Amazing Health Benefits of Papaya

The health benefits of papaya are many and consist better digestion, regulated menstruation, more potent immunity, weight reduction, improved skin, and higher heart fitness. Papaya is assumed to prevent cancer. It is no wonder that this fruit is quite famous for its high nutritive and medicinal value!

What is Papaya?

Papaya is an orange colored fruit which is rich in vitamins and minerals that are required for a human body to function properly. Papaya is often recognized for its sweet/bitter taste, people consume it by adding it into a meal or in a smoothie or milkshake. Papaya when eaten raw contains enzymes which are used in making of dietary supplements and chewing gum.

Nutritional Facts of Papaya

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, papaya is rich in antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, flavonoids, and Vitamin C, as well as some B vitamins (folate and pantothenic acid. It is also a good source of fiber and minerals such as magnesium. Together, these nutrients help improve cardiovascular health and protect against colon cancer.

Health Benefits of Papaya

1. Aids in Digestion


Papayas are often consumed for proper digestion. They own anti-ulcerative properties. Also, the presence of papain, a digestive super-enzyme which helps improve digestion by breaking down proteins. This ensures a lower conversion of protein into body fat. If the protein in our diet is not digested correctly, it may cause arthritis, constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related health issues.


2. Weight Loss


Papayas are also great for individuals who are trying to lose weight naturally given the fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals that it carries. Having a bowl of papaya as a mid-evening or mid-morning snack is beneficial for health.


3. Prevents Infections


Papayas are useful for killing intestinal worms, thereby avoiding infections and complications associated with them.


4. Relieves Toothache


A paste of fresh papaya roots can be applied onto the teeth and gums as a home remedy for easing toothache. The bark of the tree, especially the inner bark, is also an excellent remedy for tooth issues.


5. Anticancer Properties


Researchers have found that papayas are effective in the fight against breast, pancreatic, and other cancers. A papaya leaf extract gained from dried leaves creates anti-carcinogenic effects that counter tumor cells that were grown in the laboratory. It was discovered in a 2010 study that the effects were powerful when the cells were given larger doses of papaya leaf tea. The scientists revealed different types of cancer-affected cells to different papaya leaf extracts and discovered that the growth of tumors had slowed down. Another study reveals that the lycopene found in papaya is a strong antioxidant that helps to ease the effects of cancer radiotherapy. According to the journal Mutation Research, the use of fermented papaya preparation may help decrease oxidative stress and cancer risk in type 2 diabetics. The fruit has obtained reputation and has been used in many medicines for its anticancer properties.


6. Skin Care


Papayas can be a great rejuvenating agent, which is why they are used in many beauty products and are even used in homemade face masks by many women. The papain kills dead cells and cleanses the skin. The rejuvenating properties and healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Lycopene present in papayas helps lower the formation of wrinkles in post-menopausal women, according to a 2014 study. A good facial massage using papaya is an amazing remedy to remove dead skin cells. If you are an individual who spends his time outside most of the time, then papayas can be a great help, as papayas fight free radicals that age your skin. The peels of papayas are also applied to the face and hands for healthy skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and others.


7. Improves Heart Health


The seeds of papayas are great for cardiovascular health. Carrying 3 common yet powerful antioxidant vitamins – specifically vitamin A, C, and E, means papayas are beneficial in preventing issues such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart diseases. The existence of pro-carotenoid helps in stopping the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. When the oxidation of cholesterol takes place, it forms plaque by sticking to the walls of the veins which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Papayas are rich in vitamin E and vitamin C which can help in hindering the cholesterol from sticking to the artery walls, thereby keeping your heart healthy. As a great source of fiber, papayas also help to decrease the LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Eat papayas on a daily basis to keep your heart young.