Papaya or paw paw has a rich history and has been used for its medicinal properties. The Maya cultures worshiped the papaya tree and called it “the tree of life.” It is native to tropical regions such as Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia but these days you can find it in almost all stores around the world due to its increased popularity.
Actually, all parts of the papaya tree are packed with high levels beneficial nutrients, from the fruit itself to the seeds, stem, and leaves. An average papaya fruit weighs around one pound and is ripe when it feels soft, just like an avocado.
I was amazed by all the health benefits of papaya in my daily life, I’ve decided to share them with you. Going from improving your skin and digestive system to lowering the risk of many diseases like cancer and heart diseases. It is for a good reason so many people call it a “Super-food.” And the best part we are growing our own now> The little lizard like them too it seems.
!!! If not homegrown, watch out when buying papaya, these days a lot of papayas sold in grocery stores are GMO!!!
10 Major Health Benefits Of Papaya
1. Benefits For Digestive System
Papaya contains high levels of 2 enzymes called papain and chymopapain. Those are digestive enzymes that aid your natural digestion process. Especially when your body is aging, it produces less of the digestive enzymes. So having papaya for dessert after a protein rich meal is one of the best things you can do to prevent bloating and chronic indigestion. Papaya juice is wonderful to cure infections of the colon as well. When consumed on a regular basis, papaya clears out the pus and mucus from our stomach and intestines.
But there is more! The easy and soft digestible flesh of the papaya fruit contains high levels of soluble dietary fibers that will help you to have normal bowel activity and therefore reduces constipation. Studies have shown that papaya can also help pregnant women with their morning sickness. Regular consumption of only a small slice can do wonders to cure nausea and morning sickness.
ALSO READ: Discover 10 Easy Ways To Improve Digestion Naturally
2. Boost For The Immune System
Papaya is very helpful for people who often suffer from a cold, fever, cough or flu. The high levels of vitamin C and A give your immune system a boost and replenish the good bacteria after a treatment of antibiotics.
3. Lowers Cholesterol And Prevents Heart Diseases
Papaya contains zero cholesterol and even helps to reduce it! Papaya has a high fiber content which lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting its absorption during digestion. The high levels of vitamin C and E along with antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene prevent cholesterol oxidation in your arteries, which in return help to prevent heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, and diabetic heart disease.
The increased intake of antioxidants is not only beneficial for lowering cholesterol, it improves your blood flow as well and therefore reduces the risk of developing heart diseases. But that’s not all! Papaya is a good source of folate which controls the blood vessel-damaging homocysteine which is another potential cause of a cardiovascular disease.
ALSO READ: How To Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally
4. Skin Treatment And Anti-aging Properties
Papaya is great for your skin and can be used in peelings or lotions for face or body. The antioxidants found in ripe papayas help protect the skin from free radicals which are known to damage the skin and lead to wrinkles and other aging signs.
Papaya helps to fight acne, blemishes, aging spots, and clogged pores. The enzyme papain breaks down dead skin cells and promotes skin renewal which improves skin’s textures, elasticity, and appearance. The skin of the papaya shows great results in the treatment of skin wounds, rashes, and burns.
5. Weight Loss
Papaya is a good food for those who want to lose weight. It has a great nutritional value and is low in calories. Only 39 calories per 100 grams or 3.5 ounces. Due to its high fiber content, it will help to fill you up and reduce the feeling of hunger. And like mentioned above, it can help you to cleanse your digestive tract.
Need some weight loss help, Check out my healthy lifestyle and weight loss program HERE!
Scroll down for more health benefits.
6. Healthy Eyes And Vision
Beta-carotene – which can be converted to vitamin A – is so important to healthy eyes and vision. But papaya takes it a step further by helping us to maintain our vision. It contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (also known as xanthophylls), those are concentrated in the macular region of your eyes. They are protecting us against high energy blue light that can damage the retinas.
Studies show that a sufficient intake of lutein and zeaxanthin significantly reduces the risk of developing age-related degeneration of your vision, cataracts, glaucoma and many other eye diseases.
7. Pain Relieving Benefits For Osteoporosis
The anti-inflammatory enzymes presented in papaya helps to relieve pain for people who are suffering from arthritis, edema, and osteoporosis.
8. Preventing And Relieving Side Effects Of Cancer
Studies show that several compounds presented in the papaya fruit may help to reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer. Again, the rich antioxidant content is responsible for this. The proteolytic enzymes can digest the protective protein layer of the cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to your body’s immune response. It is also believed that the growth and spreading of cancer cells are inhibited.
Studies do show positive results to relief the side effects of cancer therapy such as difficulties when swallowing, mouth sores, boost the immune system and it helps your body to fight cancer.
ALSO READ: Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: The Sunshine Vitamin That Plays A Key Role In Cancer Prevention
9. Antiparasitic Benefits
Like I’ve mentioned at the beginning of this article, the health benefits of papaya are not limited to the flesh of the fruit. The seeds of papaya are very good in treating intestinal worms. Intestinal parasites are mainly composed out of protein and the papain enzyme helps your body to attack, causing the parasite to die.
Papaya extract from the leaves and bark is used to deal with mouth gums and toothaches.
10. Reducing Menstrual Irregularities
Papaya is an ideal, natural remedy for women suffering from menstrual cramps and promotes a natural flow of menstruation as well.
Feel the health benefits of papaya by adding it to your daily diet. Going from improved digestion and vision to prevent cancer or heart diseases.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
Every part of papaya tree has more medical properties. Simply papaya is named as Tree of Life. To overcome major health issues, everyone must include papaya as a regular diet.
There is a lot of buzz in the world of diet and nutrition about super foods. These natural foods are reported to have all kinds of amazing properties, including the ability to help you look younger or even prevent cancer.The papaya fruit can be include in it.
Thanks for your lovely comment Namita. You are absolutely right. Papaya is such an amazing fruit!