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Are Watermelon Seeds Good for You?

Jun 24, 2011 | By Brian Willett
Are Watermelon Seeds Good for You?
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Although many people spit out the seeds when eating watermelon, these small kernels can be a rich source of nutrition. Watermelon seeds are not optimal for every diet plan due to the rich fat content, but watermelon seeds do provide nutritional benefits that can make them a valuable addition to your diet plan. You should note that watermelon seeds are calorie dense, so eating them in moderation is best.

Calories

Watermelon seeds are not optimal for dieting as they are calorie dense; a 1 oz. serving of seeds contains 158 calories, which comprises 7.9 percent of the daily suggested calorie intake of 2,000. This makes watermelon seeds about as calorie dense as mixed nuts, which provide 174 calories per 1 oz. serving. The calorie density makes watermelon seeds good for active individuals. A 1 oz. serving of watermelon seeds provides enough calories to fuel 43 minutes of weightlifting or 18 minutes of swimming laps.

Dietary Fat

Watermelon seeds can be healthy for you because they are a rich source of dietary fat. Each 1 oz. serving of watermelon seeds provides 13.4 g of dietary fat. Most of this fat is unsaturated, as only 2.7 g comes from saturated fat, which may increase your risk of heart disease. The fat provided by watermelon seeds can be quite beneficial, as fat fuels long exercise sessions and helps your body absorb nutrients.

Carbohydrates

If you are following a low-carbohydrate diet, watermelon seeds can be a good choice. Each 1 oz. serving of the seeds provides just 4.3 g of carbohydrates.

Protein

Watermelon seeds are a rich source of protein, with each 1 oz. serving providing 8 g. Protein is vital for your health because your body needs it to build and repair tissues across your body. Because protein is so important, the Institutes of Medicine suggests consuming at least 0.8 g per kg of your bodyweight of protein each day.

Vitamins

Watermelon seeds do not provide many vitamins, but low levels of thiamin, niacin and folate, also known as vitamins B-1, B-3 and B-9. These vitamins help your body turn food into usable energy.

Minerals

Watermelon seeds provide numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. Unlike some seeds and nuts, watermelon seeds are low in sodium, with 28 mg in each 1 oz. serving; this amount is about 1 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,300 mg.

References

Article reviewed by Kaydee Lowrey Last updated on: Jun 24, 2011

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