The medicinal uses of papaya

Papaya is hailed as the “king” of fruits because it is not only delicious, nutritious, and easy to eat, but it also has excellent medicinal properties.

Nutritional Value of Papaya

The amount of beta-carotene in papaya is higher than in other fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and is converted into vitamin A in the body.

This micronutrient acts as a strong antioxidant, helping to combat some types of cancer, prevent dry eyes, dry skin, and has a laxative effect. In 100g of ripe papaya, there are 2,100 mcg of beta-carotene.

Besides, papaya is rich in vitamins. It provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C; in 100g of papaya, there are 74-80 mg of vitamin C.

Papaya is rich in vitamins.

Papaya also contains vitamins B1, B2, enzymes, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Regular consumption of papaya helps nourish the blood and aids liver recovery in those suffering from malaria.

Due to its high vitamin C and carotene content, papaya has antioxidant properties that enhance the body’s resistance.

Cardiovascular Protection

Numerous studies show that papaya is beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases in individuals with diabetes and atherosclerosis, as it contains many antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and A. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, limiting the formation of plaque that can obstruct blood vessels, causing blood flow issues.

Papaya is a fiber-rich fruit that helps reduce blood fat.

The vitamin E and C in papaya combine to create a compound known as paraoxonase, or enzyme, which can inhibit the oxidation process that produces “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Additionally, papaya is high in fiber, which helps reduce blood fat (cholesterol). The folic acid in papaya also aids in metabolizing homocysteine into essential amino acids like cysteine or methionine. If not metabolized, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessels and, at high levels, may lead to heart disease or stroke.

Enhancing Digestive Health

For a long time, science has studied and found that eating papaya is beneficial in preventing colon cancer. The fiber in papaya can “gather” toxins in the colon and protect healthy cells from the risk of infection.

Moreover, papaya contains nutrients such as folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which help reduce the risk of colon cancer, especially by preventing the attack of free radicals that can damage DNA. Therefore, increasing papaya consumption is a great preventive measure against colon cancer for everyone.

Papaya contains high levels of vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, which help prevent infections.

Natural Liver Protection

Papaya is a fantastic food for liver health. The benefits of papaya for the liver include enhancing liver and overall body immunity, improving liver detoxification functions, and stabilizing liver cells for better growth. Notably, the high vitamin C content in papaya aids in the quick healing of any liver damage.

Additionally, the protease compound in this fruit effectively supports liver function in breaking down and metabolizing protein. Ripe papaya can also help treat fatty liver disease in overweight and obese individuals as it helps reduce fat levels to a minimum.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Papaya contains two important compounds known as papain and chymopapain, which are effective protein-digesting enzymes that help reduce inflammation and heal injuries. Furthermore, papaya is rich in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, which provide strong protection against inflammation. Thus, individuals suffering from asthma or arthritis are often advised by doctors to consume these nutrients.

Boosting Immunity

The vitamins C and A provided by papaya enhance the immune system’s efficiency, especially in preventing seasonal illnesses such as colds, flu, and ear infections.

Preventing Age-related Macular Degeneration

According to the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AOO) published early in 2009, it is recommended to consume three servings of fruits and vegetables daily (each serving equivalent to a small bowl) to significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Specifically, this can lower the risk by up to 36% compared to those who only consume 1 – 1.5 servings. Fruits that are particularly good for preventing AMD include carrots and papaya, as they are rich in vitamins C, A, E, carotenoids, and antioxidants. Papaya can be prepared as a salad, juice, or eaten directly.

Reducing the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

People living in smoke-filled environments should increase their intake of vitamin A-rich foods, including papaya.

While high doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of osteoporosis, the vitamin C found in foods, especially in papaya, protects the body from polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis. This conclusion is based on research involving over 20,000 individuals consuming vitamin C from papaya, which showed a significant effect in preventing inflammation causing pain in patients.

Enhancing Lung Function

Individuals who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke should consume foods rich in vitamin A, including papaya. Research from experts at the University of Kansas (USA) indicates that this nutrient helps prevent lung infections and emphysema caused by carcinogenic compounds in cigarette smoke, which increase the risk of vitamin A deficiency, especially among the elderly.

Eye Health Benefits

Papaya is one of the fruits that is particularly high in vitamin A. This helps us maintain bright and healthy eyes. Therefore, papaya is very beneficial during stressful study days, for those with myopia, astigmatism, and helps prevent vision deterioration in older adults.

Potential Cancer Risk Reduction

A 2021 review published in Antioxidants concluded that a diet high in vitamin C from fruits and vegetables can play an important role in preventing and treating cancer.

With its abundant vitamin C, papaya possesses antioxidant properties that block dangerous free radicals and oxidative stress on the body’s cells, which can lead to cancerous compounds. Additionally, research published in Molecules indicates that papaya’s bright orange color is due to the presence of lycopene, which has anti-cancer properties.

The Treasure of Papaya Seeds

Although papaya seeds have a bitter taste and are difficult to eat, they contain antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. Other studies have shown that papaya seeds can kill certain types of fungi and parasites.

Papaya for Skin Care

Papaya enzymes are currently popular in skincare formulations. It is believed that the enzyme papain helps remove dead skin cells and reduces clogged pores. A 2017 study also showed that papain can improve scars.

Eating too much papaya can turn the skin yellow.

Important Tips to Avoid Papaya Poisoning

Excessive consumption of papaya can lead to yellowing of the skin, which is due to the accumulation of carotene that cannot be metabolized. To remedy this condition, simply stop eating papaya and other foods high in carotene (such as carrots) for about two weeks, and the pigmentation on your skin will gradually fade.

Papaya is one of the fruits with a high potassium content. Therefore, individuals on a low-potassium diet should avoid eating papaya.

While there are many benefits to papaya seeds, research indicates that consuming large amounts of papaya seeds can negatively affect fertility, potentially leading to infertility, and may also cause toxicity to cells and DNA.

Potential Side Effects: According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, individuals with latex allergies (a component found in natural rubber) should avoid eating papaya due to the risk of cross-reactivity. Additionally, the enzyme papain found in unripe papaya can trigger respiratory allergies, including asthma.

Despite the numerous benefits of papaya, overconsumption can result in digestive disorders, abdominal pain, and nausea. It is recommended that you do not exceed 200 grams of papaya per day to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

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