If you dislike eating raw papaya seeds, you can crush or grind them into a paste to consume. You can also add them to your salad. However, keep in mind that pregnant women should not eat papaya or its seeds. Even breastfeeding mothers should avoid them.

Here are some little-known health benefits of papaya seeds:

1. Keep the intestines healthy

If you are experiencing digestive problems, eating papaya seeds will help eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites from the intestines.

2. Cancer prevention

Papaya seeds contain oleic acid and palmitic acid. These fatty acids are believed to help the body fight against cancer.

3. Treat worms and parasitic infections

Like green papaya, papaya seeds contain high levels of papain enzyme, which breaks down protein and helps eliminate parasites hiding inside the body, such as intestinal worms.

Just as papain breaks down indigestible protein waste from food, this compound also dissolves the biofilm and fibrin that protect parasites, especially their eggs, which cling to your intestinal walls.

Besides proteolytic enzymes, papaya seeds also contain a unique anthelmintic compound called carpaine, proven effective in killing parasitic worms and amoebas.

4. Treat cirrhosis

Excessive alcohol consumption can shrink the liver and cause cirrhosis, impairing its ability to detoxify the body.

Papaya seeds can not only detoxify the liver but also serve as an effective natural remedy for cirrhosis.

Simply crush 10 fresh papaya seeds with a mortar and pestle, mix with one tablespoon of lemon juice, and dilute in a glass of water.

Drink this mixture twice daily for one month, and the results will be surprising: cirrhosis-affected liver function will improve significantly, according to Health News.

5. Relieve menstrual cramps

If you suffer from severe pain during your period, consider eating papaya seeds. They may help ease your cramps.

6. Protect your kidneys

Oxidative stress is a common cause of chronic kidney disease, especially in diabetic patients, and can lead to kidney failure, impairing the organ’s ability to filter waste from the blood.

According to experts, papaya seeds help protect the kidneys against oxidative stress. However, they also suggest that parsley juice may be an even better natural remedy for detoxifying the kidneys and strengthening liver health.

7. Treat food poisoning

Food poisoning is sometimes caused by consuming contaminated food.

Papaya seeds have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, capable of fighting bacterial infections and reducing the effects of food poisoning in the digestive system.

Research shows that papaya seed extract can kill E. coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria.

As soon as you experience symptoms of food poisoning, eat some freshly crushed papaya seeds along with easily digestible food. Do this three times a day until symptoms subside, according to Health News.

8. Aid in weight loss

Experts say that thanks to their high fiber content, papaya seeds can support your weight loss efforts by improving digestion. They also help control blood pressure and keep the heart healthy.