Papaya seeds have recently caught attention as a potential health food. Having a strong flavor that is a cross between mustard seeds and mild peppercorns, this anti-inflammatory food possesses various health benefits. The papaya fruit has the ability to prevent cancer, reduce heart disease, lower blood sugar level, improve digestive health, etc.
While eating the papaya fruit, many people tend to discard the seeds without having a clue that they also offer plenty of benefits!
Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds
Improves Digestive Health
The papaya fruit is very beneficial for our digestive system. It possesses potent antibacterial and anti-parasite properties and can effectively remove the dangerous micro-organisms in the intestinal tract, thus maintaining a healthy digestive system. Eating 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds a day can kill the bacteria responsible for food poisoning.
Prevents Cancer
Papaya seeds are a great source of flavonoids and phenolic, compounds known for their high antioxidant power and their ability to prevent the growth of tumor cells. Papaya seeds are extremely effective in the case of colon, breast, prostate, and lungs cancer.
Detoxifies Liver
For many years, papaya seeds have been used in the traditional Chinese Medicine for removing harmful toxins and improving the function of the liver. It is scientifically proven that eating 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds a day can effectively detoxify the liver and it is beneficial for people suffering from liver cirrhosis. However, dietary and lifestyle changes are of utmost importance in order to see significant improvements.
Detoxifies Kidneys
Papaya seeds possess powerful medicinal properties that are very beneficial for detoxifying the kidneys. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, they can protect the kidneys from toxin-induced inflammation.
Reduces Inflammation In Inflammatory Diseases
Just like the papaya fruit, its seeds have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation in the body such as asthma, gout, arthritis, and joint pain. Papain and chymopapain are the two main enzymes in papaya seeds that have the ability to reduce inflammation related to these conditions.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
According to many studies, papaya contains Carpaine, a compound that can effectively reduce systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. This means that papaya seeds show promising improvements in cardiovascular health.
Natural Contraceptive
Papaya seeds were used in the Indian culture as a form of natural contraceptive. They are not recommended for those who plan to conceive.
How to eat papaya seeds
There are different ways of eating papaya seeds. You can eat it along with the fruit or dry them out under the sun or use a dehydrator. When dried, you can grind them into powder form and add a tablespoon in your salad, smoothies, or soups!
How Much Papaya Seeds To Eat
As we said before, papaya seeds have potent antibacterial properties. It is recommended to start eating no more than 1 tablespoon on a daily basis. They can be eaten raw and directly from the fruit, or added to foods. If your stomach is able to handle it, you can eat up to 2 tablespoons a day. They are completely safe and you will experience no side effects. However, you should not take larger amounts than this, since it may lead to some reactions.