Papayas, often referred to as the “fruit of the angels,” are beloved for their sweet, juicy flesh and tropical flavor. Papayas (Carica papaya) have been cultivated for centuries, with their origins traced back to Central and South America. However, there’s more to papayas than just their delightful taste. Papaya seeds, often discarded as waste, are hidden treasures offering many health benefits.
The seeds were an integral part of traditional medicine in these regions and have since gained recognition worldwide. They have a rich history of being used in native cultures for their digestive and medicinal properties. Let’s explore their nutritional composition and their incredible potential for improving your well-being.
Nutritional Composition of Papaya Seeds
Even if they might taste a little bitter due to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in them, papaya seeds are nutrition bombs. Most of these values are discussed below
Protein: Papaya seeds contain a significant amount of protein. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. The protein content in papaya seeds makes them a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Healthy Fats: While they are not particularly high in fat, papaya seeds do contain healthy fats. These fats are primarily in the form of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which promote heart health and can help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D, E, and K).
Dietary Fiber: Papaya seeds are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health as it helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It can also aid in maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood sugar levels.
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Papaya seeds contain a notable amount of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function.
- Ascorbic Acid: Papaya seeds are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, helps in collagen production, and aids in wound healing.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E in papaya seeds contributes to skin health and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): This B vitamin is crucial for DNA synthesis, making it important for cell growth and repair.
Minerals:
- Magnesium: Papaya seeds contain magnesium, which is essential for muscle function, nerve function, and bone health.
- Phosphorus: This mineral is vital for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
- Potassium: Papaya seeds also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle and nerve function.
Other Nutrients:
They include anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer phytochemicals which are
- Alkaloids, e.g., carpaine, pseudocarpaine, and dehydrocarpaine (these give a bitter taste to seeds)
- Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin)
- Papain (an enzyme) aids in the digestion of proteins.
- Phenolic compounds (benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and ferulic acid)
- Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene)
- Saponins (have health benefits when consumed in small amounts)
- Sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol)
- Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates
The 15 most remarkable health benefits
Here is a list of the health and nutritional benefits of consuming papaya seeds in moderation. Remember, moderation is the key. Consumption in large quantities might not have beneficial outcomes and may even lead to undesirable conditions.
1. Anti-Cancer Properties of Papaya Seeds
Papaya seeds are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals (oxidative stress, which can cause cancer by damaging the cells and DNA) in the body. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants in papaya seeds help in cancer prevention.
Compounds like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates have also shown potential anti-cancer properties. These compounds can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, preventing their uncontrolled division.
2. Detoxification of harmful substances
Papaya seeds contain a compound called “carpaine,” which is thought to support the liver’s detoxification processes. Seeds of Carica papaya are rich in antioxidants like tender compounds and flavonoids. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress on the body.
- Improved Digestion
- The seeds contain papain, a proteolytic enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins. It is often used as a meat tenderizer.
- They also contain lipase, which facilitates fat digestion.
- Papaya seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, which adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds with known anti-inflammatory effects. They can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response by reducing the production of inflammation-causing chemicals.
Chronic inflammation is often due to the buildup of oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants like vitamin C can decrease this and help with lowering inflammation. Papain has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Papain can help reduce swelling and inflammation in tissues, making it useful for conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
4. Anti-Parasitic Action of Papaya Seeds
Air-dried Papaya seeds are very helpful in treating human intestinal parasites without significant side effects. Adding the seeds to your diet offers a cheap, natural, harmless, readily available treatment and preventive strategy against intestinal parasitosis (infection with parasites), especially in tropical communities. The enzyme papain breaks down the protective coatings of these parasites, making it easier for the body to eliminate them.
They have known anti-parasitic action against
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms and Trypanosoma cruzi
They also have known anti-amoebic action against a variety of amoeba species, especially against Entamoeba histolytica, a common gut parasite.
These parasites can cause nutrient deficiencies, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inflammation. In severe cases, they can weaken the immune system, compromise overall health, and contribute to the spread of other diseases. This is why papaya seeds are such an amazing dietary addition.
5. Important for treating all sorts of candida and other fungal infections
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that papaya seed extract was effective against Candida albicans. This is a fungus that can cause vaginal thrush (candidiasis), vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), and many other infections. The study found that papaya seed extract was able to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans by up to 90%.
The seeds of papaya also have promising anti-candida activity against other species of Candida as well as
- Aspergillus niger, which can cause infections in the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
- Trichophyton rubrum is a fungus that can cause athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.
- Like the ones causing oral thrush.
6. Increase Platelet counts
Recent studies have shown that papaya seeds may be able to increase platelet counts in people with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). This could potentially help us reduce the symptoms and facilitate the treatment of dengue fever, in which the platelet count is greatly decreased. The effect of papaya seeds on platelet counts may vary depending on the severity of dengue fever. Additionally, the amount of papaya seeds consumed may also affect the results.
7. Anti-Aging Effects of Papaya Seeds
Research conducted last year speculates papaya seed extract has the ability to improve cognitive learning skills, memory, and muscle strength in aging individuals. Along with papaya pulp, the seeds have a combination of all sorts of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which make them a vital source of nutrients for people desiring slowed aging effects.
8. Wound healing Properties
The seeds of papaya fruit are traditionally used to treat various skin diseases (like eczema and psoriasis), including wounds. It is widely used in developing countries as an effective and readily available treatment for various wounds, especially burns.
The active chemicals in these seeds have proven anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help accelerate the wound healing procedure.
9. Anti-ulcer properties of Papaya Seeds
The available evidence suggests that papaya seeds may be a promising natural agent for the prevention and treatment of ulcers. This practice is common in the developing countries of Africa, where it has been used for centuries. This is because the seeds have anti-gastric acid secretion and cell-protecting properties because of the anti-oxidative enzymes in them. The cell-protecting properties are also beneficial for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
10. Bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy
Papaya seeds can facilitate the treatment of decreased bone marrow activity caused by chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, the anti-cancer agents decrease the activity of stem cells of bone marrow. It is a necessary procedure to stop the spread of cancer, but it also becomes hard to treat bone marrow suppression after the therapy. Papaya seeds possess the magical property of stimulating the bone marrow. This makes the seeds suitable for preventing anemia, low platelets, and immunity disorders, which are caused by decreased bone marrow function.
11. Prevent Heart tissue damage in diabetes type 2
The seed and fruit extract of Carica papaya can be of potential medical importance as it helps manage blood sugar levels and protects the heart tissue against cell death caused by diabetes. The seeds possess the properties to fight the abnormal structural changes that occur in the heart tissue in a type 2 diabetes patient. Type 2 diabetes can limit glucose entry into the cell, which causes degenerative changes in the cells.
12. Prevent Kidney damage by Kidney toxins
Phytochemicals in papaya seeds can protect the kidney tissue in response to certain kidney toxins. Kidneys are vital organs and very sensitive to damage from oxidative stress. The stress is caused by certain antibiotics, painkillers (paracetamol), and chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin), which leads to nephrotoxicity (kidney damage due to toxic chemicals). Impaired kidney function itself results in dozens of other problems. The addition of papaya fruit seeds to the diet can be really beneficial for kidney health and the prevention of kidney diseases.
13. Lowers Insulin Resistance/ Anti-Diabetic
Papaya seed oil can lower the bad cholesterol in the blood. The seed oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which decrease bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) in the body. LDL and VLDL direct the cholesterol to the heart, resulting in the narrowing of blood vessels supplying it. This increases the chance of a heart attack or even a stroke.
MUFAs not only have a positive effect on heart health but also help maintain a low blood glucose level in diabetics. The seeds may help to improve the way that cells respond to insulin, i.e., reduce insulin resistance.
Improved insulin sensitivity is crucial to treating type 2 diabetes as it helps with better glucose management. This makes papaya seeds a valuable addition to the diabetic diet.
14. Increase WBC count and Immunity
Papaya seeds have shown remarkable results in experimental trials focusing on the activity of white blood cells and cytokines. They tend to increase the number of WBCs by stimulating the stem cells in the bone marrow. They also increase the activity of WBCs, making them identify and describe microbes much more efficiently.
Cytokines are proteins that regulate the immune system and help to improve the body’s immune response. The overall response is solid protection against harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ultimately reducing infections and diseases.
15. Treatment for Hepatocellular Carncioma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The available treatments are expensive and are associated with adverse effects or poor treatment outcomes in advanced diseases. Meanwhile, the seeds of Carica papaya have shown various degrees of biological activity, which will prove valuable for newer and safer treatment options for HCC.
The environmental significance of Papaya seeds
The seeds of papaya fruits have adsorbent properties, which make them a suitable material to absorb biochemically toxic dyes like methylene blue from pharmaceutical wastes. By doing so, they offer a low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective method for removing these dyes from wastewater. This will do a great deal of service for the environment if used on a large scale and may completely extinguish the need for other synthetic adsorbents.
- Purify water for drinking and other uses.
- Recover methylene blue for reuse.
- Reduces the chemical oxygen demand of wastewater.
- Improve the biodegradability of wastewater.
How to add papaya seeds to the diet?
The seeds of papaya are bitter and peperry in taste and can be used in a variety of ways.
- Smoothies: Blend papaya seeds with fruits, yogurt, or juice.
- Salad Topping: Sprinkle crushed seeds on salads for a crunchy texture.
- Spice Mix: Combine seeds with salt, pepper, or other spices for seasoning.
- Dressing: Grind seeds and incorporate them into homemade salad dressings.
- Baking: Add seeds to muffin or bread batter for extra crunch.
- Salsa: Include crushed seeds in fruit salsas or chutneys.
- Homemade Sauces: Grind and mix into sauces or marinades.
- Trail Mix: Combine seeds with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds for a healthy snack.
The safe limit of papaya seeds consumption is around 1 to 2 tablespoons a day, or 20 to 30 grams. One must keep in mind that the excess of seed consumption can have potentially negative impact on the body as the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and can form cyanide in the body (if the amount exceeds 140 grams or 10 tablespoons, potential harmful quantities of cyanide can form). Consumption in moderate quantities don’t have any harmful effects.
Side Effects of Papaya Seeds
Side effects are usually due to excess consumption of the seeds. It is generally advised to consume in moderation to avoid the following consequences:
- Digestive Discomfort (e.g., stomach upset, diarrhea)
- Allergic Reactions (rare cases)
- Uterine Contractions (avoid during pregnancy)
- Medication Interaction (consult a healthcare professional)
- Potential Impact on Male Fertility (uncertain)
- Gastrointestinal Irritation (large quantities)
FAQS
Q. Are papaya seeds safe to eat?
Yes, papaya seeds are generally safe for consumption in moderate amounts. However, consuming excessive quantities may lead to digestive discomfort.
Q. Are papaya seeds useful for weight loss?
While they may support weight management due to their fiber content and potential appetite-suppressing effects, they are not a standalone weight-loss solution.
Q. How should papaya seeds be stored?
Store papaya seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Q. Can papaya seeds be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It’s generally advisable to avoid large quantities of papaya seeds during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to their impact on uterine contractions. Small amounts in cooking are generally safe.
Q. How do I use papaya seeds for specific health conditions?
Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on using papaya seeds for specific health concerns, as individual conditions may require different approaches.
Q. Can papaya seeds be used to improve fertility or as a contraceptive?
There is limited scientific evidence for these claims, and their use for fertility or contraception should be approached with caution and discussed with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while papaya seeds offer numerous health benefits due to their nutritional content, they should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of papaya seeds may lead to unwanted side effects, including digestive discomfort. A little goes a long way when it comes to reaping the nutritional benefits of papaya seeds, so it’s important to use them wisely as part of a balanced diet.
References
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