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Yes. If you have ever wondered if watermelon seed is good for people with kidney diseases or kidney stones or for overall kidney health, then this article is for you.
Watermelon seeds, just like the fruit, are in fact beneficial for the kidneys!
Why Consume Watermelon?
Dietary recommendations by experts suggest increasing the intake of vegetables for improving the outcomes of chronic kidney disease.
The high fiber in fruits such as watermelon can reduce the amount of uric acid produced, which reduces the load on the kidneys. They are also rich in potassium and help improve kidney function. (1)
How Can Watermelon Seeds Be Beneficial for the Kidneys?
Watermelon seeds can improve kidney health in more ways than one.
1. The high potassium and magnesium in watermelon seeds can prevent damage to the kidneys
About 1 g of watermelon seeds (approximately 14 seeds) contains 6.5 mg of potassium and 5 mg of magnesium; both minerals are essential for healthy kidney function. It also contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant that can prevent oxidative damage to the kidneys. (2)
2. Watermelon seeds contain minerals that are useful for kidney function
Research shows that watermelon seeds may contain zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are critical to metabolic functions in the body including preventing damage caused by free radicals.
Unregulated free radical damage can be harmful to the kidneys, especially in those with diabetic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. (3)
3. Watermelon seeds can help reduce uric acid levels
Animal studies also found milk made from watermelon seeds to reduce the amount of uric acid in rats with kidney disease and protect their kidneys. (4)
How to Take Watermelon Seeds
Dried and roasted watermelon seeds can be eaten like any other seed as a snack or used to top salads, soups, and smoothies.
Watermelon seed tea has also been recommended by renowned holistic practitioner Edgar Cayce. He suggested the drink to be a diuretic and anti-inflammatory and have the ability to flush the kidneys to improve urine flow. (5) However, more thorough research is needed to back this claim with evidence.
Cayce recommended grinding watermelon seeds in a grinder and brewing tea with it. Drinking this tea thrice a week was said to be helpful.
Most-Asked Questions
Who should avoid watermelon seeds?
If you have allergies to watermelon fruit, it is better to avoid the seeds as well. In addition, people on diuretic medications (such as those prescribed for high blood pressure) also need to avoid their consumption.
Is it safe to eat watermelon along with its seeds when I have kidney stones?
Watermelon fruit has a high water content that is useful in increasing urine output and flow. This may be beneficial for people with kidney stones by flushing them out.
There won’t be any harmful effects of eating watermelon seeds; however, the seeds are not effective against kidney stones.
Final Word
Watermelon seeds, like the fruit, are rich in nutrients and can be useful additions to the diet. They play a protective role in the kidneys by reducing excessive uric acid, and watermelon seed tea can be an effective diuretic.
In conclusion, watermelon seeds are indeed good for your kidneys.
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