Can I eat watermelon seeds while taking medication?
Feb 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, it is generally acceptable to eat watermelon seeds while taking medication, but excessive consumption should be avoided. Usually, watermelon seeds can be consumed after taking medication. Watermelon seeds are rich in protein, vitamin E, and various trace elements, and moderate consumption can help supplement nutrition. The seeds also contain abundant oils that can provide energy to the body, and they are relatively high in calcium, which can promote the development of teeth and bones.
Generally speaking, it is acceptable to eat watermelon seeds while taking medication, but excessive consumption should be avoided. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Watermelon seeds are rich in protein, vitamin E, and various trace elements; moderate consumption helps supplement nutrition. The abundant oils in watermelon seeds can provide energy for the body. Additionally, they contain considerable calcium, which promotes dental and bone development, and unsaturated fatty acids that can stimulate appetite and aid digestion.
However, it is advisable to separate the time of consuming watermelon seeds from medication intake to avoid interference with drug absorption. Excessive consumption should also be avoided to prevent indigestion. Furthermore, watermelon seeds are classified as nuts and have a relatively cold nature. Some traditional Chinese medicines, such as Coptis (Huang Lian) and Scutellaria (Huang Qin), also have cold properties, so eating watermelon seeds should be temporarily avoided in such cases.
While taking medication, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding overly greasy or spicy foods can help enhance the effectiveness of the medication and promote overall health.
