Papaya is known to be good for improving the digestive system. Not only the flesh, papaya seeds also have many health benefits, from helping to maintain kidney function, to eradicating fungus.
However, if consumed excessively, eating too many papaya seeds can also trigger side effects that need to be watched out for.
The benefits of papaya seeds are varied
Papaya seeds have high antioxidant content. In addition, similar to the flesh of the fruit, papaya seeds are also rich in fiber that is good for health.
Here are some benefits of papaya seeds that are no less healthy than the fruit:
1. Highly nutritious
Papaya seeds contain many essential micronutrients for the body. Important ingredients such as polyphenols and flavonoids are also found in papaya seeds.
Both are antioxidant compounds that can improve your body’s health.
Moreover, antioxidants can fight free radicals, to prevent oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases.
More than that, papaya seeds contain fiber and healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid.
2. Effective in eradicating fungi and parasites
Studies show that papaya seeds can kill several types of fungi and parasites in the body. Based on test tube research, papaya seed extract fights a type of fungal pathogen, which often causes fungal infections.
However, research on humans is still needed to prove the effectiveness of papaya seeds in eradicating fungi and parasites in the body.
3. Maintain kidney function
Then, papaya seeds are also believed to be useful for maintaining healthy kidney function. An animal study showed that papaya seed extract helped prevent kidney damage in mice given a drug to induce toxicity.
Because they contain antioxidants, papaya seeds can also prevent oxidative damage to body cells and maintain kidney health.
However, to prove the benefits of papaya seeds for kidney health still requires further research.
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4. Can prevent cancer
The large amount of nutritional and antioxidant content makes papaya seeds believed to be capable prevent cancer. Several studies have proven this with test tube tests.
In the test, papaya seed extract showed its ability to reduce inflammation and prevent growth cancer.
Although the results of this research are promising, further studies are still needed to evaluate the effect of papaya seeds on the growth of cancer cells in the human body.
5. Launch the digestive system
Papaya fruit is known to improve digestion. The seeds also have the same benefits. The fiber content in it is what gives this benefit.
A study shows that fiber works defecate in people who are frequently constipated, protects against inflammatory bowel disease, relieves hemorrhoids, also reduces the risk of obesity.
For those of you who have digestive system problems, want to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body, and maintain kidney function, papaya seeds are a suitable food to consume.
6. Good for brain health
Animal studies suggest that papaya seed and pulp extract may be beneficial for brain health. The contents of papaya seeds can help protect the body from the bad effects of oxidative stress and have neuroprotective properties that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, further research is still needed to confirm its benefits in humans.
7. Prevent organ damage
The benefits of papaya seeds can also prevent damage to important organs including the liver and kidneys thanks to the antioxidant content they contain. Apart from that, the compounds contained in papaya seeds can help remove toxins from the liver (detoxification). Although further research in humans is still needed, several animal studies have shown some findings that support these benefits.
For example, a 2021 animal study found that giving mice papaya seed extract for 12 weeks protected them from liver damage. Antioxidants work by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and scar tissue in the liver.
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Side effects of papaya seeds
After knowing the benefits of papaya seeds, don’t immediately consume them in large quantities. Because, there are several dangers that you should know about.
1. Reduced fertility
In several tests on test animals, papaya seed extract was proven to be harmful to the reproductive system because it could reduce fertility levels. For example, one study found that monkeys who consumed high doses of papaya seed extract experienced azoospermia, which means there is no sperm in the ejaculate.
In tests on mice, high doses of papaya seed extract also reduced the number and motility or ability to move sperm.
Please remember, this happens because the dose of papaya seed extract given to animals is very high. Research on the ability of papaya seeds to reduce fertility in humans still needs to be done to find out the answer.
2. Can damage DNA
Papaya seeds contain a lot of benzyl isothiocyanate. In a test tube test, this compound was shown to damage DNA if papaya seeds were consumed in high doses.
Research on mice also proves that there are toxic effects on healthy cells in the bodies of these small animals.
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How to consume papaya seeds
Papaya seeds can actually be consumed fresh, without needing to be cooked, soaked or dried. However, the taste of papaya seeds is very bitter, so it is best to consume them mixed with other foods.
You can add papaya seeds to salads, sauces, or as a marinade mixture. You can also roast and grind it for cooking spices.
If you choose to consume them fresh, open the black outer layer of the seeds before eating them.
Notes from TipsForWomens
The body can feel the benefits of papaya seeds if eaten properly and not excessively. Because if you overdo it, you can experience detrimental side effects.
If you are not sure about your body’s ability to consume and digest papaya seeds, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. Good luck!
