Papaya seeds often wind up in the trash. These have a sharp, peppery taste and are simple to discard. Rarely are fruit seeds—especially papaya seeds—treated as food.
However, more biological activity may be present in those little black seeds than most people realize, according to studies. Papaya seeds’ nutritional and therapeutic qualities were investigated in a 2017 review that was published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. The research included results from in-vitro, laboratory, and animal experiments.
What the science indicates is as follows:
Seven advantages of papaya seeds for health
1. They have potent antimicrobial activity
In experimental tests, papaya seed extracts have shown the capacity to suppress dangerous germs including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. This may be your cue to sometimes eat some. Researchers believe that the presence of substances such benzyl isothiocyanate in papaya is responsible for this impact. It contributes to the plant’s defense mechanism.
2. They might aid in the battle against intestinal parasites
Controlling parasites is one of the most well-established traditional applications of papaya seeds. Dried papaya seeds administered with honey shown considerable efficacy against intestinal parasites, according to studies referenced in the study. Additionally, it reported extremely few and negligible adverse effects.
3. Strong antioxidants
When subjected to oxidative stress, papaya seed water extracts have been shown to function as potent free-radical scavengers in human skin fibroblast cells. In several experiments, the antioxidant impact was equal to or greater than that of vitamin C.
4. Promote intestinal well-being
According to the research, papaya seeds may also include papain and other enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins. This might account for their lengthy history of usage in treatments pertaining to digestion as well as their documented anti-ulcer properties in animal research.
5. Anti-amoebic properties
The study focuses on research where ripe papaya seed aqueous extracts showed notable anti-amoebic activity against Entamoeba histolytica. Intestinal infections are associated with this parasite.
6. Affect animals’ blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Papaya seed extracts reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose levels in rats in a dose-dependent way, according to animal experiments included in the research.
7. Include substances investigated for their potential to cause cancer
Bioactive substances including lycopene, phenolics, and isothiocyanates are abundant in papaya seeds. Although the authors emphasize that human trials are currently missing, these chemicals had an impact on the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines in laboratory investigations.
