Most of the time when we eat papaya fruit, we trash the papaya seeds. But little do we know how beneficial they are and how they can prevent and cure a plethora of ailments related to the liver, gut, intestinal worms, and even diseases like dengue. The following is a list that illustrates papaya seeds benefits.
1. Heals Liver Cirrhosis
Papaya seeds contain vital nutrients that help heal cirrhosis of the liver. Grind or crush 5–6 papaya seeds and have them with food or juice, especially lime juice. This should be done for 30 days. Moreover, eating small amounts of papaya seeds regularly helps in detoxing the liver and keeps liver diseases at bay.
2. Keeps The Kidneys Healthy
Researchers at the University of Karachi have found that papaya seeds can be used to improve kidney health and preventing renal failure. The same works wonders for kidney poisoning-related diseases.
[Read: Papaya Juice: What Skin Types Can Use it And How?]
3. Reduces Inflammation Of The Joints
Papaya seeds are anti-inflammatory in nature, which makes them great for alleviating arthritis, joint disease, swelling, pain, and redness.
4. Kills Bacteria And Heals Viral Infections
A small amount of papaya seeds has been found to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella. They also help fight viral infections and cure typhoid, dengue, and numerous other diseases. In Nigeria, papaya seeds mixed with milk is an excellent cure for typhoid fever.
The seeds have been extensively used in Costa Rica to fight against dengue fever. The juice from papaya leaves can also help cure dengue by increasing platelet count.
5. Aids Digestion
Both unripe papaya and papaya seeds are high in the enzyme papain. Papain is a beneficial aid to protein digestion but best avoided for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.
6. Arrests Cancer
Papaya seeds contain agents that stop the growth of cancer cells and tumors. They contain isothiocyanates which work well for colon, breast, lung, leukemia, and prostate cancer.
7. Destroys Parasites In The Intestine
The seeds of papaya contain an alkaloid called carpaine that kills intestinal worms and amoeba parasites. The fruit also helps metabolize proteins and makes the gastrointestinal tract an extremely hostile place for parasites to live and thrive. Studies have shown that children in Nigeria have got rid of parasites in their gut 75% of the times by consuming papaya seed juice for 7 days.
8. Helps In Contraception
Papaya seeds are excellent natural contraceptives for both men and women, without any side effects, unlike the over-the-counter contraceptives that have numerous adverse effects on prolonged use. For centuries, both men and women in the Indian subcontinent and in parts of Southeast Asia have traditionally used the papaya fruit and its seeds as a form of birth control.
For men, eating 1 teaspoon of papaya seeds every day for 3 months can greatly reduce sperm production without affecting libido. Moreover, this effect is temporary; when papaya seeds are discontinued, fertility is restored.
Making Papaya Juice
- Use 2 papaya leaves.
- Wash and cut into smaller pieces.
- Pound and squeeze the pulp through a filter cloth.
- Only 2 tablespoons of juice can be squeezed out.
- Two tablespoons per serving once a day.
How to Eat Papaya Seeds
Papaya seeds can be eaten raw (though that gives a strong, pepper-like but bitter taste), ground or crushed in salad dressings, milk, or honey.
Conclusion: Eat The Seeds In Moderation
The goodness of consuming papaya seeds are many and not limited to the above list. That said, one should partake only small quantities of the seed and that also, not very frequently. Excessive consumption may lead to many side effects, notably pregnancy-related issues.
As a precaution, pregnant women should not use papaya seeds or the enzyme-rich green papaya. This warning on their use would also extend to breastfeeding. Additionally, while papaya seeds do have strong anti-parasitic properties, they may be too powerful for young children’s gastrointestinal tracts. So a doctor should be consulted before giving them to infants.
