We all know that muskmelon, also known as cantaloupe or kharbuja (in Hindi), is extremely healthy. This juicy fruit not just keeps you hydrated, but is also a great source of vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and K. It is high in folate, copper, and magnesium, and since a large portion of fruit consists of water, it makes you feel full in fewer calories, thus making it an ideal fruit for weight loss. Not only that, but it is also believed to help in managing blood pressure and diabetes, and since it is rich in fiber, it helps with digestion.
Muskmelon is a summer fruit, but that doesn’t mean you can reap its numerous health benefits just in that season. Just like the fruit, its seeds in rich in health benefitting properties too. And the good news, you can save the seeds and have them way past the summer season. So, let us go through the several health benefits of having muskmelon seeds.
Health Benefits Of Muskmelon Seeds
Here are the reasons why you should include muskmelon seeds in your daily diet:
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- Just like the fruit, muskmelon seeds contain vitamin C. This nutrient helps in boosting immunity, aiding the body to fight against diseases and infections. This has become all the more important since the COVID-19 pandemic because the novel coronavirus disproportionately impacts immunocompromised people.
- These contain dietary fiber, which helps with digestion-related ailments such as constipation.
- Muskmelon seeds also contain calcium, which helps with bone and dental health.
- These are also a good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from cellular damage. These antioxidants also prevent heart diseases and certain cancers.
- Just like muskmelon itself, its seeds also contain folate. This nutrient decreases the risk of certain cancers as well as heart diseases. However, its most important role is considered during pregnancy. Folate supplements are generally recommended a month before pregnancy to protect the child from several birth defects.
- The seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. The health benefits of this nutrient are numerous. Not only it is good for cardiovascular health and in preventing certain cancers, but it is also extremely beneficial for eye health, in fighting age-related cognitive decline, and in coping with anxiety and depression.
- We know that vegetarians are often starved when it comes to protein, with very few options available for them to explore. For them, as well as for the non-vegetarians, muskmelon seeds are a great option since they are packed with this macronutrient.
- Alike the fruit, muskmelon seeds also contain vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause dry eye and night blindness and in extreme cases, it can also cause complete blindness.
How To Include Muskmelon Seeds In Your Diet
Now that we know the several health benefits of having muskmelon seeds, let us learn some ways to have them:
- The easiest way is to have the seeds raw.
- You can also roast them and have them as a snack.
- You can also add some seeds to your salad.
- Another way is to add them to your smoothies soups and gravies.
Muskmelon seeds are a great snack overall. What makes them great is along with the several health properties, they keep you full for a long. This is because these seeds are high in protein, which is known for inducing fullness for a long. So next time when you feel like grabbing a snack, rather than going for that namkeen, get a handful of muskmelon seeds.