Papaya is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant orange flesh (when ripe) and sweet, mild taste. When preparing this popular fruit, many people simply toss the dark, bead-like seeds into the trash. However, what many papaya lovers may not realize is that these seeds are actually packed with nutrition.
“While the fruit itself provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and fiber, the often-discarded seeds hold their own wellness wonders.” —Stacey Woodson, MS, RDN, LDN
five of the most impressive perks papaya seeds have to offer.
1. May Have Antiparasitic Properties
Papaya is filled with peppery black seeds, which are technically edible and packed with potential health benefits—though many people skip them due to their bold, slightly bitter taste. One of those potential health benefits is protection against parasites.
“Papaya seeds contain many bioactive compounds such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BiTC) and carpain that are thought to kill intestinal parasites.” —Jennifer A. Wagner, RDN, LDN
A 2018 study of over 300 Kenyan children found that participants who ate papaya seed-fortified porridge had a significant reduction in Ascaris lumbricoides parasite.
“However, the current evidence for antiparasitic benefits remains limited, so more comprehensive research is needed,” Woodson added.2
2. Rich in Antioxidants
These small (but mighty!) seeds are also brimming with antioxidants.
“Papaya seeds are packed with antioxidants, particularly phenolic and flavonoid compounds that intensify as the fruit ripens.”3 —Woodson
These compounds—including quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol—help protect your body from cellular damage. “They help neutralize free radicals—oxidative compounds that can contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease and certain cancers,” Randazzo added.5
A 2023 review found papaya (including its seeds) to demonstrate noteworthy anti-cancer properties.6
3. May Support Gut Health
Papaya seeds may even aid gut health, thanks to their digestive enzyme content.
“The digestive enzymes papain and chymopapain found in papaya seeds work like natural assistants, helping your body break down nutrients more efficiently while supporting optimal gut health and digestive harmony.” —Woodson
Research has found these enzymes to be helpful in breaking down protein, and they’re often used for meat tenderisation for this very reason.
“Papain helps break down proteins so that the body can digest, absorb, and use the nutrients easier,” Wagner added. The digestive support of papaya seeds could potentially result in fewer digestive discomforts like pain, bloating, or gas after eating.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The range of antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in papaya seeds may help reduce inflammation.
“The polyphenols and flavonoids in papaya seeds both help calm down swelling and irritation inside the body.” —Wagner
While inflammation is needed to fight infections and heal wounds, chronic inflammation taxes the immune system, increasing the risk of chronic disease.910
5. Possible Liver and Kidney Support
And finally, papaya seeds may even play a supporting role in liver and kidney health.
“Research suggests that papaya seeds may encourage liver and kidney health by preventing cellular damage and promoting smooth organ function through their rich antioxidant content.”11 —Woodson
For example, quercetin has been linked with reduced liver inflammation in animal studies and kaempferol has been shown to exhibit kidney-protective effects.1213 However, more extensive studies are needed to fully understand these protective mechanisms. (By Christina Manian, RDN. Health.com)
