The papaya is a tropical fruit, which is ovoid in shape, the skin is yellow-green in color and inside it has abundant black, shiny and spicy seeds. It has a very juicy reddish pulp similar to melon and sweet and mild flavor.
Studies from the School of Agriculture of the University of Hainan Haikou, PR China, indicate that it helps reduce the risk of cancer.
However, it is not very common to hear that papaya seeds are put to any use, so we generally throw them away. Thus losing the benefits that they also bring to your body, such as detoxifying the liver, kidneys and digestive system.
In the following article you will find a series of benefits that you surely did not know about papaya seeds, so that you can be encouraged and instead of throwing them away next time, include them in your diet.
Benefits of consuming papaya seeds
Papaya seeds are usually discarded when making papaya smoothies, not knowing that we have been wasting the great potential they contain for the benefit of the body.
Information published in Molecules Magazine mentions that papaya seeds contain polyphenols and flavonoids, two substances with antioxidant action that promote the health of your body. They are also a source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, nutrients that help improve the quality of the diet.
The Indian Journal, in a publication he made, points out that papaya seeds have a spicy flavor that can be used as a substitute for black pepper when ground. They also point out that they are very nutritious, since they contain fatty acids, proteins, fiber, oils and other beneficial substances.
There are multiple benefits of consuming papaya seeds, here we will talk about 7 specific benefits of consuming papaya seeds for health.
1. They prevent and treat kidney problems
The kidneys are organs that help us drain toxins, in order to maintain the health of our body. Papaya seeds help the proper functioning of the kidneys due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting them from inflammation caused by toxins.
In the same way they help prevent kidney failure problems and also serve for treatment when you already have this problem. For this particular case, it is recommended to chew 7 papaya seeds 7 times a day, every day.
2. They protect liver health
For centuries these seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese medicine, because they are very effective when eliminating toxins from the body, especially from the liver, which is why their consumption is recommended to those who suffer from fatty liver.
It is also a great ally for those who suffer from liver cirrhosis. In this case, it is recommended to grind 5 papaya seeds, mix them in a tablespoon of lemon and take it twice a day for a month.
3. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Carpaine is an effective chemical to help lower systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure.
The whole papaya, even the leaves contain this substance, so its consumption is highly recommended to complement the medications in a more natural way for your health.
The high fiber content contained in papaya seeds helps to lower cholesterol levels, in the same way, in a study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, in patients with type 2 diabetes who were subjected to a high diet. in monounsaturated fat, they managed to reduce their triglyceride levels by 19%, since these seeds have a significant amount of oleic acid, which is an essential monounsaturated fatty acid for humans.
4. They improve digestion and prevent constipation
Papaya has always been used for how effective it is on the digestive system. And it turns out that its seeds are also, since they contain antibacterial and antiparasitic properties that help with the elimination of harmful microorganisms that are found in the intestines.
In the same way, papaya seeds provide fiber, which is a nutrient that moves through the gastrointestinal tract undigested, adding volume to the stool to facilitate its expulsion and thus avoid constipation.
5. They help to lose weight
Papaya seeds absorb excess fat and sugar from the body, they also speed up the digestion process, which contributes to weight loss.
It is recommended to take papaya seeds on an empty stomach, this is useful to lose weight or lose weight, it must be for 15 continuous days.
6. They reduce infections due to fungi and parasites
Papaya seeds can be an ally to combat some infections caused by fungi.
In studies published by the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical, they mention the effectiveness caused by the extract of papaya seeds, against three different strains of fungi, since the seeds have antifungal properties.
7. They slow aging
Papaya seeds contain flavonoids and polyphenols which act as antioxidants, fighting free radicals that cause aging in the body.
They also contain amino acids, such as glycine, leucine and others that are beneficial for the skin, keeping it smooth and healthy.
How to consume papaya seeds?
Although it is true it has multiple benefits, but like everything in excess, no matter how natural it is, it is harmful, in such a way that we must be moderate when ingesting these seeds, since in large quantities they can cause diarrhea or even allergies.
- Some ways to enjoy the benefits could be to blend them into fruit smoothies or even mix the seeds with the papaya pulp itself and thus obtain all the benefits of it.
- Due to their high fiber content, eating them on an empty stomach will help us maintain healthy digestion during the rest of the day.
- Another option is to blend the papaya seeds with lemon juice so that we would have a gastric protector and a natural detoxifier.
- You can practically take papaya seeds with any smoothie, juice, or even infusion.
- Also grind them, to achieve this you only have to dry the papaya seeds in the oven or in the sun, so that they are then ground in the mortar and added to salads and even taken with water on an empty stomach.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.