WATERMELON SEEDS ??????

[ilovemyroscoe91]

I just cut a fresh watermelon in half and took out all the chuncks inside and put them in bowls. Then I usually pour all the juice in a jar, and using a strainer I always strain out the black and white seeds so I can drink the juice.
I usually would just throw away the seeds but I just wondered if I could get some use out of them by giving them to my Roscoe.
Fresh or maybe baked?

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas on this. Thanks!

[Diggie's Friend]

As long as the watermelon was raised organic, not conventional with nitrogen fertilizers, nor with pesticides, GMOs, or glycosides, then they should be fine when included occasionally in a small measure.

Citrullus lanatus is a popular fruit in many parts of the world, although the seed is often discarded as waste; it contains various
phytochemicals [12]. The phytochemical screening carried out on the seed revealed that it contains alkaloid, flavonoid, tannins, saponins,
steroid and resins. These phytochemicals especially flavonoid and tannins which have anti-oxidant properties have been reported to have
anti-diarrhoea properties [12].

A study on the effects of the chemical compounds in watermelon seeds in rats, found that they have anti diarrhea properties.

These seeds also contain phytochemicals: flavonoids, and tannins, that have anti-oxidant properties.

Tannins, which are found in higher amounts in acorns, are a natural 'annual' deworming, 'antiparasitical' source, which knocks down parasitical infestations.

Tannins consumed in higher amounts are known to lower calcium uptake. And since they are alkaline, consuming more than a few can move the urine pH up too high.

For these reasons, limiting these seeds in the diet to about 1/4 Tsp. when fed, is recommended.