Got bugs in your butt?
TikTok influencers tout papaya seeds as a way to deworm your body, but what does the research say?
Some studies, both animal and human, have found papaya seeds to be effective in preventing and even eliminating parasites
The seeds have a peppery flavor, so can be dried or slow roasted and ground and sprinkled on food anywhere you might add pepper
Scroll down for an easy papaya seed condiment you can make in minutes
Are Parasitic Infections Common?
Parasitic infections are not as uncommon as you might think, even in developed countries like the US.
Sources include contaminated food (like the Anisakis worm found in undercooked or raw fish) or water, insect bites, and parasites, like roundworm or hookworm can even penetrate the skin when walking on contaminated soil
People who are immunocompromised are more susceptible to infection, as well as people who follow a Standard American (or Western) diet which is often rich in inflammatory sugars and processed foods
Many traditional cultures have been using papaya seeds for medicinal purposes and to control parasites like roundworm for many years
This study found papaya seeds to be a cheap and natural way to eliminate and prevent parasites in >76% of participants
This study found that papaya seeds can have a “contraceptive” effect (at least in this rat study), so it is not recommended to use papaya seeds if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant.
As an Integrative Registered Dietitian, I often work with people with some kind of gut health complaint, and occasionally a parasitic infection is at least one of the culprits. Besides GI issues, certain parasites can cause inflammation and release toxins that may lead to certain cancers
It’s important to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional to restore gut health
If you are experiencing classic GI symptoms like unplanned weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, and/or anemia – Get off social media and go see you doctor for a diagnosis, as there could be many other possibilities for your tummy troubles
Your doctor may need to rule out SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), pancreatic disorders, celiac disease, Crohn’s or colitis irritable bowel diseases, malabsorptive disorders, and metabolic disorders, so test, don’t guess by following influencers!
Once you have a diagnosis and treatment plan, consider following up with an Integrative Registered Dietitian to navigate a food strategy with an individualized approach. There’s so much you can do through diet and lifestyle to promote good gut health to help prevent infections when exposures are unavoidable like including fermented foods such as kimchi and good quality pickles, plus prebiotic foods like artichokes, asparagus, and burdock root. Getting plenty of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients along with healthy fibers will keep your gut lining healthy, and protect against opportunistic pathogens
To reduce potential exposure to parasites, consider precautions, particularly for international travel, such as avoiding ice in your drinks, and any water source that is not purified or bottled. Choose fruits that you can wash yourself in good quality water vs. a fruit salad, or any fruits that you cannot consume without washing yourself. Use caution with street vendors, and raw veggies and salads. Consider renting a villa or AirBnB where you can have more control over meals, and do a mix of preparing your own meals and dining out.
Fresh water lakes and pools can also be a source of contaminants. Human and animal waste, and infected hosts may bring parasites like giardia, so avoid swallowing lake water.
How to Use Papaya Seeds on Instagram
You can easily make papaya seeds into a delicious roasted peppery condiment
Roasted Papaya Seed Condiment Recipe
Ingredients
Seeds from one papaya*
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 200◦F convection roast
- Scoop papaya seeds, rinse, dry
- Roast on a parchment lined pan until dry and crispy – about an hour depending upon your oven
- Cool and grind into a ground pepper texture
- Use anywhere you’d use pepper
*Once you have your seeds out, scoop out the flesh of the fruit, discarding the skin, and refrigerate.
Papaya is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients. It has vitamins C and E, plus beta-carotene that protect against free radical damage, plus protect against diseases of inflammation like cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and Alzheimer’s.
Thanks to the enzyme papain, papaya acts as a digestive agent, breaking down food, enhancing absorption of nutrients, and can relieve constipation.
Papaya is a low sugar fruit, so does not have a tremendous glycemic effect compared to other fruits that are high in sugar.
Food is medicine, and nutrients in foods, herbs, and supplements can react with each other, and with medicines. Always check with your healthcare provider to discuss treatments that are right for you!
