The 11 benefits and nutritional properties of papaya
Sweet and refreshing flavor The papaya is a fruit that attracts special attention due to its exotic orange color and its pear shape..
It is a native fruit of southern Mexico and Central America, now cultivated in most tropical countries. There are two main types of papaya: the Mexican, heavier, and the Hawaiian, smaller.
Related Posts:
- "13 benefits and nutritional properties of olive oil"
- "10 benefits and nutritional properties of peanuts"
Why is papaya healthy?
In addition to its delicious flavor, this exotic fruit provides a series of benefits for our health. They are the ones we show you below.
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 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 bad cholesterol levels
This exquisite and attractive fruit contains a large amount of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C.
, elements that act against the increase in cholesterol in the arteries. As a result, the consumption of papaya prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries from causing cardiovascular problems. Likewise, the flavonoids present in papaya act against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.3. prevent diabetes
Many investigations have concluded that raw papaya may help keep blood sugar stable (avoiding hyperglycemia) and cholesterol due to the high fiber content, which would be important for the prevention of diabetes.
According to a study carried out by the Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Biomaterials from the University of Mauritius, fermented papaya is a preventive element for the diabetes. In some countries, papaya flowers are even used in different culinary dishes for their preventive power against this disease.
4. prevents cancer
Papaya is a food that helps prevent cancer, since its antioxidants help reduce 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, a study found that papaya leaf extract has anti-carcinogenic effects. This study was carried out by a researcher from the University of Florida, named Nam Dang, together with a group of Japanese researchers.
5. Improves skin health
Papaya cares for the skin, as it works as a revitalizing agent and, for this reason, it is used in many cosmetics.. They are also often used in homemade masks, as this fruit removes dead cells and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and healing enzymes present in papayas help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema.
6. anti-inflammatory properties
Enzymes present in papayas, especially papain and chymopapain, reduce inflammation in different parts of the body. An investigation showed that people who increased their intake of this fruit, with a high content of 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 is therefore beneficial for the immune system.. It also promotes the growth of body tissues, including hair and skin. Helps in the maintenance of collagen, the structural protein of connective tissues.
8. Fight arthritis
Papaya also fights pain, and specifically arthritis, as it is a fruit rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Regular consumption over a long period of time seems to be effective in maintaining control over arthritis.
Therefore, it is possible to enjoy this kind of papaya benefits by incorporating it into desserts or snacks, either chopped 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, as they contain three powerful antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Studies suggest that papaya prevents atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases due to the presence of pro-carotenoid phytonutrients, which helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, as I have discussed with anteriority.
10. improves vision
Eating papaya is beneficial for our eyesight, specifically, it prevents macular degeneration, a condition in which the cells of the eye break down, resulting in blurred vision and, in occasions blindness
Macular degeneration generally occurs with age. Studies suggest that papaya may be beneficial in preventing this eye damage thanks to its high beta-carotene content.. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, the consumption of 3 or more daily servings of fruit or vegetables with this component (for example, papaya or carrot) may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
11. prevents infections
Studies also suggest that papaya prevents intestinal infections and helps reduce tooth pain.. In the latter case, there is a papaya-based home remedy that seems to be beneficial for toothache. It consists of making a paste with papaya and massaging it directly on the aching tooth or gums.
Bibliographic references:
- Alonso, N. (2009). "First Taste Of Mexican Cuisine". Phil Star 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.
- Vincent, A.R.; Manganaris, G.A.; Sozzi, G.O.; Crisosto, C.H. (2009). Nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables.
