Photo Credit: Kim-Marie Troutman Photography
Refreshingly sweet and delicious, Christopher Columbus once called the papaya ‘the fruit of the angels’. It is of no surprise that this delightful tropical fruit has swiftly earned its spot as a favourite.
Some may find themselves oddly sceptical once told of the papaya’s plentiful benefits. The spherical, pear-shaped fruit may look plain and exotic but they are in fact, loaded with nutrients, vitamin C, fibre and enzymes. These aren’t all, though!
Here is a list of health benefits and why you really should eat papayas more often.
#1 BATTLES CANCER
Scientists have concluded that Papayas contain anti-cancer properties and are useful in fighting breast, pancreatic and other cancers. The colour of the fruit also serves as visible proof that cancer-battling carotenoids dwell in this luscious tropical treat!
#2 EXPELS WORMS
A high concentration of an enzyme known as papain can naturally eliminate parasites found within the intestinal system. The papaya’s organic and natural nutrients also cleanse the toxins that are left behind.
#3 ENHANCES SKIN COMPLEXION
With an abundance of papain and vitamin A, it is no doubt the papaya is also efficacious in treating dead skin cells and dehydrated skin. The low sodium and nutrients possess anti-aging properties, keeping the skin hydrated, acne-free and fresh.
#4 FIGHTS INFLAMMATION
The papaya, with the help of the papain enzymes in the fruit itself, has become one of the best natural anti-inflammatory foods that help to mitigate and prevent inflammation in the body.
#5 IMPROVES DIGESTION
The presence of papain, chymopapain and proteolytic enzymes help boost better digestion for the individual. These acids aid in protein breakdown and also detox the digestive tract!
#6 NATURAL REMEDY FOR DENGUE
A popular natural remedy for this disease, this juice is made by crushing fresh papaya leaves in 8-hour intervals. Many who have been infected have concurred with this particular remedy’s effectiveness.
The juice has also demonstrated capabilities to enhance blood platelet count in patients with grade one and two dengue as well as fatal dengue fever.
#7 PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
With ample fibre and a minimal amount of calories, papayas are also crowned the fruit of good health and can largely aid in weight loss. As the fibre content in a papaya is abundant, it helps to block the absorption of fats and draw more water to prevent constipation.
#8 REGULATES MENSTRUAL CYCLE
For women who struggle with irregular menstrual cycles and suffer from frequent ‘PMS’, consuming papayas can aid in regulating the menstrual cycle. Papayas have “heating” properties and are also known as hot food. The production of heat in the body fuels the estrogen hormones and regulates periods in females.
#9 STIMULATES HAIR GROWTH AND REMOVES DANDRUFF
The papaya boasts various types of nutrients for the hair that help control dandruff and enhance healthier hair growth. It also eliminates excess chemicals, grease and dirt with the help of vitamins, minerals and enzymes found in the fruit.
#10 TREATS SUNBURN
Go ahead, take a papaya and grate it into a paste. The enzymes in a papaya known as papain have healing properties and do wonders for the skin! Applying papaya paste on your skin will also prevent dead skin from hanging off from your burnt shoulders!
FUN FACT: PAPAYA SEEDS
The seeds from the midsection of a papaya are edible and possess a peppery taste with benefits that rival the fruit itself. The black seeds contain nutrients that boost kidney health and eliminate parasites from the body. Small doses of papaya seeds help in cleansing the digestive tract and battle inflammation and bacteria in the body.
However, do keep in mind that large doses of papaya seeds per day may be toxic for the body. Due to their peppery flavour, you can also grind them as an alternative for coarse pepper.
About the writer:
Sabrine is a writer for ladyironchef. She enjoys spending the bulk of her time with a book in hand and sipping a fragrant cuppa. If you need her, you will find her at a gym or hovered over her laptop at home. She hopes to visit Korea again because she is obsessed with their culture and will not be satisfied until she tries every street food in Myeongdong.