It so happened that in the culture of using one of the most delicious berries - watermelon - we get rid of the seeds. This most often comes from not knowing what useful properties they have in themselves. And we can say with certainty: you definitely should discover them for yourself. They are not only tasty, but also healthy. Therefore, it is a great opportunity to combine business with pleasure. More on this in the following.
Nutritional value and calorie
The nutritional value and composition of seeds is surprisingly rich. This is a very high-calorie product: per 100 g of dried delicacy accounts for from 557 to 600 kcal. 
In the same 100 g contains:
- proteins - 28.3 g;
- fats 47.4 g;
- carbohydrates - 15.3 g
This volume has the following vitamin composition:
- B1 or thiamine - 0.2 mg;
- B2 or riboflavin - 0.1 mg;
- B3 or niacin - 3.6 mg;
- Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg;
- folic acid or B9 - 58 mg.
Do you know ins? In Thailand and China, watermelon seeds are roasted and sold everywhere in stores. They are consumed there just as we eat sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
The composition of minerals is also extensive (in 100 g):
- calcium - 54 mg;
- iron, 7.3 mg;
- magnesium - 515 mg;
- phosphorus - 755 mg;
- potassium - 648 mg;
- sodium, 99 mg;
- zinc - 10.2 mg;
- copper - 0.7 mg;
- manganese - 1.6 mg.
Get acquainted with the peculiarities of growing such varieties of watermelon as “Chill”, “Astrakhan”, yellow watermelon.Watermelon seeds are also rich in amino acids, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins.
Did you know? The most surprising fact is that there are three types of fat in the watermelon pits: polyunsaturated (including Omega-6), monounsaturated and saturated.
Useful side
In the course of research and study of the properties of seeds, an extended list of their useful qualitative characteristics was confirmed. 
Today, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic effects of watermelon pits have been proven.
They are effective in high concentration of sugar in the blood, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, painful phenomena in the kidneys, contribute to the regulation of arterial blood pressure.
They have a laxative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic action.
Products such as gooseberries, fresh grape juice, fennel, asparagus, buckthorn bark, sea kale, almonds also have a laxative effect.They are used for urinary incontinence, urolithiasis, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, and even for gonorrhea.
The seeds also protect the cells of the pancreas and prevent them from dying - all in combination significantly contribute to the improvement of the state during the treatment of any type of diabetes. 
Similarly, protecting the gastric mucosa at the cellular level, slowing down the secretion of gastric juice and digestive enzymes, seeds at the level of medications are effective in treating problems of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, gastric ulcers.
Important! From the seeds of melon even prepare the oil, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. It inhibits the synthesis of serotonin, histamine and prostaglandin - the key mediators of the inflammatory process. So, the use of oil is similar to the effect of the drug "Diclofenac", within 3 hours the swelling of the extremities significantly decreases.
Benefits for men
Arginine and citrulline in the composition of the bones contribute to the maintenance of male power and potency. The presence of selenium and zinc prevents the development of prostate adenoma and other diseases of this organ.
Learn about the benefits and dangers of watermelon for the body, how to cook pickled watermelons.The use of watermelon pits qualitatively improves the composition of sperm, and also supports normal sexual function in the stronger sex.
Use in sports diet
Watermelon seeds contain 60% of the daily value of protein, which contributes to the formation of muscle fibers, muscle building, which is extremely important for athletes. The amino acid arginine contained in the seeds has a positive effect on the heart.
It stabilizes blood pressure and prevents coronary heart disease.
Chinese pear, hellebore, actinidia, orange, savoy cabbage, honeysuckle, Jerusalem artichoke, dogrose infusion are able to normalize blood pressure.
As already mentioned, citrulline is present in the seeds. This is an amino acid that our body synthesizes independently. When it comes to us from the outside, it is converted to L-arginine, a conditionally replaceable amino acid that is involved in the treatment of many diseases.
In the diet of athletes, watermelon seeds are widely used, which are recommended as a vitamin-mineral component that increases athletic endurance. 
Sports doctors claim that a portion of dried watermelon seeds is a magical cocktail that reduces pressure, prevents anemia and normalizes blood glucose levels.
Important! In watermelons, which are dominated by yellow and orange pulp, the highest content of citrulline.
Harm to the body
The harm from the product is due to two factors: the caloric content and the presence of citrulline already familiar to us.
You should stop using seeds if:
- you suffer from obesity, you have a sedentary mode of work or a sedentary lifestyle. There is one reason - high-calorie bones, therefore there is a potential threat of gaining excess weight;
- you have kidney disease, urolithiasis, or bladder problems. Citrulline negatively affects the body in these diseases;
- you are pregnant or nursing;
- Citrulline is also contraindicated in children under three years of age.
Harvesting and storage of raw materials
Watermelon seeds can begin to collect from the end of July. It is important to collect them from ripe fruit, not green and not over-ripe - this significantly affects their quality.
They are well washed from the remnants of the pulp, laid out on a towel or several layers of newspapers in a convenient place, excluding increased humidity, high temperature and direct sunlight. Dried seeds are removed in a linen bag.
How to use: recipes
In folk medicine, many useful recipes based on watermelon seeds, many of which, unfortunately, have already been forgotten. We give the most famous. 
Decoction from worms
Our time has come down to recipes that help in the fight against worms.
Learn how to apply onions, pomegranate peels, pumpkin seeds, apricot kernels, zucchini from worms.Recipe 1. Well dried in the oven, the seeds are carefully crushed. In the ratio of 1:10 mixed with boiled milk. Two glasses of this drink should be drunk during the day.
Recipe 2. Three days in a row, daily, in the morning drink an infusion of watermelon seed. His pre-harvested for the night, pouring a glass of boiled water 1 tbsp. l ground seeds. In the morning, strain and drink.
Recipe 3. Prepare a decoction of seeds: 5 tbsp. l seed well in wooden utensils, cover with cold water in the amount of 1 l. Boil the mixture and, after reducing the heat, simmer for at least 45 minutes. Cool, strain and drink 1 glass 3 times a day. 
Infusion for uterine bleeding
Caucasian folk medicine since ancient times used tincture of bones in uterine bleeding.
Fresh seeds are ground in a wooden mortar with a wooden pestle, until white jelly appears. The resulting mass is mixed with milk. Take every 2 hours for 3-4 tbsp. l., to improve the condition.
Roasted Seeds
The most familiar to us and favorite method of cooking seeds is to fry them deliciously. For this we take:
- 1 tbsp. watermelon seeds;
- 0.5 tsp. salts;
- 1/4 cup water.
We use only black seeds, ideally large ones. White or light just burn. 
Heat the pan, do not add oil, pour the seeds into the pan, reduce the fire to medium and, stirring with a spatula, fry until they crackle and crack (about 6-8 minutes).
Then we fill them with water, pour in salt and, evaporating the water, dry it until it evaporates. Seeds should be dry again. Seeds can be used both as an independent delicacy and as a snack for beer.
As we have already noted, this product is high-calorie, so you should not abuse it - no more than 100 grams per day.
The composition and properties of watermelon seeds undeservedly underestimated. Now, having learned so much new and useful things about them, a good housewife will not exactly throw them into the trash.
