From by-product to awesome: reasons to love watermelon seed oil

Watermelons. We love them. Did you know that the first traces of watermelon were found in sub-Saharan Africa, dating to roughly 5,000 years ago, where botanists have found its wild ancestors still growing to this day? The fruit is not only delicious and can quench your thirst on a hot day, it is also the home to watermelon seeds which can be very versatile in use – from food condiment to create the most delicious meals to a powerful, antioxidant skincare ingredient. So next time you bite in your juicy slice of watermelon, think twice before spitting out and discarding these tiny brown bunches of goodness. Below just a few reasons why watermelon seed oils are so awesome:

Watermelon seeds are a zero waste product
Firstly because the watermelon seed oil, also known as ootanga and kalahari oil, is not only skin loving, which is why it’s a great base ingredient to use in skin- and haircare products, but can also be considered a zero waste product. In Africa, watermelon seeds have been prized for the highly nutritive oil that they contain and traditionally, the seeds are removed from the flesh and then dried outside in the sun. Once dried, the seeds are then pressed to extract the beneficial oil.

Watermelon seeds are a sustainable by-product
Because the seeds are essentially a by-product, using the cold pressed watermelon seed oil in cosmetics is a sustainable choice.

Watermelon seeds create business opportunities and help communities in remote locations
Today, watermelon seed oil comes mostly from China, India and Africa, where whole communities in remote locations and with no other business opportunities often economically benefit from its production.

The oil won from watermelons seeds is excellent for your skin due to its powerful properties
But why is Watermelon seed oil so good for your skin? The oil contains a high number of essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants [1]. Rich on essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it’s not only restorative and nourishing, but will also balance oily skin[2] and protect it from free radical damage caused by environmental factors [3].

Watermelon seeds are a delicious superfood condiment
Besides being beneficial for your skin, watermelon seeds are also considered superfood and are super nutritious when roasted and eaten as a snack, just as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Watermelon seeds have been a popular traditional snack in Iran for centuries and today food bloggers and emerging food brands alike are starting to appreciate the new kernel.

So next time you are about to discard your leftover watermelon seeds – think twice and twink of all the good they can do first.

Sources
1. Comparative antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the peels, rind, pulp and seeds of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit, Scientific African Volume 11, David Neglo, Clement Okraku Tettey, Edward Ken Essuman, Nii Korley Kortei,

2. Essential fatty acids and acne Donald T. Downing, Ph.D., Mary Ellen Stewart, Ph.D., Philip W. Wertz, Ph.D., and John S. Strauss, M.D. Iowa City, IA

3. A comprehensive review on watermelon seed oil – an underutilized product, Reetapa Biswas, Subarna Ghosal,  Alok Chattopadhyay, Santa Datta, IOSR Journal Of, Volume 7, Issue 11 Version. 1 (November 2017)