Contradictory statements about the supposedly toxic or health-promoting effect of the dark seed kernels inside the papaya are entwined again and again. However, a differentiation must be made as to the state of ripeness in which the seeds are consumed.

Toxic Effects of Papaya

In fact, there are also negative effects of certain plant and fruit components on human health surrounding the cultivation and harvesting of papayas. This primarily concerns:

  • the pollen
  • the immature seeds
  • the milky sap that escapes during harvest

The milky sap that escapes when the papaya is removed from the tree is considered poisonous and irritating to the skin. For allergy sufferers and sensitive people, the pollen of a papaya flower can sometimes lead to severe reactions. Papaya seeds eaten unripe are said to have led to temporary infertility in men in the growing areas.

The Health Effects of Eating Papaya Seeds

If the papaya seeds are obtained from fully ripe fruits, consumption is generally only known to have positive effects on the human body and the immune system. The enzyme papain contained in the kernels is considered to be detoxifying and beneficial for the metabolism due to its splitting effects on proteins and fats. Studies have also shown that they are extremely effective in fighting intestinal parasites. In addition, the papaya seeds are also interesting in terms of taste when they are used in dried form as a hot spice such as pepper.

Dry and store the papaya seeds

Before drying, the seeds must first be cleaned of any pulp. The easiest way to do this is to gently rub the seeds between two sheets of kitchen paper. You can then dry the seeds on a baking sheet in the oven at around 50 degrees Celsius for two to three hours before storing them in an airtight container.

tips and tricks

You can put the dried papaya seeds in a pepper mill like pepper and grind them with it. For the intestinal cleansing effect, about four to five seeds should be chewed several times a day.

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Trees