Why should you eat the seeds of papaya?

Papaya is a nutritious fruit that offers many health benefits. The beneficial nutrients in papaya are found not only in the flesh but also in the seeds. However, papaya seeds should not be consumed in excessive amounts.

Papaya seeds contain many essential micronutrients and are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. These are two antioxidants that fight free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative stress and ward off chronic diseases, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Although papaya seeds are good for health, they should not be consumed in excessive amounts as they may cause mild toxicity to the body.

Papaya seeds offer the following benefits:

Lowering blood cholesterol. Papaya seeds contain a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid. Studies show that regular consumption of this fatty acid can help reduce triglyceride levels by 19% and "bad" LDL cholesterol by 22%.

Improve gut health. Papaya seeds are also a rich source of fiber, which helps maintain gut health and the digestive system. Fiber-rich foods help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.

Protecting kidney function. The kidneys play an extremely important role as they act as filters to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Therefore, taking care of kidney health is crucial. Some studies show that the nutrients in papaya seeds have a protective effect and help maintain kidney health and function.

Anti-cancer properties. Papaya seeds also contain many antioxidants with anti-cancer properties. Some in-tube studies have shown that papaya seeds can reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells.

However, despite its benefits, consuming too many papaya seeds can have some side effects. Papaya seeds contain carpain, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. Some studies on monkeys have also shown that eating large quantities of papaya seeds can lead to a decrease in sperm count in semen, impairing fertility.

Additionally, papaya seeds contain benzyl isothiocyanate. Ingesting too much of this compound can lead to digestive problems such as stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid eating papaya seeds.

To ensure good health, experts recommend eating only 5 to 10 papaya seeds per day. Besides eating them fresh, people can dry papaya seeds, grind them into powder, and use them as a spice, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-du-du-vi-sao-nen-an-ca-hat-18525020923494784.htm