The Surprising Health Benefits of Papaya

By : MaherBan | 0 Comments | On : December 5, 2015 | Category : Food and Nutrition News, Health Benefits, Health Benefits Of Fruits

The Surprising Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is a large, tree-like plant with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. Papaya was reputably called the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus. Botanical name of papaya is Carica Papaya. Their flesh is a rich orange colour with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance.

Nutritional Facts of Papaya

140gm of Papaya contains:

• Total Fat        : 0.2g
• Sat. Fat          : <0.1g
• Cholesterol    : 0mg
• Sodium          : 4mg
• Total Carbs    : 13.7g
• Dietary Fiber  : 2.5g
• Sugars           : 8.3g
• Protein           : 0.9g
• Calcium         : 33.6mg
• Potassium     : 359.8mg

This exotic fruit also popular as pawpaw, is packed with numerous health benefiting nutrients. It is one of the favourites of fruit lovers for its nutritional, digestive and medicinal properties.

Benefits of Papaya

Aids Digestion

Papayas contain an enzyme called Papain that aids in digestion and can also be used as a meat tenderizer. Papaya is also high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Prevents Cancer

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that prevent your cells from undergoing free radical damage. Papaya helps to protect against Prostate Cancer and Colon Cancer growth. As it has anti-proliferative effect on liver cancer cells, it stops or slows down the growth of the cancer cells of liver and helps in its cure.

Good for Diabetics

Studies have shown that Type 1 Diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and Type 2 Diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium papaya provides about 4.7 grams of fiber.

Prevents Asthma 

The risks for developing Asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of  beta-carotene, contained in foods like Papaya, Apricots, Broccoli, Cantaloupe, Pumpkin and Carrots.

Protects against Arthritis

Eating papayas are good for your bones as they have anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamin C which helps in keeping various forms of Arthritis at bay. It contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain for those who are suffering from Arthritis, Edema and Osteoporosis.

Protects Against Heart Disease

The fiber, potassium and vitamin content in papaya all help to ward off heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of Cardiovascular Disease. As it is a fruit that is rich in fiber it lowers blood cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heart-attacks.

Dengue Treatment

Researchers have found that the juice obtained from the papaya leaves helps in the dengue fever treatment. The extract obtained from the papaya leaf increases the platelet count also known as thrombocytes in patients with dengue fever.

Treatment for Kidney Disorder

In poison related kidney disorder it was found that the aqueous seed extract of the unripe mature fruits of papaya induces antioxidant and oxidative free radical scavenging and help kidney to recover.

Helps to Lose Weight

Papaya is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is good food for those who want to lose some weight. The fibre content in papaya makes you feeling full and also clears your bowel movement making your weight loss regime easier.

Good for Skin

It helps to get rid of acne and skin infections as it helps to open clogged pores. The fermented flesh of papaya also called as papain helps to dissolve the dead cells, giving fresh and glowing skin as a result. It is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly.

Promotes Hair Growth

Shampoos containing papaya are very good to control dandruff. Vitamin A in them is utilised in production of sebum, a compound that is crucial for keeping the hair smooth, shiny and moisturised.

Prevents Signs of Ageing

The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look. Papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps prevent your skin from free radical damage keeping wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay.

Boosts your immunity

Your immunity system acts as a shield against various infections that can make you really sick. A single papaya contains more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it great for your immunity.

Good for Eyes

Papayas are rich in Vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, cyptoxanthin and lutein which keep the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy, preventing them from damage. Nobody wants to lose their ability to see due to diseases like age-related macular degeneration, and eating papayas will ensure that you do not see a day where you cannot see.

Helps Reduce Stress

After working hard for the whole day, it is a good idea to come home to a plate a papayas. The wonder fruit is rich in several nutrients like Vitamin C which can keep you free from stress.

Helps Cure Menstrual Irregularities & Pain

It helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.