The Seven Benefits of Consuming Papaya Seeds

Although their flavor may not be to everyone's liking, papaya seeds have great benefits for you health you should take advantage of. Which are the best ones? Find out below!

Papaya is a fruit native to Mexico, but that is cultivated in many countries of the world. However, not many people know about the great benefits of eating papaya seeds. So, why have they become popular? What nutrients do they provide?

These small seeds, like many others, have a concentration of bioactive compounds that contribute to your well-being. In fact, in recent years they’ve been the subject of scientific research, as it’s believed they serve as an adjuvant to health care. Discover their main uses below.

Nutritional properties of papaya seeds

Although for many years considered a waste product, papaya seeds have nutritional properties that are worth taking advantage of. According to information published in the magazine Molecules, they particularly contain polyphenols and flavonoids, two substances with antioxidant action that promote wellness.

They also provide monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Food Lipids. To a lesser extent, they are a source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, nutrients that help improve the quality of the diet.

Benefits of consuming papaya seeds

A 2014 review published in the International Journal of Herbal Medicine, highlights that papaya seeds have a pungent flavor that can be harnessed as a substitute for black pepper when ground.

This same review recalls that they’re a very nutritious ingredient, as they contain fatty acids, proteins, fiber, oils, and other substances that promote well-being. Do you already know their benefits?

1. They help control fungus

Thanks to its antifungal properties, papaya seed can be used as an ally to fight some infections caused by fungi. In a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, papaya seed extract was effective against three different strains of fungi.

2. They help against food poisoning

Although food poisoning should be treated by a physician, papaya seeds can serve as an adjuvant for its treatment.

According to a review in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, the extract made from papaya seeds can be effective against microorganisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, among others.

3. Excellent for digestion

Papaya seeds make a slight contribution to dietary fiber and, because of this, contribute to improved digestion. Fiber is a nutrient that moves through your gastrointestinal tract undigested, adding bulk to the stool to facilitate its expulsion.

A review reported in the World Journal of Gastroenterology highlights that fiber intake is effective in increasing stool frequency in people with constipation.

4. Natural antiparasitic

Papaya seeds aren’t a first-line treatment against parasitic infections. However, despite this, there are studies that suggest they may be useful in dealing with some types of parasites.

In research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, children fed a papaya seed-fortified porridge had a reduced amount of the well-known “big roundworm” or Ascaris lumbricoides.

5. Renal protection

While the evidence is still limited, studies suggest that papaya consumption may help protect the health of your kidneys. Furthermore, in an animal study published in the African Journal of Health Sciences, a papaya seed extract helped prevent kidney damage in rats given a drug to induce toxicity.

6. Anti-inflammatory activity

Because of their significant contribution to flavonoid substances, papaya seeds have a slight anti-inflammatory action that contributes to the prevention of chronic diseases. However, scientists need to conduct more studies to evaluate how this effect occurs.

7. Control acne

There’s no evidence of the use of papaya seeds as a treatment for acne. However, they’re becoming widespread as a complementary remedy for this problem.

In this case, in addition to consuming papaya seeds, we recommend making a natural poultice by following these instructions:

• Firstly, for this, combine some leaves of papaya with the seeds and macerate it with a little water in a mortar
• Secondly, put the paste on the affected area for about ten minutes
• Then, wash the area with plenty of running water to remove the poultice

Eat papaya seeds in moderation

Papaya seeds and their extracts contain nutrients that help promote health. In general, you can eat them in their natural form, but don’t exceed their intake because it can be counterproductive. So, eat between 7 and 10 seeds and you’ll have no problem.