Eating papaya, why should you eat the seeds?

Papaya is a nutritious fruit that provides many health benefits. The beneficial nutrients in papaya are not only found in the flesh but also in the seeds. However, you should not eat too many papaya seeds.

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

Although papaya seeds are good for your health, you should not eat too many because they can be mildly toxic to the body.

Papaya seeds provide the following benefits:

Lowers blood cholesterol. Papaya seeds contain a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid. Studies show that regular intake 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 good source of fiber, which helps maintain gut health and digestive system. Fiber-rich foods help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.

Protect kidney function. The kidneys play an extremely important role because they act as filters to remove waste and excess fluids from the body. Therefore, taking care of kidney health is very important. Some studies have shown that nutrients in papaya seeds have the effect of protecting and maintaining kidney health and function.

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

However, in addition to the benefits, eating too many papaya seeds will cause some side effects. Papaya seeds contain carpain, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excess. Some studies on monkeys also show that eating too many papaya seeds will lead to a lack of sperm in the semen, reducing fertility.

Additionally, papaya seeds also contain benzyl isothiocyanate. Consuming 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. In addition to eating 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