All about Papaya Seeds: How to Use them, Benefits and Risks

The papaya or pawpaw is the fruit of Carica papaya plant. Its origin was reported in Central America and Southern Mexico but is now grown in all parts of the world. Today, they can be found in markets throughout the year (But a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall is noticed). 

Almost all the parts of papaya plant are of use because of their benefits.  One of them is Papaya seeds, which contain a variety of essential micronutrients.  Papaya seeds are black coloured seeds having a shiny, wet and slimy covering. If you remove this covering, the rough black seeds can be felt. The seeds are slightly bitter and peppery in taste.  

There's a myth that papaya seeds are not edible, it's wrong, it's ok to eat them and are good for our health when consumed in limited quantities. 

Nutritional Value of Papaya Seeds: 

1. Papaya seeds are rich in proteins, fibre and fat. Around 558 calories of energy is provided by 100 grams of dried papaya seeds. 

2. Papaya seeds are also rich in vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin P( bioflavonoids) and many B vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc etc

3. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and also contain polyphenols and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants

How to Consume Papaya Seeds? 

Because of its bitter taste, we don’t like to eat it. Then how do we consume it? Well, there's a solution. 

Grind the papaya seeds into a powder form. Mix this powder in sweet smoothies, juices, desserts or even teas (The sweetness of sugar, honey or jaggery will overpower their seeds' bitterness).

Health Benefits of papaya seeds: 

1. Makes the Gut healthy

Being rich in fibre papaya seeds help in maintaining a healthy gut. They regulate our bowel movements and remove toxins from the body and are also helpful in constipation. Carpaine in papaya seeds helps in killing harmful bacteria and parasites in our intestines and therefore, keep our digestive system healthy. 

2. Helps in weight management

Papaya seeds keeps our digestion on track and also help in regulating our metabolism and preventing our body from absorbing fat. Thus helps in preventing obesity. 

3. Removes harmful radicals

Papaya seeds are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins.  Antioxidants helps in protecting the body from damage by free radicals, thus protecting us from a variety of diseases. 

4. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Being rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (which regulates cholesterol levels in body by reducing bad cholestrol level) and also being rich in fibre (Fibre helps in reducing Cholesterol levels in the body) helps papaya seeds in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in our body. 

5. Help in treating dengue

Papaya seeds are a remedy against dengue. When dengue fever attacks, start consuming papaya seeds and leaves which will help you in increasing WBCs and platelets. 

6. Nephroprotective:

Consumption of papaya seeds protect our kidneys from damage and ensures smooth functioning of kidneys . 

7. Anti-cancer Properties:

Papaya seeds contain both polyphenols and isothiocyanate. Polyphenols prevent our body from different types of cancers and isothiocyanate inhibits the formation and development of cancer cells.  

8. Promotes Skin health - 

Because of presence of antioxidants and phytochemicals,papaya seeds may protect all cells, including skin cells, from oxidative damage. Papaya seeds also exhibit anti-ageing properties that helps in preventing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Note :  Consult a dermatologist before using papaya seeds on your skin.  

9. Controls Dandruff

One of the best benefits of papaya seeds is that it helps in reducing dandruff (because of  antifungal properties) when used in a hair pack. 

10. Healing

Papaya seeds show significant antimicrobial activity that helps in killing the bacteria in the wound and promotes faster healing.   Apply crushed papaya seeds to wounds for faster healing. 

11. In treatment of liver cirrhosis

The nutrients in the seeds can help in curing liver cirrhosis.

Blend the seeds, combine with either  water or yogurt and consume regularly to get its health benefits. 

Risks related to papaya seeds :  

1. If you have papain allergy complete avoidance of papaya is recommended. 

2. Pregnant women should avoid papaya seeds,as consuming high amounts of papain may harm the unborn fetus. 

3. There is inadequate evidence to say whether papaya seeds are safe to consume or not during lactation, but still avoid them.

4. People who are allergic to papaya should be steer clear of papaya seeds as well as they can suffer severe health consequences otherwise. 

5. People with a latex allergy can also be allergic to papaya as papayas contain enzymes called chitanases.