Citrullus lanatus/Watermelon Seed Oil is also known as Ootanga Oil and Kalahari Oil. In Africa, watermelon seeds have been prized for the highly nutritive oil that they contain. Traditionally, the seeds are removed from the rind and then allowed to dry outside in the sun. Once dried, the seeds are then pressed to extract the beneficial oil. We provide the highest quality Watermelon Seed Oil available, carefully sourced and packaged to maintain the purity, freshness, and beneficial properties of this highly nutritive oil.

Watermelon seed oil is extracted by pressing from the seeds of the Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). It is particularly common in West Africa, where it is also called ootanga oil. The common watermelon most likely originated almost 5,000 years ago in the Kalahari Desert of Africa where botanists have found its wild ancestors, known as the Kalahari Melon, still growing. Watermelons migrated north through Egypt, and during the Roman era, they were cultivated and prized.^[rx] Traditionally, the seeds are extracted from the seed casing and dried in the sun. Once dried, the seeds are pressed to extract the oil.

Watermelon seed is also known as Ootanga oil or Kalahari oil which is used for dressing salads and desserts. The seeds are eliminated from the flesh and then it is sundried in the hot sun. The seeds are roasted so that it removes fatty acid-rich kernel. The seeds are cold-pressed once the kernel is eliminated. The yellow oil oozes out with mild, viscosity and nutty flavor. This oil has a thin consistency and is nongreasy. Watermelons were originated five thousand years ago in the Kalahari Desert of Africa and are still being cultivated. It reached through Egypt to the North at the time of the Roman era and was prized after being cultivated. Watermelon seed contains major chemical constituents such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, folic acid, Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc. It contains stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid which are fatty acids that is beneficial for health. It is absorbed by the skin quickly.

Watermelon seed oil facts

Watermelon seeds have a high content of nutrients.  The seeds are dried in sun after removing them from the rind and then pressed for extraction of oil. Watermelon seeds are a great source of minerals and vitamins. It also provides a great source of manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, and iron. Vitamin B is essential for immune health, healthy blood flow, and good metabolism. The minerals and magnesium are essential for enhancing immunity and maintaining strong bones. It is also essential for normalizing the level of blood glucose and regulating blood pressure.

History

It is originated in South Africa. Watermelon was cultivated in Egypt which dates back and then started in Mediterranean areas. The seeds were placed in the tomb of kings in Egypt with a belief that they will feed their bodies afterlife. Watermelon is native to South Africa and is known for the past 5000 years. The evidence shows that the cultivation of watermelon was found near Nile valley in the 2nd millennium BC. The seeds of Watermelon were found on the tomb of Pharoah Tutankhamun. In the 10th century, China started the cultivation of Watermelons. In the 16th century, it was introduced to Native Americans.

Chemical composition

The watermelon seed oil contains high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic and oleic acids as the major acids.^[rx]

Fatty acid composition of Watermelon seed oil^[rx]

Fatty Acid	Percent %
Palmitic acid(C16:0)	11.0
stearic acid(C18:0)	10.0
Oleic acid(C18:1)	15.0
Linoleic acid(C18:2)	63.0

Specifications of watermelon seed oil

character	value
Refractive Index (40ºC)	1.4630-1.4670
Iodine value	115-125
Saponification value	190-198
unsaponifiable matter	1.5% max
Moisture	0.5% max
colour 1/2″cell,(y+5R)	20.0 units

Health benefits of Watermelon seed oil

Pure Watermelon Seed Oil provides, soothing, natural relief for dry skin. This unique oil quickly penetrates and moisturizes, leaving the skin with a greaseless, silky after-feel. Also, an excellent product for dry scalp and dandruff when used like hot oil treatment. Perfect makeup remover, since it is safe to use around your eyes.

Besides the flesh of the watermelon, the seeds have got various health benefits. Let us discuss the health benefits that have been derived from Watermelon seeds:

Used as a carrier oil

This oil is used as a carrier oil for massage uses. It absorbs fast into the skin being light in texture. It is also used to dilute the thicker carrier oils for making it thin. It is also used as a carrier oil for essential oils. It could be used alone for baby massage.

Prevent acne

It is useful for oily skin by lowering sebum production. It makes the skin less oily. It is helpful for the skin problems like acne that are caused due to excessive oil production. It prevents the hair follicles from being clogged and conditions such as folliculitis. It helps to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It could be applied to the skin directly.

Hair health

It is added as an ingredient in hair care products. It lowers oiliness on hair and scalp. It lowers hair from being frizzy and provides it with nutrition. It could be used as a hot oil treatment for shiny and smooth hair.

Prevent free radical damage

Watermelon seed oil acts as an antioxidant to the skin cells. It counteracts oxidizing agents and free radicals which are the major cause for speeding up the aging process and also induce UV radiation damage. Massage with this oil to the skin. It enhances the skin to prevent free radical damage.

Eliminate toxins

This oil assists the body to eliminate toxins. Massage with warm oil to remove the environmental toxins and dirt from the skin. It acts as a great detoxifier and skin cleanser.

Acts as a diuretic

Massage with watermelon seed oil to the middle back region and lower abdomen. This increases the urine output and tones the urinary system. It is helpful for people with scanty and infrequent urination. This also prevents kidney stones.

Promote immune health

The watermelon seed oil has an adequate amount of Vitamin E. If ingested, it promotes immune function and acts as antioxidant activity. It prevents undergoing oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It prevents the lipids and nervous system.

Liver health

The watermelon seed oil has hepatoprotective properties this helps to lower AST and ALT level in blood. It is used as an aid to reduce liver damage that is promoted by toxic substances.

Detoxification Fighting

Watermelon seed oil deeply penetrates the skin and removes impurities, dirt, and dead skin, making it an ideal oil for cleansing. Oils high in linoleic acid help to clarify pores by dissolving dirt and impurities, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished, helping with oily skin and acne by acting to clarify and remove excess sebum.

Anti-Aging

The high linoleic and oleic acid content in watermelon seed oil also makes it a dynamo in fighting wrinkles and premature aging. This oil contains a healthy amount of Vitamin E as well, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage. The omega 6 essential fatty acids and phytosterols encourage new collagen production and cell regeneration in the skin.

Good for All Skin Types

Watermelon seed oil works wonders for all skin types, as it is light, fast-absorbing, and clarifying for those with oily skin. But it’s also nourishing and effective for dry skin, as it protects and moisturizes with antioxidants, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. Our clean, conscious formulas are wonderful on even the most sensitive skin as well.

Fights uneven skin tone

Also known as hyperpigmentation, skin looks uneven when some areas of the skin have more melanin than others, which makes some parts of the skin appear darker than the rest. Trace minerals and omega acids found in watermelon seed oil have been shown to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

De-puffs and promotes blood circulation

In addition to fighting free radical damage, the Vitamin E in watermelon seed oil also promotes blood circulation and has been shown to reduce puffiness in any area of the skin due to excess water retention. We recommend gently massaging our Rich Hydrating Cream into the skin to maximize these benefits.

Traditional uses

• Being an emollient, it is used for baby care products.
• It eliminates toxins from the skin and does not clog the pores.
• It helps to heal chapped, dry and cracked skin and also maintains the balance of skin moisture, and also improves the complexion of the skin.
• It is used as a hair conditioner.
• It helps to lower wrinkles.
• Apply Watermelon seed oil to the scalp that helps to promote healthy growth of hair and also repair split ends.
• Add a few drops of Watermelon seed oil to the makeup remover, favorite cream, shampoos, shower and bath gel, sunscreen products, face mask, and lip balms.
• It is used for the prevention of cancer, strokes and maintains cardiovascular health.
• It helps to lower blood pressure.
• It is helpful to treat dandruff and itchy scalp.
• It provides a glow to the skin.
• It helps to repair and soothe irritated and damaged skin.
• It prevents skin infection, soothes the body, and provides relief from stress.
• It is helpful for people with depression.
• It lowers Pitta and balances blood. It soothes blood vessels and promotes blood flow.
• It restores the elasticity of the skin and prevents the chances of premature aging.
• It enhances immune function.
• It is used as a carrier oil for aromatherapy uses.
• It treats the skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Directions

Apply to clean skin allow to rest and absorb. Use daily. For hair apply a few drops to the palms. And apply to ends of damp hair avoiding the scalp. Allow resting for 5 mins. Style as usual. For scalp treatment apply to dry scalp and hair. Wrap hair and scalp in the towel. Keep on for 20 minutes. Wash as usual. Use scalp treatment once weekly.

Precautions

• The daily intake of Watermelon seed oil causes vasodilation.
• Use it in limited amounts.
• Allergic people should avoid it.
• People with health problems, pregnant and lactating women should consult the doctor for its usage.

How to Eat         

It is used for salad dressings and desserts.

References

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