Although the contributions of this fruit to health are known (lower risk of diabetes, better digestion, glucose control), not many people know about the exciting benefits of consuming papaya seeds.
Carica papaya is a fruit native to Central America and part of North America, between Mexico and Nicaragua. While its consumption and cultivation have spread to other countries, Africa and Asia.
Particularly, papaya seeds concentrate bioactive compounds that contribute to well-being. In fact, in recent years they have been the subject of scientific research, as they are believed to be an adjuvant for health care. Discover its main uses.
Nutritional properties of papaya seed
Even though they were considered waste for many years, papaya seeds have nutritional properties that are worth taking advantage of. Second information published in the journal molecules, contain in particular polyphenols and flavonoids, two substances with an antioxidant action that promote health.
Also provide monounsaturated fatty acidssuch as oleic acid, according to a study published in Journal of Dietary Lipids. To a lesser extent, they are a source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, nutrients that help improve the quality of the diet.
A 2014 review posted on International Journal of Herbal Medicine, highlights that papaya seeds have a spicy taste that it can be used as a substitute for black pepper, when ground.
This same review reminds us of that they are a very nutritious ingredient, as they contain fatty acids, proteins, fibers, oils and other substances that promote well-being.
Benefits of eating papaya seeds
Next we will know what are the main health benefits of consuming papaya seeds.
1. Helps fight fungi
Thanks to its antifungal properties, the papaya seed can be used as an ally to fight some infections caused by fungi. In a study published in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, papaya seed extract was found to be effective against three different strains of fungi.
2. Help against food poisoning
Although they should be promptly attended to by the doctor, in food poisoning papaya seeds can serve as an adjuvant for your treatment
On the other hand, according to one review in Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, papaya seed extract can be effective against microorganisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcusamong others.
3. Papaya seeds for digestion
This ingredient makes a slight contribution of dietary fiber and, therefore, helps improve digestion. Fiber is a nutrient that moves through the gastrointestinal tract. undigested, adding bulk to the stool to make it easier to pass.
A review published in the medical journal World Journal of Gastroenterology emphasizes that your fiber intake it is effective in increasing stool frequency in people with constipation.
4. Natural pesticide
Papaya seeds are not a first-line treatment for parasitic infections. Despite this, there Education which suggest it They can be useful for dealing with some types of pests.
In research published in the journal BMC Complementary and alternative medicineit is specified that children fed a porridge fortified with papaya seeds had a reduced amount of Ascaris lumbricoidesknown as the “large nematode”.
5. Take care of kidney health
While the evidence is still limited, there are studies that suggest consuming papaya may help protect kidney health. In an animal study, Posted in African Journal of Health Sciences, a papaya seed extract it helped prevent kidney damage in rats that had been given a drug to induce toxicity.
6. They have anti-inflammatory activity
For his significant contribution to flavonoid substances, papaya seeds have a slight anti-inflammatory action which could contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. However, more studies are needed to evaluate how this effect occurs.
7. Liver purification and fat metabolism
As is known, the liver is the organ that regulates fat metabolism. And when it is affected we run the risk of developing certain diseases. As, We recommend that you debug it, so it does its job more efficiently.
Now, while its effectiveness with humans hasn’t been fully studied, there have been animal experimentsusing papaya seed extracts, proving reduction of liver lipids and triglycerides.
8. Absorption of sugars
As it turns out, papaya seeds also have the ability to stop the body from absorbing excess sugars. This has been observed in laboratory studies That its consumption in animals improved blood sugar, having a positive impact on the metabolism of glucosealso helping to reduce body weight
9. Helps against acne
There is no evidence that papaya seeds are used as an acne treatment. However, it has spread in popular culture as a complementary remedy for this problem.
In this case, in addition to consuming papaya seeds, it is advisable to make a kind of natural poultice. To do this, the following steps should be applied:
- First, add some papaya leaves to the seeds, and let them macerate with a little water in a mortar.
- The paste obtained is placed on the affected area for about ten minutes.
- Finally, the area is washed with plenty of fresh water to remove the poultice.
Side effects and contraindications
Despite all these advantages, you have to be careful when consuming papaya seedsdue to the potential toxicity of benzyl isothiocyanatewhich is one of its components.
Also should be avoided by allergy sufferers, since both papaya and its seeds contain papain, a substance that could affect people who are sensitive to it.
Eat papaya seeds in moderation
Papaya seeds and their extracts contain nutrients that help promote health. Generally, they can be consumed in their natural form, but without exceeding their intake because it can be counterproductive. Consume between 7 and 10 croquettes and you will have no problems.
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