Did you know that it is possible to make tea from watermelon seeds? Among the main benefits of this infusion is the ability to prevent infections, improve kidney function and protect the liver.
In addition, this infusion can help reduce cholesterol and speed up metabolism, increasing weight loss.
See below for more details of these benefits and learn how to correctly prepare and drink tea from these seeds.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Watermelon Seed Tea
Stimulates kidney function
Tea made with watermelon seeds helps stimulate kidney function due to its diuretic effect. This means it works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the body.
In addition to stimulating kidney function, tea also helps eliminate sodium. Thus, the infusion also promotes a hypotensive effect, that is, to reduce blood pressure.
This same increase in urine output can also prevent kidney stones from forming.
Protect or treat gastric.
Protects the gastric tract
Another benefit of this infusion is to protect the stomach against the appearance of gastric ulcers. This happens thanks to the effect of the seeds in increasing the production of mucus that lines and protects the stomach wall.
In an article prepared by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Delta State University, Nigeria, the researchers found that this protection promoted by the fruit’s seeds is similar to the action of industrialized medicines for ulcers.
In addition, the seeds managed to reduce the production of stomach acids and protect the region against damage caused by acids and the action of bacteria.
To complete the protection of the stomach, tea prevents the inflammatory process of ulcers and relieves the pain caused by them.
First, you must know that inflammation is the body’s natural response to a possible threat. This process happens because the body releases histamine, a vasodilator substance that increases blood flow in the region.
The intention is to bring in more defending cells to fight the problem. However, all this causes redness and pain. But the seeds act to prevent that from happening.
Finally, the seeds also protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol abuse, excessive fat consumption, and medications.
This hepatoprotective property is derived from the presence of antioxidant substances in the seed oil, which prevent these and other compounds from causing damage to liver cells.
Regulates bowel function
Researchers from the Department of Pharmacy at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) found that watermelon seeds are also rich in dietary fibre and the benefits above.
For every 100 grams of natural seeds, about 15 grams are composed of fibre. The value changes to almost 41% when using seed meal.
Fibre food is essential for the proper functioning of the intestine. This is because they form a kind of gel in the stomach, thanks to their ability to hold water. This gel is transported to the intestine, stimulates the proliferation of good bacteria, and prevents the stool from drying out.
Furthermore, they increase the production of gases, which widen the intestinal passage. The result is that the stool has an ideal consistency, alleviating problems such as constipation and diarrhea.
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces cholesterol
Speaking of fibres, it is essential to point out that they are one of those responsible for reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood. This is because they reduce the absorption of this type of fat by the body and, consequently, reduce the impact of this substance on the blood.
This reduction happens because the bad cholesterol (LDL) itself is “trapped” in the gel formed by the fibres. Thereby, it is more easily eliminated through feces.
In addition, the UFPR research indicated that this part of the watermelon is rich in so-called fatty acids, especially oleic acid or omega-9, representing almost 20% of the lipids in the seed.
This acid is a powerful antioxidant, acting directly on lowering LDL. But it is also crucial in lowering glucose and protecting the body against cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Helps in weight loss
Finally, tea also helps with weight loss, mainly thanks to dietary fibre. What happens is that these enzymes expand in the stomach and increase the feeling of fullness.
In addition, fibre has little energy, causing the body to burn more fat to maintain itself.
It is also worth noting that the seeds have low amounts of carbohydrates and reasonable protein. This makes her not so energetic. However, they can help form new muscle fibres and increase lean body mass.
How to make and consume tea?
Ingredients:
- 500 ml of filtered water
- Two tablespoons of watermelon seeds.
Preparation method:
To make the tea, you need to use the dried seeds, then let them dry overnight in an airy place so that all the water evaporates. Then crush them.
Then bring the water to the fire until it bubbles and add the seeds, letting it cook for 10 minutes. After this time, please turn off the heat and leave the infusion covered until it cools.
This tea is meant to be consumed throughout the day in small amounts. But an important warning, do not keep it for more than 24 hours to avoid losing its beneficial properties.
Are there any contraindications?
The Homemade Remedy did not find any contraindication for the consumption of watermelon seed tea. It is safe but should not be used as an exclusive treatment without medical indication.
The infusion should be used as an adjunct to traditional treatments. In addition, you must avoid excesses and always consume in moderation.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.