7 Benefits Of Consuming Papaya Seeds

Although not everyone likes its taste, papaya seeds have great health benefits that we shouldn’t to lack.

Papaya is a fruit native to Mexico, but cultivated in many countries around the world. However,  few people know the benefits of consuming papaya seeds . Why have they become popular? What nutrients do they provide?

These tiny seeds, like many others, concentrate bioactive compounds that contribute to well-being. In fact, they have been the subject of scientific research in recent years because they are believed to serve as a supplement for health care. Find out more about their main uses below.

Nutritional properties of papaya seeds

Although for many years they were considered a residue, papaya seeds have nutritional properties that are worth tapping into. According to  information published in the journal  Molecules  , they contain in particular polyphenols and flavonoids,  two substances with antioxidant action that promote health.

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 note that papaya seeds have a peppery flavor that  can be used as a substitute for black pepper once crushed.

This same review reminds us that they are a very nutritious ingredient. , because they contain fatty acids, proteins, fibers, oils and other substances that promote well-being  . Do you know its advantages?

1. They help fight fungi

Thanks to its antifungal properties, papaya seed can be used to fight against certain 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 fight against food poisoning

Although  food poisoning  should be treated by the doctor, papaya seeds can be used as an adjunct to its treatment.

According to  a review of  Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry  ,  papaya seed extract may be effective against microorganisms such as  E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococus  , among others.

3. They are excellent for digestion

This ingredient provides a slight contribution of dietary fiber and, therefore, contributes to  improve digestion .  Fiber is a nutrient that travels through the gastrointestinal tract without being digested, adding bulk to the stool to facilitate their evacuation.

A review published in the  newspaper  Medical  World Journal of Gastroenterology  points out that fiber intake was effective in increasing stool frequency in people with constipation.

4. They have a natural antiparasitic effect

Papaya seeds are not a first-line treatment for parasitic infections. Nevertheless, some studies suggest that they can be used to control certain types of parasites.

In research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine , children fed porridge enriched with papaya seeds were less prone to the famous “big roundworm” or Ascaris lumbricoides.

5. They protect the kidneys

Although we lack evidence, some studies suggest that consuming papaya may help protect kidney health. 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.

These small black seeds are involved in the prevention of kidney failure problems. They can also be used as a supplement for kidney disease.

6. They have anti-inflammatory activity

Due to their significant contribution in flavonoids , the  papaya seeds have a mild anti-inflammatory action  that could help prevent chronic disease. However, more studies are needed to assess how this effect occurs.

7. They help control acne

There is no evidence of the use of papaya seeds as a treatment for acne. However, in popular culture, it is a complementary remedy to this problem.

In this case, in addition to consuming the papaya seeds, it should do some sort of natural poultice . To do this, the following steps should be taken:

• To do this, mix a few papaya leaves with the seeds and macerate them with a little water in a mortar.
• Place the resulting paste on the affected area for about ten minutes.
• Then rinse the area thoroughly with cool water to remove the poultice.

Eat papaya seeds moderately

Papaya seeds and their extracts contain nutrients that help promote health. In general, they can be consumed in their natural form, but not in excess as this can be counterproductive. Consume between 7 and 10 seeds and you won’t have any problems.