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Papaya, papaw, or pawpaw, is a soft, fleshy fruit of the plant species Carica papaya. Papaya is native to Mexico. However, it grows naturally in the Caribbean and Florida too.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), India produced the most papayas – over 5 million tons in 2013. It can be added to salads, smoothies, and other dishes.
Papaya Benefits
Protection against heart disease
Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol oxidizes, it’s more likely to create blockages that lead to heart disease.
Additionally, papaya’s high fibre content may reduce the risk of heart disease. High-fiber diets lower cholesterol levels.
Other papaya benefits include folic acid, which is needed to convert the amino acid homocysteine into less harmful amino acids. (Amino acids are molecules that help make up proteins.) High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid mostly found in meat products, are a risk factor for heart disease. Eating papaya may lower homocysteine levels, reducing this risk factor.
Papayas contain two enzymes, papain and chymopapain. Both enzymes digest proteins, meaning they can help with digestion and reduce inflammation. Papain is an ingredient in some over-the-counter supplements to help with minor upset stomach.
Immune system
Eating foods high in vitamin C can help boost your immune system, allowing the body to fight off bacterial and viral illnesses. Papaya has a good amount of this antioxidant.
Papaya is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for a healthy and functional immune system.
Potentially protects against prostate cancer
Lycopene is a natural pigment found in red and orange foods. Tomatoes, watermelon, and papaya are good sources of lycopene. Some experts believe that eating more lycopene reduces the risk of prostate cancer, but some research has been inconclusive.
However, in other studies, eating a diet high in lycopene along with green tea was found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer significantly.
Papaya seeds have traditionally been used as a natural remedy to combat intestinal parasites. Some studies suggest that compounds in papaya seeds may have antiparasitic effects, helping eliminate harmful organisms from the digestive tract.
Papaya seeds contain bioactive compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body and provide relief from inflammatory conditions.
Papaya enzyme benefits
Papaya enzymes, particularly papain, are known for their digestive properties. They help break down dietary proteins in the stomach. This can lead to reduced bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Applying creams or ointments that contain papaya enzyme is believed to promote wound healing. The enzymes may help remove dead or damaged tissue, aiding in the healing process.
Some skincare products contain papaya enzymes due to their exfoliating properties. Papain helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.
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