According to Dr. Snehil Makwana, Ayurvedic Medicine Consultant, AAYU Clinic, Kandivali, Mumbai (India), intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the human digestive system and take nutrients from the host. They can cause a variety of health problems, including malnutrition, digestive disorders and fatigue.
Common intestinal parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, and protozoans. Causes of intestinal infections vary widely and can include contaminated food, water, poor hygiene practices, and contact with infected individuals or animals.
The role of papaya seeds in fighting intestinal parasites
Dr. Snehil Makwana said: "Papaya seeds contain a large amount of papain enzyme which helps break down proteins to eliminate parasites hiding in the body such as intestinal worms or tapeworms. Besides the decomposing enzymes, papaya seeds also contain a unique anti-worm substance, carpaine. This compound has been proven to be effective in killing parasites and worms."
How do papaya seeds work?
Papaya seeds are beneficial for digestion and gut health. They are rich in fiber and contain several bioactive compounds that help fight parasites.
- Alkaloids (such as carpaine): These compounds can push worms out of the digestive tract.
- Tannins: These substances bind to glycoproteins on the surface of worms, causing them to die.
- Benzyl isothiocyanate: This compound can inhibit the parasite's mobility and energy metabolism.
- Papain: This enzyme can destroy the parasite's cuticle, increasing the effectiveness of the granules.
- Fatty acids: Can reduce the number of parasites present in the blood and in the intracellular stage.
“Papaya seeds work in three ways: they kill the parasites, they disrupt the environment in which the parasites thrive, and they have a mild laxative effect to expel the dead parasites,” concludes Dr. Makwana.
