeds safe for consumption?
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You might be accustomed to spitting them out as you eat. Some people just opt for seedless. But the nutritional value of watermelon seeds may convince you otherwise. A handful of watermelon seeds contains about 0.29 mg of iron, or about 1.6 percent of the daily value. It might not seem like much, but the NIH only recommends adults get 18 mg in their day.
Iron is an important component of hemoglobin — carrying oxygen through the body. It also helps your body convert calories into energy.
However, watermelon seeds contain phytate, which decreases the absorption of iron and reduces their nutritional value.
Experts say you should have zero fears — watermelon seeds are perfectly safe to eat. If you get a mouthful of seeds along with that sweet, juicy watermelon flesh, it’s totally fine. Of course they won’t taste so great. Like chia and flax seeds, watermelon seeds contain nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which studies have linked with various health benefits. They are also a good source of healthy fats and protein.