Nutrition in Papaya Seeds
As per a study conducted by the University of Florida, Papaya seeds are a rich source of nutrients. They contain vitamin A and C, folate, fatty acids, crude fibre and protein, carpaine, benzyl glucosinolate, myrosin enzyme, and various phytochemicals that help fight cancerous cells.
According to another research, 30-35% of papaya fruit contains seeds while the rest is pulp. The protein content in papaya seeds is 27-28%, lipids are 28-30%, whereas crude fibres are 19-22%. The oil present in papaya seeds is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
Also Read: Khus Khus (Poppy Seeds): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More
How to Eat Papaya Seeds?
To obtain the benefits of papaya seeds, you can eat them in various ways.
- You can chew 8-10 dried papaya seeds or crush them into powder form and add it to your food or smoothies and shakes.
- Another way to have papaya seeds is to grind them and prepare a paste. You can add honey or jaggery to the paste and have it.
Benefits of Papaya Seeds
Papaya has a wide range of health benefits. Let us now understand some of the most significant papaya seeds benefits:
- Helps Fight Cancer:- According to research, the papain enzyme present in papaya seeds is effective in breaking down the cancer cell wall. It also contains anti-cancer properties.
- Controls Blood Sugar Levels:- Papaya seeds are rich in flavonoids, a natural antioxidant with a low glycemic index. The GI of papaya is 60, which does not make the blood sugar level rise quickly. Therefore, papaya seeds are beneficial for diabetes patients to regulate blood sugar levels. One can grind or crush papaya seeds and mix them with their food.
- Boosts Immune System:- Since papaya seeds are a rich source of vitamin A and C, they help fight infections and boost immunity.
- Reduces Inflammation:- Papaya seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce gut and joint inflammation. It also assists in arthritis. You can make a paste of papaya seeds and apply it to the target area on the skin.
- Helpful for Dengue and Malaria:- Papaya seeds are also widely used to treat dengue and malaria since they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Also Read: 10 Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Women
Papaya Seeds Benefits for Skin
Papaya seeds are not only beneficial for our overall health but also provide the following skin benefits:
- Anti-ageing:- Our skin needs antioxidants to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Papaya seeds contain lycopene and other antioxidants that prevent skin ageing.
- Controlling Acne:- Papain enzyme present in papaya seeds helps to reduce acne inflammation. Moreover, papaya seeds are rich in Vitamin A that is beneficial in managing acne.
- Treats Pigmentation:- Since papaya seeds are rich in vitamins and fatty acids, one can apply their oil to the skin to reduce discolouration. You can use papaya seeds for skin whitening.
Papaya Seeds Benefits for Liver
The nutrients present in the papaya seeds help to detoxify the liver. They aid in liver cirrhosis. The enzymes present in the papaya seeds like papain and chymopapain facilitate the breaking down of amino acids. This aids the liver to function effectively. The antioxidants present in the papaya seeds also reduce liver inflammation.
Papaya Seeds for Weight Loss
Papaya is beneficial for our gut. One cup of raw papaya contains over 125g water, 62 calories, 0.4g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and nearly 2.5g fibre. Since papaya has low calories and high water composition, it makes our stomach feel full without intaking extra fat.
The papain enzyme present in the papaya seeds also aids in digestion. You can consume dried papaya seeds in powder or paste form for weight loss.
Is Papaya Seed Good For Hair Growth?
As you have already read above, papaya seeds comprise plenty of nutrients that are vital for the body. It contains vitamin A which helps to tackle dry and frizzy hair. You can dry papaya seeds, grind them, and mix them with honey to prepare a hair mask.
Studies indicate that low protein levels in the body can cause hair thinning and hair loss. As papaya seeds are rich in folic acid and protein, they promote hair growth.
Since papaya is also rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, its seeds also help get rid of dandruff.
Use of Papaya Seeds
Here is how you can use papaya seeds to gain maximum benefits,
- Black Pepper:- Dried papaya seeds are often used like black pepper in food items.
- Papaya Seeds Paste:- You can grind papaya seeds to form a paste and apply it to your face and neck to get skin benefits.
Papaya Side Effects
While papaya has numerous health benefits, overconsumption of this fruit can have significant side effects,
- Food Poisoning:- The papaya seeds contain benzyl glucosinolate, which can result in food poisoning if over consumed.
- Burning Sensation on Skin:- While cutting papaya, you need to make sure that the papaya latex does not touch your skin. Papaya latex is an enzyme that can cause a burning sensation on the skin when applied directly.
- Chances of Miscarriage:- Unripe or semi-ripe papaya is harmful to pregnant women. It contains latex which can cause uterine contractions and might induce the body into early labour. This may result in miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid having unripe or semi-ripe papaya.
How To Identify Male and Female Papaya Seeds?
According to the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center, there are three different types of papaya; male, female, and hermaphrodite. These are distinguished after 3-6 months of cultivation.
In male papaya, the seeds have a dark colour coat on top, whereas the female papaya seeds have a light coat.
How To Extract Papain From Papaya Seeds?
Papaya seeds contain an enzyme called papain that offers plenty of benefits. We can use papain to treat sore throat, inflammation, swelling, infections, and other healthcare issues.
To extract Papain, an unripe papaya is used. Its skin is removed, and two-three vertical cuts of 2mm are made in the papaya. After a few minutes, the latex starts oozing out from the cut. It is then collected in a plastic container with a tight lid. The latex is then dried in the sun or on a stove.
