According to healthline - From the looks of it, papaya may not have a special shape, like dragon fruit for example. However, don't underestimate the health benefits of this orange-colored fruit. In fact, you can also experience the health benefits of papaya seeds.
Apart from being sweet, there are many benefits of papaya flesh, such as improving the digestive system. So, what about the benefits of papaya seeds?
The various benefits of papaya seeds
Usually, papaya is consumed by cutting the flesh into pieces. Meanwhile, the seeds are taken with a spoon and thrown away. Now, change that habit. Because, you can also experience the health benefits of papaya seeds.
However, keep in mind that there are some side effects that you should be aware of before eating them.
Some of these papaya seed benefits might make you think twice about throwing away the seeds.
1. Highly nutritious
Papaya seeds contain many essential micronutrients for the body. Important compounds such as pliphenols and flavonoids are also found in papaya seeds.
Pliphenols and flavonoids are antioxidant compounds that can improve your body's health.
Moreover, antioxidants can fight free radicals, to prevent oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases.
Moreover, papaya seeds contain healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid. Papaya seeds also have fiber.
2. Powerful in eradicating fungi and parasites
Studies have shown that papaya seeds can kill several types of fungi and parasites in the body. Based on test-tube studies, papaya seed extract fights pathogenic types of fungi, which often cause yeast infections.
However, human studies are still needed to prove the effectiveness of papaya seeds in eradicating fungi and parasites in the body.
3. Maintain kidney function
Papaya seeds are also believed to maintain healthy kidney function. An animal study showed that papaya seed extract helped prevent kidney damage in rats given drugs to induce toxicity.
Because they contain antioxidants, papaya seeds can also prevent oxidative damage to body cells, and maintain kidney health.
However, human studies still need to be conducted, to prove the efficacy of papaya seeds on kidney health.
4. May prevent cancer
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, papaya seeds are believed to prevent cancer. Some studies have proven it with test tube tests.
In these tests, papaya seed extract showed its ability to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer growth.
While these results are promising, further studies are still needed to evaluate the effects of papaya seeds on cancer cell growth in the human body.
5. Improves digestive system
In addition to the pulp, it turns out that the benefits of papaya seeds can also smooth your digestive system. This is because papaya seeds contain fiber, which is very good for the digestive system.
A study shows that fiber can improve bowel movements in people who are often constipated, protect against inflammatory bowel disease, relieve hemorrhoids, and reduce the risk of obesity.
For those of you who have digestive system problems, want to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body, and maintain kidney function, papaya seeds are a suitable food to consume.
Side effects of papaya seeds
After knowing the benefits of papaya seeds, do not immediately consume them in large quantities. Because, there are some side effects that you should know.
Reduced fertility
In some animal tests, papaya seed extract reduced fertility. For example, one study found that monkeys who consumed high doses of papaya seed extract developed azoospermia, which means the absence of sperm in the ejaculate.
In tests on mice, high doses of papaya seed extract also decreased sperm count and motility.
Keep in mind, this happened because the dose of papaya seed extract given to the animals was very high.
Research on papaya seeds' ability to reduce fertility in humans remains to be done to find out the answer.
May damage DNA
Papaya seeds contain a lot of benzyl isothiocyanate. In a test tube test, this compound was shown to damage DNA if papaya seeds are consumed in high doses.
Research on mice also proved that there was a toxic effect on healthy cells in the small animal's body.
How to eat papaya seeds?
You may be wondering, how do you eat the hard papaya seeds to reap the benefits of papaya seeds?
When you cut the papaya in half, take one papaya seed, and use your thumb and index finger to open the "pouch" that covers the black seed. After that, you can place it in your mouth and chew it.
You might realize that it doesn't taste as good as the flesh. However, for the sake of experiencing the benefits of papaya seeds, why not?
The benefits of papaya seeds can indeed be felt by the body, if eaten properly and in moderation. Because if you overdo it, there are adverse side effects that you can feel.
If you are not sure about your body's ability to consume and digest papaya seeds, it is better to consult a doctor. Good luck!
Content created and supplied by: Sportyblitz (via Opera News )
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