Papaya whether it is ripe or green has huge benefits and is found all through the year. Pear-shaped and bright orange in color it is nutritious not only for the body but very good for the skin and hair too. Owing to the huge number of benefits that it yields the fruit has aptly been called the ‘fruit of the angels’. It was considered quite exotic at one point of time but now except for the slight drop in availability around summer and fall fruit lovers can relish its taste every day. The papaya tree grows easily without much care and hassle. The fruit and parts of the tree contain papain, a digestive enzyme that is used in dietary supplements and chewing gums as well.
Reduce the chances of heart attack
The fruit is a rich source of antioxidants like Vitamin C, carotene, flavonoids, Vitamin B, pantothenic acid and folate, and minerals like magnesium, copper and potassium. These are instrumental in protecting the cardiovascular system and preventing colon cancer. It oxidizes cholesterol which prevents the formation of plaques that ultimately lead to a heart attack. The cholesterol levels are brought down by the amount of fiber produced by it. It also contains folic acid that is necessary for turning homocysteine got from the consumption of meat into benign amino acids that can otherwise damage the blood vessels and cause a stroke. Another essential function is to reduce lipid and triglycerides which are found in diabetics.
Preventing colon cancer
Colon cancer can be kept at bay by eating papaya because the fibre present in it can attach itself to toxins that can cause cancer and keep them away from the colon cells. Additionally beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and folate are highly active in reducing the chances of colon cancer. The presence of the vitamins also ensures that you have a healthy immune system which prevents the frequent occurrences of cold, flu, ear infection. Vitamin C also offers protection against inflammatory polyarthritis which is a kind of rheumatoid arthritis. Experiments have shown that people who consumed lesser amounts of Vitamin C are more three times more prone to this disease rather than those who do.
Great for better vision and stress management
If you want to improve your vision then it is imperative that you eat a lot of papayas. The flavonoids and beta-carotene present protects the mucous membranes of the eyes from any kind of damage. Women who experience a lot of menstrual pain are likely to find relief by consuming more of this fruit. Papain present in it helps in easing the flow of menstrual periods thereby reducing the pain. Managing stress is also easy if you are fond of eating papayas. Research has shown that the fruit successfully controls the stress flow hormones in rats. So after a hard day in the office cooling down with a plate of papayas might actually be a good idea.
Look beautiful and young
Papaya is a champion when it comes to reducing your age and looking gorgeous.
A medium sized one contains around 120 calories so if you are trying to lose the flab then it is a good idea to start adding it to your diet.
The amount of fiber present in it makes you feel full for longer periods and prevents you from feeling hungry too often.
Continued consumption of the fruit is sure to knock off a few years and make you look much younger.
The Vitamins A, E and beta-carotene which is an antioxidant keeps the skin free from wrinkles and other signs of aging.
The fruit is extensively used in face and hair packs to improve them. It helps in removing the discoloration of the skin and natural exfoliation.
Regular consumption makes the skin taut and shiny.
Papaya is very effective for removing dandruff.
Mashed ones can heal cracked heels.
Using papaya is a good way of getting rid of ringworms. By applying it on the patches you can easily reduce the inflammation.
Prevent prostate cancer
Papaya is also rich in lycopene which is effective in preventing prostate cancer. You can pair it with green tea for better results. Regular consumption of lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables is a good way of keeping the disease at bay. The fact that papaya is not very expensive and can be afforded by everybody is what makes the fruit so very appealing to most people. Another important feature is the low sodium content which helps in little retention of water in fact just enough to keep the skin soft and supple. It’s effectiveness in curing small cuts and bruises when applied directly are an amazing quality. It can even be used on chronic skin ulcers. You will need to mix some butter with the papaya juice for better results.
Uses of papaya leaves
Not just the fruit, the leaves are extremely useful against diseases like cancer and dengue. You can always boil and strain the juice for use against dengue, a disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Pharmaceutical companies use the juice in preparing medicines because it is a traditional medicine without any side effects. It’s uses in making medicines for curing cancer is relatively new and can have dramatic effects against cervical, lung, pancreatic and liver cancer. In many parts of the world the extract of the leaves is prescribed as part of chemotherapy. The leaves are highly useful in removing intestinal worms thus removing the cause of typhoid.
How helpful are papaya seeds
Just like the rest of the fruit the seeds too are useful if you can get past their look. The small, black balls taste like a cross between peppercorns and mustard but are highly useful for getting rid of parasites from the body. It has the potential of breaking down worms and their eggs if they are present in the body. The papya seeds are also useful in the treatment of lever cirrhosis an extreme condition where the liver shrinks and becomes tough.
