Never Throw Away Watermelon Rinds... Learn About Their Amazing Benefits

 Amazing Benefits of Watermelon Rinds                                            

Never Throw Away Watermelon Rinds... Learn About Their Amazing Benefits

With the arrival of summer, many people are eager to eat watermelon as a refreshing, water-rich fruit. However, what many don't know is that watermelon rinds—often discarded—contain nutritional benefits that may even outweigh the red flesh in terms of some essential nutrients.

A Rich Source of Fiber

According to certified nutritionist Julie Stefanski, watermelon rinds contain a high percentage of fiber, especially insoluble fiber, which contributes to improved bowel movements and reduces the risk of colon cancer and heart disease.

 They also contain a percentage of soluble fiber, which contributes to lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, due to their high fiber content, it is recommended to consume them gradually, as sudden overindulgence may lead to bloating or gas in some people.

Rich in Citrulline

Watermelon rinds also contain citrulline, an amino acid associated with improved blood flow and enhanced physical performance. According to Sherry Gray, a nutritionist at the University of Connecticut, watermelon rind contains about 60 percent more citrulline than the red flesh. While a cup of watermelon rind makes a good addition to a smoothie, consuming 3 to 6 grams of citrulline daily is required to achieve the full benefits of citrulline.

Nutritional Value Sometimes Higher Than the Pulp

The rind contains many nutrients, such as vitamins C and B6, beta carotene, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and fiber. Gray notes that watermelon rind has nutritional properties that make it, in some ways, even more beneficial than the red flesh. To obtain beneficial amounts of these nutrients, she recommends eating about a cup to a cup and a half of rind.

Is watermelon rind safe to eat?

Yes, as long as it is thoroughly cleaned before cutting, as a knife can transfer bacteria from the rind to the inside. Stefanski recommends washing the watermelon thoroughly under running water and scrubbing it with a vegetable brush. It's also best to introduce the rind into your diet gradually to avoid digestive upset. The rind should be refrigerated because it perishes quickly.