What do you know about the properties and benefits of papaya seeds? What do you know about papaya? The papaya is the edible fruit of the papaya (scientific name: Carica papaya), a tree native to Mexico. The papaya has been used in most of the Americas for centuries. Rich in fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, papain (a digestive enzyme), thiamine, niacin, and vitamins, this fruit is ideal to improve the functioning of the intestinal tract and the immune system. The papaya promotes digestion and fights against transit disorders.
Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is ideal for people with irritable bowel or bowel ulcers. In addition, it provides a laxative effect, which is why its consumption is also recommended for people suffering from constipation.
*** High nutritional value
It contains a large number of nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body, such as large amounts of vitamin C, necessary for immune strengthening and prevention of cell oxidation. Its high content of beta-carotene, essential for body tissues.
It also contains minerals such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which give it a high nutritional value. But it must also highlight its low caloric intake, which, added to doses of potassium and sodium, makes it a food that eliminates excess liquids by avoiding their retention.
But did you know the properties and benefits of papaya seeds? In this article, we will take stock.
I – Properties of Papaya Seeds
Papaya seeds contain the concentrated nutritional benefits of pulp and papaya juice. They offer the greatest nutritional benefit by providing nearly 300% of what our body needs vitamin C each day. A large amount of vitamin C is the reason why debilitating diseases such as cancer and arthritis can be alleviated by ingesting papaya seed oil.
They contain high levels of oleic acid and palmitic acid, which are supposed to protect the body against cancer. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, papaya seeds are used to detoxify and strengthen the liver. Flavonoids in these seeds help eliminate germs that cause infections and protect the kidneys.
*** Papain
This enzyme helps the body in other functions, such as strengthening the immune system for cancer treatment, fungi resistance, skin and wound care and is a powerful antioxidant. According to an article published in the Journal of Dairy Science, papain can offer a possible alternative to chemical additives to increase the survival of probiotic bacteria in yogurt due to its oxidation properties. Similarly, it also acts as a powerful antimicrobial agent commonly used for food preservation because it prevents bacterial infestations and prevents the product from spoiling by oxidation.
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, papain is very useful for people who do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes because it causes symptoms of indigestion, such as gas, bloating, and flatulence. With papain, everything is back to normal.
Papain has the quality to break down larger proteins into simpler or smaller proteins. This process, in turn, improves total digestive work and increases the absorption of nutrients.
II – Benefits of Papaya Seeds
1 – Protect the Kidneys.
The consumption of papaya seeds helps to prevent kidney failure problems and is also used for treatment when this problem is already present. For this particular case, it is recommended to chew 7 papaya seeds 7 times a day.
2 – Help Clean the Liver.
The liver is one of the most important organs of the body because it eliminates toxins and toxic substances to prevent many diseases. When this organ is affected by a type of condition, we run the risk of developing chronic problems. In this sense, papaya seeds can be great allies, especially in cases of cirrhosis of the liver. For this, grind 5 papaya seeds, mix with a spoonful of lemon juice and drink the mixture 2 times a day for a month.
3 – Improve Intestinal Health and Eliminate Intestinal Parasites.
Papaya seeds are particularly rich in proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes improve our intestinal health and are particularly suitable for the removal of intestinal parasites and their eggs. Its composition also contains an anthelmintic alkaloid called carpaine, which is particularly effective in eliminating and exterminating amoebae in a completely natural way. The seeds are dried and crushed. Then a teaspoon of this powder is diluted in water and boiled. Optionally, you can add honey and ideally eat it 2 to 3 times a day. The World Health Organization recommends deworming at least twice a year.
4 – Protectors of the Stomach.
Papaya seeds are suitable for stomach infections and salmonella and staphylococcal infections. Especially if they are consumed with an infusion of chamomile, it is recommended to consume 7 seeds three times a day.
5 – Prevention of Cancer.
As an abundant source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, seeds and papaya juice can reduce the risk of cancer, especially cancers of the colon and prostate. These seeds produce a kind of juice or sap containing a component called acetogenin. According to medical studies, these seeds are a great help in preventing the growth of cancer cells in the body, one of the reasons they are widely used as a natural remedy in many parts of the world, as well as the fruit pulp.
6 – It Is an Important Natural Anti-Inflammatory.
The seeds are excellent as a natural anti-inflammatory. For those who do not want to take well-known pills such as ibuprofen and the like in pharmacy, because they damage the digestive system, they should consume papaya seeds.
7 – Papaya Seeds Help Control Asthma and Bacterial Infections.
Papaya seeds rich in beta-carotene help control and, in some cases, reduce the risk of asthma. They also have high levels of vitamin A, which, according to studies, has demonstrated its ability to reduce airway inflammation in children.
8 – Ideal for Losing Weight and Burning Fat.
When a diet of weight loss or weight control is followed, they help prevent the body from absorbing excess fat. In addition, they have the ability to prevent the body from absorbing excess fat and sugar, which speeds up the digestive process and contributes to weight loss.
III – How to Consume Papaya Seeds?
* For the liver: grind 7 papaya seeds and mix with a spoonful of lemon juice. To be consumed twice a day for one month.
* For the digestive and intestinal system: well chew 8 papaya seeds. To consume 3 times a day.
* For the kidneys: chew 8 papaya seeds. To consume 3 times a day.
* To lose weight: chew 5 seeds of papaya before each meal.
It is recommended to take this preparation on an empty stomach or before going to bed for 10 days, then rest for 5 days and repeat this cycle 3 times. During this follow-up, it is also suggested to drink several glasses of water a day to clean the system.
1 – As a Nutritional Supplement
* Chew some seeds.
Papaya seeds can be eaten whole, chew one or two seeds a day during the first week. Although papaya seeds can be consumed without problems, consuming something in large quantities when the stomach is not used can cause stomach upset.
After the second week, the amount can be increased to 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon), then 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) and 5 ml (1 teaspoon) each day. Before chewing papaya seeds, always remember that they have a bitter taste. They have a flavor somewhere between black peppercorns and mustard.
* Eat the seeds with honey.
If you feel that the bitter taste of papaya seeds is too strong.
2 – Culinary Uses
After cutting the papaya in half, remove the seeds with a large spoon; they are covered with a gelatinous substance that can be removed under running water. The seeds have a slightly bitter and spicy flavor. They can be added to salad condiments or consumed alone. They can also be spread over salads, soups or added to any dish in place of black pepper.
* In replacement of pepper. With a mortar, crush simultaneously up to 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of papaya seeds. Grind the seeds into a fine or coarse powder. The washed and dried seeds can also be poured directly into the pepper mill instead of using the mortar. For best results, use freshly ground papaya seeds.
3 – Tips for Keeping Them
After removing the seeds with a spoon, place them in the middle of a cloth or a dryer. Fold the tea towel so that it is in the center and rub the seeds quickly to remove any pieces of stuck fruit. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse with potable water. Spread them near the window sill to dry in the sun for a few days.
* Keep what’s left in the fridge.
Place in an airtight container for frozen food and store the seeds in the freezer. In the freezer, papaya seeds retain their nutritional value for 6 to 12 months.
Defrost the seeds in the refrigerator overnight before using them. Frozen seeds can also be soaked in hot water for a few minutes until softened.
4 – Consumption of Papaya Seeds: Contraindications
* Suffering from constipation.
Although the papaya is known to fight against constipation, papaya seeds should be consumed moderately because they are highly fiber-rich and if the body has too much fiber, the stool will harden unless you drink plenty of water.
* If the seeds are consumed in excess, it is toxic.
Keep in mind that if you eat too much and do not have a good heart rate, the heartbeat will stop.
* Do not consume while breastfeeding.
It is recommended not to consume a lot of papayas because the enzymes it contains could have a negative effect on the child.
IV – Discoveries on the Seeds of the Papaya
– Discovery 1: Effectiveness of Dried Seeds of Carica Papaya Against Human Intestinal Parasitosis: A Pilot Study
In a study conducted by researchers at Obafemi University Awolowo, Nigeria, published in the Journal of Medicine Food in 2007, it was found that 76.7% of children eliminated intestinal parasites after consuming papaya seeds all days for a week.
To determine the efficacy of Carica papaya seeds in human intestinal parasitosis, 60 asymptomatic Nigerian children with microscopic signs of intestinal parasites received immediate doses of elixir, consisting of air-dried papaya seeds and honey (CPH) or honey alone (placebo), in two randomized treatment groups. Repeated microscopic examinations of feces were performed 7 days after the intervention for intestinal parasites.
Significantly, more subjects who received the CPH elixir than those who received only honey had no parasites in their feces. There was no ill effect. The rate of removal of the deposits for the different types of parasites detected was between 71.4% and 100% after treatment with the elixir of CPH, against 0-15.4% with the honey.
The tropical fruit Carica papaya and its seeds have demonstrated anthelmintic and anti-amoebic properties. Therefore, air-dried papaya Carica seeds are effective in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects. Its consumption offers a preventative, monotherapeutic, natural, harmless, and easily available strategy against intestinal parasitosis, especially in tropical communities.
– Discovery 2: Carica Papaya Increases the Number of Regulatory T Cells and Reduces the Number of IFN-γ (+) cd4 (+) T Cells in Healthy Human Subjects
According to a study conducted by researchers at Putra Malaysia University, published in the Guide to Molecular Nutrition and Food Research in 2011, subjects who received extracts and papaya seeds found a reduction in the presence of inflammatory markers.
Research has shown that papain reduces inflammation in patients with acute arthritis and can reduce the number of inflammatory markers inside the prostate. A decrease in the level of inflammation is associated with the deceleration of the aging process.
Fruits and vegetables have a therapeutic potential because they reduce inflammation, have no known side effects, and whole foods have potential additive and synergistic benefits.
IFN-γ (+) CD4 (+) T cells play a vital role in mediating inflammatory responses and can be regulated by regulatory T cells (Treg). The effects of Carica papaya on the cells of healthy individuals were determined using flow cytometry methods. Tregs were observed after eating papaya. In vitro cultures showed positive regulation of Tregs in males. Other inflammatory cytokines were significantly suppressed. The consumption of papaya may exert a Treg-mediated anti-inflammatory response and may potentially relieve inflammatory conditions.
– Discovery 3: Kiwis and Papayas Prevent Hepatic Steatosis
Scientists at the University of Colorado, according to a study published in the journal Hepatology Communications in January 2018, have discovered a new way to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a substance called Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) found in kiwifruit.
Supplemental PPQ compound prevented the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice whose mothers received a high-fat diet.
PQQ is an antioxidant found naturally in foods such as kiwi, green peppers, celery, parsley, and papaya, as well as in breast milk. The substance can help protect our body against the action of free radicals, uncharged molecules that can damage DNA and other cellular components.
The scientists fed pregnant mice with a high-fat, Western-style diet and controlled the health of their offspring. At first, the team found that the weights of these pups were about 56% higher than those born to mice fed a control diet.
In addition, mice from mothers fed a high-fat diet also showed changes in intestinal bacteria associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver in which the accumulation of fat is accompanied by inflammation.
However, when pregnant mice received PQQ at the same time as their high-fat diet, the researchers found that the changes in intestinal bacteria in their offspring were reversed and that their weight gain was also lower than that of the small ones. mothers had not received the supplement.
The researchers pointed out that PQQ is a potentially safe treatment for the prevention and development of both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD and NASH.
Probiotics, mistletoe, coffee, and tea are some of the natural products that prevent or reverse fatty liver.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an accumulation of fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is a very common disorder. It is estimated that this disease affects up to 20% of adults and almost 5% of children. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, it is thought that obesity is the most common cause.