Papaya

Papaya 

 

 

Papaya is a healthy fruit grown in tropical regions. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. It reduces inflammation, fights diseases and helps you look young. It contains an enzyme, called papain which can break tough protein chains. Due to this reason, papaya is used to tenderize meat for thousands of years. Ripe papaya are eaten raw, but unripe papaya should be cooked before eating especially during pregnancy, because unripe papaya contains latex in high amounts which can stimulate contractions. Nutritional facts of one small papaya (152 grams):

 

Vitamins B1, B3, B5, Vitamin E, vitamin K, Calcium, and magnesium are also present in trace amounts in papaya. Carotenoids, especially lycopene, are present in papaya. The best thing is that these nutrients are better absorbed by the body from papaya, when compared with other fruits and vegetables. 

 

Health Benefits of Papaya

 

Free radicals are produced during the body's metabolism. These free reactive molecules increase the oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation and chronic diseases. Papaya are high in antioxidants, especially carotenoids which can neutralize these free radicals. Some studies reported that fermented papaya can reduce oxidative stress in older adults and people with prediabetes, hypothyroidism, and liver disease. Oxidative stress can also stimulate Alzheimer’s disease. A study reported a 40% drop in a biomarker which indicates oxidative damage to DNA as a result of supplementation of fermented papaya extract for 6 months to people with Alzheimer’s disease. Lycopene present in papaya is believed to remove excess iron, which is known to produce free radicals. 

Some research linked papaya consumption with reduced risk of cancer. This is believed to be due to the enzyme lycopene present in papaya. Papaya may also be beneficial for cancer patients, who are taking treatment. Papaya may reduce the risk of cancer by reducing free radicals that contribute to cancer. When compared with 14 fruits and vegetables with known antioxidant properties, only papaya showed anticancer activity in breast cancer cells. Addition of papaya to the daily diet may protect your heart from disease. Lycopene and vitamin C present in papaya may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest that antioxidants present in papaya enhance the protective effects of HDL cholesterol. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can give rise to many diseases. In fact, chronic inflammation is the root cause of several diseases. Unhealthy foods and lifestyle can drive the inflammatory process. Several studies suggest that antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables including papaya can help in reduction of inflammatory markers. One study linked increased consumption of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids with decrease in CRP, a particular inflammatory marker. 

The papain enzyme present in papaya aids in easy digestion of protein. In fact, papaya is used as a home remedy to treat constipation and other digestive symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a study, consumption of papaya based formula for 40 days was linked with significant improvement in constipation and bloating. The seeds, roots and leaves of the papaya plant are also used to treat ulcers in humans and animals.

 The accumulation of free radicals can cause wrinkling, sagging and other skin damage that occurs with age. The antioxidants present in papaya can help your skin look more toned and youthful. Vitamin C and lycopene present in papaya reduce the signs of ageing (). In a study on older women, consumption of lycopene, vitamin C and other antioxidants for 14 weeks reported visible and measurable reduction of facial wrinkles. 

Papaya is loved by people due to its unique taste. Taste of a perfectly ripe papaya is just awesome. Unripe or overripe papaya may taste differently.

 

Downsides of Papaya

 

There are a few potential health issues related to papaya consumption:

1. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.
2. Papaya is high in vitamin A, which can be harmful in large amounts for people with liver problems or pregnant women.
3. Papayas that are not fully ripe contain a compound called latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.
4. Papaya seeds are known to have anti-parasitic properties, they may have adverse effect on the gut bacteria if consumed in large amounts.
5. Papaya is relatively high in sugar, so eating too much of it may contribute to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, or other health issues.
6. Papaya is known to interact with blood thinner medication, it is best to consume it with caution if you are on any blood thinning medication.

It's important to note that most people can safely eat papaya as part of a healthy diet. However, if you have any concerns or are at risk for any of the above conditions, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding papaya to your diet.