5 Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds

Many of us love the sweet and succulent flesh of ripe papaya. The raw green version of it is usually cooked to prepare a variety of dishes. But what do you people do with the seeds of the fruit? If you are already wondering to see the title of this article (this is true for most of us, of course), you definitely throw them away. Well, do you know that these so-called non-edible seeds can offer multiple health benefits to us, if incorporated in daily diet in small amount? Let us take a look at them through this article. Here we go:

* Packed with Nutrition

Fresh papaya seeds are highly nutritious. Several researches have revealed that they are loaded with nutrients like proteins and fats. While a cup of (1 ounce) papaya seeds acts as a good protein serving, it should also be taken in moderation at the same time due to its high level of fat content. They are also rich in micronutrients like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.

* Improves Digestive Health

Like the flesh of papaya, the seeds of the fruit also contain huge amount of digestive enzymes, especially papain. Being extremely potent, they can facilitate the activities of ‘good bacteria’ and enhance the functionalities of our gastrointestinal organs. Consequently, we get rid of various digestive issues.

* Detoxifies and Heals Liver

Regular consumption of a small amount of papaya seeds can make our liver toxin-free, thereby perking up our overall health to a great extent. Apart from liver detoxification, they can also heal severely damaged liver in an efficient manner. Studies have proved that drinking crushed papaya seeds with one tablespoon of lemon juice twice daily can cure liver cirrhosis (shrinkage and hardening of liver due to excessive alcohol consumption) successfully within just a month.

* Averts Renal Diseases

Fresh papaya seeds have immense positive effects on our kidneys. It has been found that these seeds are highly beneficial for kidney diseases that are associated with body poisoning. They not only help in treating various fatal kidney diseases efficiently, but also play a key role in preventing kidney failure.

* Keeps Cancer at Bay

Intake of papaya seeds can even help our body fight against the rapid growth of cancerous tumors. Researchers have found the presence of certain immunomodulatory compounds in them, which are known to slow down the formation as well as development of cancerous cells and tumors. In fact, the isothiocyanate components of papaya seeds can help us stay away from breast cancer, blood cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.