They contain fiber, protein, and vitamins, including health-boosting antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight free radicals. There is evidence that intake can help eliminate stomach worms.
Although there are several controversial views on their intake for fertility. However, in this post, we shall explore its benefits and impact on pregnancy.
Many people don’t know that seeds extracted from papaya offer several health benefits and hence discard them. The truth is that they are edible and rich in healthy fatty acids [1], and many other important compounds.
According to a study, the healthy fatty acids found in these seeds may help decrease triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, interestingly this favors people with type 2 diabetes [2].
Before we fully explore the health benefits of these neglected seeds of papaya, let’s briefly examine their impact on fertility.
Papaya seeds for fertility in male
May protect sperm cells from DNA alteration
These seeds have vitamins A and C, including flavonoids and polyphenols [3] which are antioxidants that can help to protect our reproductive cells from DNA alteration and other damages caused by free radicals [4, 5, 6]. This means the intake may be good for fertility and could help protect against oxidative damage.
However, there have been several controversial opinions on the impact of these seeds on fertility. Here are some of the fertility concerns.
Excess intake May reduce sperm count
There are claims that these seeds may also have negative effects on male fertility when eaten in excess. According to an animal study, the seed of papaya extract may lower sperm motility and sperm count [7].
In one case study on monkeys [8], it was revealed that administering large doses of seed extract caused a condition called azoospermia, which is characterized by a lack of sperm.
Papaya seeds and female fertility
May prevent pregnancy in females
Intake of these seeds may also serve as a potential birth control remedy as they may prevent pregnancy in females. According to an animal study, there was a reduction in progesterone levels in female rats that were fed the extract, the study further recorded a disorder in the oestrus pattern, and their utero-ovarian tissue was equally altered.
Finally, the evidence of the impact of these seeds on fertility is mixed. More research is needed to determine whether they have any negative effects on fertility in humans.
PICKS: 7 fertility fruits to increase sperm count, motility, morphology
How to Eat Them
People often discard these seeds not knowing that they are rich in vitamins C and A, and fiber which may help improve digestion, and boost the immune system. However, if you are interested in eating to experience how it tastes and feels, here is a quick guide.
- Take some of the seed from freshly riped papaya seeds pour them into your mouth and eat, then sip some water or juice.
- Extract the seed and grind it into a powder, this can be added to smoothies, salads, and other dishes.
- Papaya seed and honey. You can mix powdered papaya seed with honey to form a simple elixir, this can be taken to eliminate stomach parasites [9].
Health benefits of papaya seeds
These seeds are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins. Here are some of the benefits to consider.
1. Help fight inflammations
They contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. This means when we eat these seeds moderately, the anti-inflammatory compound in them may help to lower pains and swelling caused by inflammation.
Studies have equally confirmed that inflammation can increase the risk of several health problems [10].
2. Boosts the body’s antioxidants level
As noted earlier, These seeds contain vitamins A and C, including flavonoids and polyphenols [11], all of which exhibit antioxidant properties. This means eating them which are a good source of these antioxidants, may increase our body’s antioxidant level. It can also help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals [12, 13]. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and alter DNA [14].
3. Intake may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
As noted earlier, these seeds are rich sources of fiber which promotes digestion.
According to a study, intake of fiber-rich diets can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Further research also shows that consuming foods that are high in fiber may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as stroke, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease [15].
4. Can help fight fungi infection
According to a study, the seed of papaya contains compounds that have been shown effective against certain fungi infections, and hence intake may help eliminate these types of fungi infections.
Additionally, another related test-tube study revealed their effectiveness against pathogens linked with yeast infection including other strains of fungi [16]. However, this evidence is limited and hence requires further research.
5. Can help eliminate stomach worms
Several studies have equally confirmed the stomach parasite-killing property of papaya seeds. Anecdotal evidence where a total of 326 children were fed porridge fortified with the extract showed a significant reduction in the activities of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides [17].
A similar case study from the University of Florida’s Animal Sciences Department revealed that a papaya seed-based diet fed to goats was able to eliminate about 78 percent of adult parasites, and 72 percent of their eggs [18].
This resulted in the adoption of papaya seeds-based feed to eliminate parasites among livestock. Furthermore, it is considered a cheaper, more realistic, harmless, and obtainable monotherapy and preventive method for intestinal parasites [19].
6. May protect kidneys from toxin
According to a limited rat-based study, the intake can offer protection to the kidney against toxins, it may also improve kidney function study indicates [20].
7. Contains compound that fights Cancer
Some studies have shown they have cancer-fighting properties [21], and intake may also lower inflammation. This is thought to be due to the high levels of antioxidants in them.
Also, a related test tube study noted that intake of a papaya seed-based diet may slow down and lower the risk of the growth of prostate cancer cells [22].
This evidence is limited and should be not depended upon as a treatment for Cancer. Please seek proper medical help and avoid self-medication.
The downside of Eating papaya seeds
Given that they contain the chemical benzyl isothiocyanate, which is also found in several cruciferous vegetables [23], excessive intake could potentially be dangerous.
Although there is evidence that this compound has been associated with several health advantages, particularly in the prevention of cancer [24, 25, 26]. However, some studies indicate that it might be harmful in excessive amounts.
Supporting this claim is a test-tube study [27] that identified considerable DNA damage that was caused when benzyl isothiocyanate was administered directly to individual cells.
It is important to know that, giving benzyl isothiocyanate to live rats did not have the same outcome as noted in the test tube study. However, another similar research suggests that it hurts healthy cells [28].
It’s important to remember that these experiments on animals and cells were based on excessive dosages of benzyl isothiocyanate, however, more study is needed on that.
Where to buy papaya
Near me. You can buy them from online stores, or local groceries. However, you can opt for a homemade in the following ways;
- Collect as much quantity of the seeds as you want.
- Dry them in the sun and ground them into powder
- Store the powder in a container for later use.
BOTTOM LINE
Papaya seeds are rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which protect reproductive cells from DNA damage. They also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties which boost the immune system, aid digestion, and protect against cancer.
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