What are the Medicinal Benefits of papaya (pawpaw-ofuruero) Seed?
10 minutes read.
Overview
I bet you have been toasting papaya seed each time you want to eat pawpaw. Haven’t you? Do you know what? I was doing the same thing until one day I saw my uncle eating papaya seed.
I was surprised. I ask him, “uncle, why are you eating pawpaw seed? And he said, “Do you know that papaya seed is packed with powerful medicinal benefits? I said really? He said yes. I told him I was going to find out more about this.
I picked up my phone to visit all the research website that deals with plant benefits studies. What scientific studies have found on papaya seeds blew my mind.
Many people don’t realize the many papaya seed benefits and end up throwing the seeds in the waste bin. Don’t throw them out next time, as the seeds have many powerful and amazing health benefits. Instead, eat them whole, blend them into a smoothie, or grind them down into a paste.
This amazing fruit has, for centuries, been used in many different cultures as a natural medicine, from easing menstrual pain to fighting a fever. Papaya seeds are great as all-around health boosters.
There are many benefits and uses for papaya seeds.
Let’s take a look at the Top Ten papaya seed benefits and how papaya seeds can help the body maintain stress levels, reduces your chances of developing adrenal fatigue, and fight illness.
Feel free to skip ahead.
In this article:
Medicinal benefits & uses of papaya seed
Medicinal benefits & uses of papaya seed
What are the health benefits of eating pawpaw seeds?
1. Reduces inflammation
Papaya seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. When the body is under physical or mental stress, parts of the body can become inflamed.
For example, if you overextend your elbow, your elbow joint can become inflamed or if you have not drunk enough water your kidneys can become inflamed.
There are many different types of inflammation, including arthritis, swelling, pain, redness, and joint stiffness. Papaya seeds can reduce inflammation in the body. (1, 2, 3)
2. Prevent illness
Papaya seeds have been used in medicine for centuries. Countries with a high number of Dengue fever cases still use papaya seeds to calm the fever.
It has also been shown to kill harmful bacteria that bring about illnesses such as E.coli, salmonella, and staph while helping to alleviate viral infections like typhoid, yellow fever, and Dengue fever.
These seeds also reduce heart disease by helping the body to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Studies show that papaya seeds show significant bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (4, 5, 6 , 7, 8)
3. Improves detoxification
Papaya seeds are a powerful detoxifier. These little seeds are packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. They help the body to excrete toxins and better digest food and assist the body to become more alkaline.
The latter is important in neutralizing the acid in the body, helping the body to perform at 100%. So next time you are on a detox, try adding papaya seeds to your smoothie or breakfast cereal. (9, 10, 11)
4. Reduces the risk of cancer
Papaya seeds can reduce the risk of cancer development. The milky sap in the seeds contains acetogenin, which many studies have shown reduces the deformity of cells.
The leaves and the seeds have amazing properties and many countries create smoothies that fight cancer with these ingredients. The leaves and seeds are said to prevent and reduce the spread of cancer and help maintain normal cell health.
Studies show that papaya seed has been demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines in an in vitro study.
Isothiocyanate, a chemical present in papaya seeds, has been proven to have anticancer characteristics, preventing tumor formation in the colon, lung, leukemia, breast, and prostate. (12, 13, 14 )
5. Promotes your skin health
Many skin products contain papaya and for good reason. Papaya seeds help to regenerate cells and the skin, like any part of the body, consists of cells.
By eating or creating a papaya Seed paste, you will notice your skin looking softer, smoother, and less wrinkly. The seeds and leaves are also very good for reducing acne as the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that assist in reducing swelling and redness.
Try taking the seeds and the leaves and blending them with some water to create a paste. Use this paste on your acne for 10 minutes and then wash it off. You should see some of those pimples disappearing within a week. (14, 15, 16, 17 )
Find out more about the health benefits of papaya leaves.
6. Nutrient dense
A major papaya seed benefit is that they are a superfood as they are so nutrient-rich. Research shows that we can receive 80% of our daily nutrients by just consuming papaya seeds.
They are packed with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and many other properties that make them powerful and amazing. In addition to this, they will also help you to look more beautiful and younger as the seeds work to rejuvenate your cells.(14)
7. Reduces menstrual pain
Ladies, listen up! If you are sick of taking painkillers around that time of the month, then try papaya seeds or the leaves to reduce your pain.
For thousands of years the world over, papaya seeds have been used to help women cope with menstrual pain. The best thing to do is blend the seeds and leaves together with a little honey and then consume cold.(18, 19, 20)
8. Improves digestion (benefits your Gut)
It might seem weird eating those round hard black balls, but they are great for your stomach and your digestive system. Papain, a digestive enzyme, is found in papaya seeds and helps to break down fibers as well as heal the digestive tract.
Proteolytic enzymes and an anthelmintic alkaloid called carpaine are also found in papaya seeds. Studies show that these enzymes help to prevent bacteria and parasites from multiplying. These amazing seeds also improve the intestinal tract. (14, 21, 22)
9. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Papaya seeds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. These fatty acids regulate cholesterol levels by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol).
Papaya seeds are also rich in fiber. Fibre helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
Thus, consuming papaya seeds helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in our bodies.
10. Maintains Cardiovascular Health
Papaya seeds protect our hearts. These seeds are rich in various antioxidants that protect our bodies from free radical damage.
They also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which protects our hearts from various disorders.
11. Papaya seeds neutralize free radicals
Papaya seed benefits help to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules created during metabolism. They are healthy for the body as they remove bad bacteria, but too many of them can lead to oxidative stress.
The antioxidants found in papaya seeds are able to neutralize free radicals so that they do not cause stress for the body. Too many free radicals lead to the development of diseases as well as cancer. (23, 24 )
12. May Help With Dandruff Control
Dandruff usually has a fungal origin, particularly the Malassezia fungus. The papaya fruit and seeds have been shown to have strong antifungal properties.
This may be useful when applied to the hair and scalp and reduce or prevent the development of dandruff. Use a hair pack or scrub that contains papaya seed extract to try this benefit out.
13. Papaya seeds reduce stress
Papaya seeds are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can reduce stress. Vitamin C, especially, has stress-reducing properties. It helps the body to maintain a healthy flow of stress hormones.
When we lack certain minerals and vitamins the body struggles to perform its daily functions, including digestion, cleansing, blood flow, and many others. This leads to internal stress.
However, by eating papaya seeds and following a balanced diet, you can reduce your stress levels and maintain normal functions. (14, 25)
I hope you’re getting value
Papaya Seed and Adrenal Fatigue
Can eating papaya seed help with adrenal fatigue?
Do you suffer from insomnia, inability to concentrate, anxiety, allergies, and weight loss difficulties? You might just suffer from adrenal fatigue syndrome.
Before you dismiss this statement, know that many people suffer from adrenal fatigue without knowing and they think that it is just stress.
Being tired and lethargic is not normal, and you may initially be diagnosed with stress. If this persists, however, it may be adrenal fatigue. (26)
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue are common and debilitating. It also progresses slowly, with sufferers often being told that they just need to cut back on work and take more time to relax.
Most sufferers start with some mild symptoms of stress, but after a prolonged period of time, the adrenal glands can dysfunctional, resulting in adrenal fatigue. The control center for all these symptoms is the adrenal glands.
Read more: why you should drink papaya fruit juice
Papaya Seeds and Cortisol
Cortisol plays many roles in the body – it fights stress, maintains blood sugar levels, it reduces inflammation, it regulates blood pressure, and helps the immune system stay healthy. Does this list above ring a bell? Papaya seeds can help with most of these functions.
When the body is suffering from adrenal fatigue syndrome and the adrenal glands are not producing the correct amount of cortisol, papaya seeds can help the body to maintain order.
Cortisol controls inflammation, and when our cortisol levels are low, the body can experience unusual inflammation.
Papaya seeds have been shown to help reduce and prevent inflammation, including chronic inflammation like gout, arthritis, and joint inflammation.
The vitamins found in papaya seeds, especially vitamin C, also help with inflammation and reduce oxidative stress brought on by inflammation.(27)
Weight Loss and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
Those who suffer from adrenal fatigue syndrome usually have trouble losing weight. They find it easy to gain weight, but hard to lose it. Papaya seeds are high in fiber and great for the digestive system.
It helps keep the bowels healthy and the metabolism ticking. The seeds can help prevent blockages and promote healthy bowel movements. (28, 29)
The best thing about papaya seed benefits is the enzyme known as papain. This enzyme helps to break up protein and fiber. It is a digestive aid that helps fight bacteria, toxins, and parasites.
These properties can help your body correctly digest nutrients and may help you lose weight. These may benefit those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Side Effects of eating papaya seed
Who should not eat papaya seed?
What are the side effects of eating pawpaw seeds?
Yes, certain people are not meant to eat papaya seeds.
For example;
- Papaya seeds should also not be consumed if you are taking blood-thinning medication, as it can increase the thinning of the blood.
- Pregnant women should not eat the seeds of papaya, as the enzymes can affect the growth of the baby. (30, 31 )
- Papaya seed should also be avoided while breastfeeding as it may reduce the production of milk. (32,). It may affect infants who are breastfeeding.
However, ripped papaya fruit enhances breast milk production. (33, 34 )
- Papaya seeds may affect fertility in men. (35)
- May cause an allergic reaction, but is very rare.
Read more: why pregnant women should not eat unripe pawpaw
Storage
How to preserve pawpaw seeds
Truly to enjoy the health benefits of papaya seeds, you’ll need to make it part of your diet.
Here is how you can preserve papaya seeds to make use of it anytime.
Instruction
Scoop the raw seeds and eat them fresh (1 teaspoon) or store them in the fridge for later.
Clean, dry, and bake the papaya seeds, then crush them into a powder and add to your favorite spice mix
FAQ
How many pawpaw seeds should I eat in a day?
Answer:
You should not consume more than 1 teaspoon of papaya seeds per day.
Can I eat pawpaw seeds every day?
Answer:
Papaya seeds are highly nutritious and have been associated with several health benefits, especially for kidney and cancer-related ailments. High doses may cause side effects, but these issues can easily be avoided by moderating your intake or taking small doses or servings per day.
Are pawpaw seeds good for your liver health?
Answer:
Papaya seeds have detoxifying properties and help the liver. It increases appetite, mainly in the elderly, children, and alcoholic patients. Papaya seeds prevent free radical production in the liver cells and promote new cell generation.
Are pawpaw seeds good for everyone?
Answer:
No. Pregnant women and people with stomach ailments, papaya allergies, hypoglycemia, or kidney stones should consult their doctor before consuming pawpaw seeds.
Conclusion
Papaya seeds are nutrient-dense, providing many of the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants your body needs. They can help with detoxification and also in fighting inflammation.
That combo is not only great for preventing illness and reducing disease risk, but it’s also great for anti-aging and skin health.
Papaya seeds are also helpful in adrenal fatigue recovery, as they reduce stress and aid in many functions that cortisol regulates.
As you can clearly see, there are many papaya seed benefits, and they can be considered one of nature’s superfoods.
The benefits are endless, and the results speak for themselves. So next time you buy papaya, don’t throw out those amazing little black seeds. Instead, use them to help your body fight stress and maintain health.
I hope you get the value worth your time. I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment if you find this post helpful. Do you have any other questions as regards this topic I didn’t touch here? Feel free to share with me in the comment below.
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