Health Benefits of Papaya
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Dec 02, 2021 • 3 min Read
One of the readily available fruits across countries is Papaya. It is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and with a wide range of health benefits that may help us protect against many health conditions.
Ripe papaya is perfect as a dessert while green papaya provides subtle flavor to Filipino dishes such as tinola soup.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of this tasty fruit from Organic Facts:
1. Antioxidant Potential
Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants. Studies show that fermented papaya may help in reducing oxidative stress. This, in turn, helps in delaying aging, managing type 2 diabetes, alleviating hypothyroidism, and may help in fighting liver disease. Research also shows that taking unripe papaya in a regular diet may help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study shows that papaya fruit extracts may help in boosting the immune system.
2. Aids in Digestion
Papaya is a popular natural remedy for stomach disorders, such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, ulcers, and acidity. A study found that papaya helped in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and relieving digestive problems. Based on a study, the fiber obtained from the fruit helps to increase bowel movements. A good bowel movement helps ease the passage of stool thereby reducing the effects of constipation.
3. Improves Heart Health
The seeds of papayas are good for keeping your heart healthy. Papayas may contain three powerful antioxidants – namely vitamins A, C, and E. This means that they may help prevent atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Studies show that papayas may also help in lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Papayas help in reducing inflammation in your body. Research shows that these fruits contain enzymes that help lower the inflammation in different parts of the body while papaya leaves showed an anti-inflammatory effect on many allergic conditions and may also help relieve asthma. Papaya contains papain, an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves joint pain. Because of this compound, a study has included papaya in an anti-inflammatory diet (ITIS diet) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Prevents Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder where the ocular cells degenerate resulting in blurred vision and sometimes blindness. According to a study, daily consumption of fruits that are rich in carotenoids lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Papaya helps improve eyesight due to the presence of beta-carotene and vitamin A that help in keeping your vision healthy.
6. Aids in Skin Care
Papaya has revitalizing agents which is why it is used in many cosmetics and homemade face masks. Papain purifies the skin while lycopene reduces wrinkle formation in postmenopausal women. The beneficial properties and the healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, skin infections, psoriasis, and others. The latex obtained from papayas is used to treat the areas on the skin affected by acne. The fleshy side of the papaya skin can be used as a mask to treat acne.
No wonder papaya is one of the favorite fruits of Filipinos. Add this awesome fruit to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
