Sweet and refreshing in taste, the papaya is a fruit that attracts special attention for its exotic orange colouring and its pear shape .

It is a fruit native to southern Mexico and Central America, now grown in most tropical countries. There are two main types of papaya: the Mexican, which is heavier, and the Hawaiian, which is smaller.

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Why is papaya healthy?

In addition to its delicious taste, this exotic fruit provides a number of health benefits. They are as follows.

1. Promotes digestion

One of the health benefits of this delicious fruit is its power to promote digestion , this is due to an enzyme present in the papaya that helps in the breakdown of proteins. It is preferable to eat the fruit to achieve all the benefits; however, a natural papaya juice is known to be a home remedy for problems related to digestion or constipation.

2. Reduces levels of bad cholesterol

This exquisite and attractive fruit contains a large amount of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C , elements that act against increased cholesterol in the arteries. As a result, the consumption of papaya prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries from causing cardiovascular problems. Also, the flavonoids present in papaya act against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

3. Prevents diabetes

A lot of research has concluded that raw papaya could help to keep the blood sugar level stable (avoiding hyperglycemia) and cholesterol due to the high content of fiber, which would be important for the prevention of diabetes.

According to a study conducted by the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research at the University of Mauritius, fermented papaya is a preventive element for diabetes. In some countries, papaya flowers are even used in different culinary dishes because of their preventive power against this disease.

4. Prevents cancer

Papaya is a food that helps prevent cancer , since its antioxidants help reduce the free radicals that contribute to the development and progression of this disease. Science has shown that it contains lycopene, which reduces the risk of cancer.

Researchers have also found this fruit to be effective against breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and in fact, one study proved that papaya leaf extract has anti-carcinogenic effects. This study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Florida, named Nam Dang, together with a group of Japanese researchers.

5. Improves skin health

The papaya takes care of the skin, because it works as a revitalizing agent and, therefore, is used in many cosmetics . It is also often used in homemade masks, as this fruit eliminates dead cells and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and healing enzymes present in papayas help to treat sunburn and irritated skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders such as eczema.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties

The enzymes present in papayas, especially papain and chymopapain, reduce inflammation in different parts of the body. Research has shown that people who increased their intake of this fruit, which is high in carotenoids, had a significant decrease in inflammation.

7. Improves the immune system

Papaya is a great source of vitamins A, B, C and K and therefore is beneficial for the immune system . It also promotes the growth of body tissues, including hair and skin. It aids in the maintenance of collagen, the structural protein of connective tissues.

8. Fighting Arthritis

The papaya also fights pain, and in particular arthritis , because it is a fruit rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Regular consumption over a long period of time appears to be effective in maintaining control over arthritis.

Therefore, it is possible to enjoy this kind of benefits of papaya by incorporating it into desserts or snacks, either in pieces or in smoothies.

9. Improves cardiovascular health

Papaya improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart problems . Papaya seeds are good for a healthy vital organ, because they contain three powerful antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Studies suggest that papaya prevents atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease due to the presence of pro-carotenoid phytonutrients, which helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, as I mentioned earlier.

10. Improves vision

Eating papaya is beneficial for our sight, in particular, it prevents macular degeneration, a condition by which the eye cells degrade, resulting in blurred vision and, sometimes, blindness.

Macular degeneration usually occurs with age. Studies suggest that papaya may be beneficial in preventing this eye damage due to its high content of beta-carotene . According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, consumption of 3 or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables with this component (e.g., papaya or carrot) may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

11. Prevents infections

Studies also suggest that papaya prevents infections of the intestine and helps reduce toothache . In the latter case, there is a papaya-based home remedy that appears to be beneficial for toothache. It consists of making a paste with papaya and massaging it directly onto the sore tooth or gums.

Bibliographic references:

  • Alonso, N. (2009). “First Taste Of Mexican Cuisine”. PhilStar Global.
  • Feldkamp, S. (2002). Modern Biology. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
  • Heywood, V.H.; Brummitt, R.K.; Culham, A.; Seberg, O. (2007). Flowering plant families of the world. Firefly Books.
  • Vicente, A.R.; Manganaris, G.A.; Sozzi, G.O.; Crisosto, C.H. (2009). Nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables.