MELONS AND THEIR SEEDS

Introduction

Melons belong to cucumber (cucurbitaceae) family of vegetables, also known as the  gourd family, which besides cucumber and zucchini includes pumpkin and summer and winter squashes.

Literature about either of these seeds as a food source is hard to come by. Melon, however, is a close relative to the pumpkin so may well have similar constituents and properties, although the seeds are much harder than pumpkin so would need crushing or the oil extracted to be of use to the human body.

Content

Crushed watermelon seeds are the most widely used and they contain protein, bromine, carotene and vitamin C. In addition they provide the sugars dextrose, fructose and sucrose along with lycopene and the organic acids malic acid and phosphoric acid.

Uses

Watermelon seeds are listed as being a stimulant to saliva production and a diuretic. Their most common use appears to be as a kidney cleansing agent.

Notes

·         Watermelon seeds should not be used if dehydration or wasting is present in the recipient.