What are the functions and benefits of watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are the seeds of the watermelon plant, which belongs to the gourd family, and they can be consumed as food or used medicinally. Generally speaking, the effects and benefits of watermelon seeds mainly include promoting digestion, providing energy, clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and clearing heat to quench thirst. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Promoting digestion: Watermelon seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, help food move more smoothly through the intestines, prevent constipation, and improve digestive system function. They also help maintain a balanced intestinal flora, which benefits overall digestive health.
2. Providing energy: Watermelon seeds contain abundant fats, which are high-calorie nutrients. Eating watermelon seeds in moderation can effectively replenish the body's energy needs and help alleviate fatigue and restore physical strength.
3. Clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm: Watermelon seeds are rich in protein, fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, and nutrients such as potassium, iron, and selenium. These components help clear the lungs and resolve phlegm, offering auxiliary therapeutic effects for symptoms such as coughing, excessive phlegm, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
4. Moistening the intestines and relieving constipation: Watermelon seeds are rich in oils, which lubricate the intestines, increase intestinal moisture and volume, stimulate the intestinal mucosa to secrete more digestive fluids, thereby promoting intestinal peristalsis and facilitating the excretion of feces.
5. Clearing heat and quenching thirst: Watermelon seeds have a sweet and cold nature and possess the effect of clearing heat and quenching thirst. During hot summers or after prolonged febrile illnesses that cause symptoms such as thirst, irritability, dizziness, and palpitations, moderate consumption of watermelon seeds can neutralize internal heat, alleviating thirst and irritability.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, tomatoes, and broccoli, which help maintain overall health.