The taste, nutrition, and health benefits of pawpaw fruit are well known, but few people know about the enormously beneficial pawpaw seeds, which are typically discarded. This article discusses the health benefits of pawpaw seeds.
Pawpaw seeds are small, round, black seeds found in the center of the papaya fruit. These tiny round seeds are edible and benefit our health if consumed in moderation.
They aid in weight loss, relieve menstrual pain, and have anti-cancer properties. They also improve our cardiovascular health, making them one of the best heart-healthy foods.
Pawpaw seeds are black and have a shiny, wet, slimy coating. When you remove the covering, you can feel the rough black seeds. They taste slightly bitter and peppery. You can eat them by drying and grinding them.Â
Let’s find out the nutritional value and health benefits of pawpaw seeds.
Nutritional Value Of Pawpaw Seeds
Pawpaw seeds are incredibly nutritious and contain a lot of essential micronutrients.
- 100 grams of dried pawpaw seeds contain approximately 558 calories. They contain a lot of protein, fat, and fiber.
- They also have vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Pawpaw seed contain monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. They also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, both of which are potent antioxidants.
10 Health Benefits of Pawpaw Seeds
Below are some of the potential health benefits of pawpaw seeds.
1. Antioxidant potency
Pawpaw seeds have abundant polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. These are all potent antioxidants.
Antioxidants shield the body from free radical damage, shielding us from various diseases.
2. Lowers cholesterol
Pawpaw seeds are high in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, which help lower cholesterol. These fatty acids help to control cholesterol levels by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol ). Pawpaw seeds are high in fiber as well. Fibre aids in the reduction of cholesterol levels in the body.
As a result, eating pawpaw seeds helps us maintain healthy cholesterol levels in our bodies.
3. Aids weight loss
Fiber is abundant in pawpaw seeds. They aid in removing toxins from our bodies by keeping our digestion on track. They also help in the regulation of our metabolism and the prevention of fat absorption—this aids in the fight against obesity.
4. Promotes digestive health
Pawpaw seeds are excellent sources of fiber, and eating them can promote better digestive health.
Eating fiber-rich foods like pawpaw seeds can help you stool regularly and prevent constipation.
5. Good for kidney health
According to medical studies, pawpaw seeds may be good for the kidneys. It contains antioxidants and nutrients which are able to protect the kidneys and boost its function.
One animal study found that pawpaw seed extract was able to prevent kidney damage in paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in male wistar rats.
6. Possesses cancer-fighting properties
Polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, are found in pawpaw seeds. They protect our bodies from various types of cancer.
Isothiocyanate, found in pawpaw seeds, inhibits the formation and development of cancer cells.
In fact, a 2014 study demonstrated that extracts of pawpaw seed might help in reducing inflammation and protecting against cancer growth.
7. Maintains cardiovascular health
Pawpaw seeds guard our hearts. The seeds are rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
In addition, pawpaw seeds contain compounds called phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which have been shown to have cardioprotective effects.
8. Reduces inflammation
Pawpaw seeds have been shown to reduce inflammation. Vitamin C and substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols are abundant in pawpaw seeds. All of these substances have anti-inflammatory effects.
As a result, they can help prevent and reduce inflammation in disorders like gout and arthritis.
9. Beneficial to the skin
Pawpaw seeds have anti-aging qualities. They keep our skin supple and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Furthermore, pawpaw seeds also contain papain, an enzyme that can help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, which can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
10. May relieve menstrual pain
Pawpaw includes carotene, which is necessary for the body to control the synthesis of a hormone known as estrogen.
While pawpaw seeds can help trigger menstruation and increase its frequency, they can also assist and manage period pains to some extent.
A 2017 study found that pawpaw leaf extract and seeds may decrease the level of menstrual pain.
Sides Effects Of Pawpaw Seeds
May affect fertility: According to medical research, pawpaw seeds may have a negative effect on fertility in humans. It has been said to have contraceptive potential.
Conclusion
Pawpaw is a low-calorie fruit with a sweet flavor high in vitamins and minerals. And pawpaw seeds have a lot of potential health benefits and uses. However, more medical research needs to be done to ascertain the effects on humans. Also, consult with your doctor always.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
