Papaya is a spherical or pear-shaped fruit with a musky undertones. It has a butter-like consistency and is sweet to taste. On an average, papaya is about 7 inches in length and one pound in weight. Medical professionals often suggest eating papaya. This is because, it has a high content of nutrients that are vital for the normal functioning of your body. To learn about the health benefits of papaya please read the full topic.
Health Benefits of Papaya:
1. Papaya aids in digestion. It contains an enzyme called papain which helps in digestion, thus of great use for people suffering from dysentery, dyspepsia, constipation and hyperacidity.
2. Papaya contains folic acid, vitamin C ,beta carotene and vitamin E, these have been associated to aid in reducing risk to colon cancer. Moreover, these nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radicals .
3. Papaya is known to have rejuvenating properties-it is believed that daily intake of papaya helps in controlling premature ageing. Experts like Dr.Lytton Bernard have claimed about its rejuvenating property.
4. Papaya is extremely beneficial for skin-pimples, so that acne are removed by rubbing the skin of the fruit on the face. It also brings lustered and glow to the face. It also helps to reduce wrinkles on the face.
5. Papaya helps in lightening of the skin-it is also used in various skin products, such as face packs as it helps to dissolve the dead skin and aids in opening the pores.
6. Papaya helps in Cystic-Fibrosis-Papain is used in prescriptions of digestive enzyme to treat individuals with cystic fibrosis or pancreatic conditions by helping them to produce what is naturally not produced.
7. Papaya is excellent for weight loss and diet control-as it is low in calories and high in nutritive value it is an excellent option for people who want to loose weight by following a rich diet.
8. Papaya has antioxidant effects-Rich sources of vitamin c, carotene, vitamin E, helps in oxidation of cholesterol, thus it is beneficial in prevention of heart disease, atherosclerosis and in conditions like diabetes.
9. Papaya helps in male-fertility. Also it contains enzymes arginine and caprine which are essential for male fertility. Therefore, arginine boosts the nitric acid in the body which relaxes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels which supply the penis.
Health Benefits of Papaya:
10. A more concentrated form of this enzyme arginine helps in treatment of erectile dysfunction.
11. Papaya helps in reducing inflammation. Thus, people with diseases worsened by inflammation like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis have found this fruit to reduce the severity of their condition by regular intake of papaya.
12. Papaya also helps women during menstruation by promoting regular flow.
13. Papaya is known to be of use in treating dandruff, and is used in various shampoos for the same purpose.
14. Papaya also helps in strengthening the finger and toe nails.
15. Papaya is an excellent source to fight cold and cough given that the rich vitamins source helps in making the immune system strong.
16. Papaya helps in treating and curing external injuries caused by trauma or burns. As a result, application of the external skin of the fruit has proved beneficial in treating wounds.
17. Papaya helps in restoration of the normal bacteria in the gut-in cases where excessive use of antibiotics has been there it helps in restoring the normal bacteria.
18. Papaya has folic acid which helps in conversion of a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids. If unconverted, it can directly damage the blood vessel walls which can be a risk for Heart attack and stroke.
19. Papaya is a wonder fruit for women suffering from morning sickness. So, daily intake of papaya helps in reducing nausea.
20. Papaya is a blood purifier and also helps in maintaining and promoting healthy lungs, in case of smokers due to its rich source in vitamin A.
Medicinal Properties of papaya:
- Latex, the milk like juice from unripe papaya contains the most concentration of papain, some people say it can help remove freckles.
- The Papain’s protein in papaya makes it helpful against heartburn and indigestion. Mixed with a little honey and taken before meals, it may even prevent heartburn.
- Papain also help thin the blood and discourage clotting.
- The fruit’s proteolytic enzymes and other compounds, including a substance called carpaine, work against intestinal worms and other parasites.
- Experiments done on laboratory rats suggest that papaya seeds might reverse infertility.