A fruit from the tropics, papayas are incredibly nourishing for your health. Packed with antioxidants, they fight disease, reduce inflammation, and make you look younger. If you’re wondering what ingredients are in papaya, read on for eight known health benefits of papaya.
Papaya is nutrient-dense and simple to eat
Although papaya fruit is native to Southern Mexico and Central America, it is currently grown widely worldwide. An enzyme called papain found in papayas aids in the breakdown of muscle protein chains. For this reason, papaya has been used for thousands of years to tenderise meat.
You can eat the papaya raw if it is ripe. But raw papaya should always be cooked before consumption, particularly for expectant mothers, as green fruit frequently contains high levels of latex, which can cause contractions.
Strong antioxidant effect
During metabolism, the body creates free radical molecules, which frequently promote oxidative stress and increase the risk of many diseases.
Papaya fruit is rich in antioxidants, which help scavenge these free radicals. Furthermore, studies have shown that fermented papaya can reduce oxidative stress in people with prediabetes, mild hypothyroidism, liver disease, and the elderly.
Moreover, many scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is largely caused by an excess of free radicals in the brain. In one study, the administration of fermented papaya extract for six months resulted in a forty percent reduction in DNA oxidative damage, a process linked to ageing and cancer in Alzheimer’s patients.
Anti-cancer properties
Studies indicate that the anti-oxidant Lycopene, which is present in papaya fruit, may help those receiving cancer treatment as well as lower the chance of developing cancer. Papayas may also have some special benefits that set them apart from other fruits. For instance, only papaya exhibits activity against breast cancer cells among the 14 fruits and vegetables with known antioxidant qualities. In a small trial, oxidation was decreased by a fermented papaya preparation given to older adults with inflammatory and precancerous stomachs. However, before a formal recommendation can be made, more research is still required.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
Including papaya in your diet on a regular basis can improve heart health. Additionally, research indicates that eating fruits high in vitamin C and lycopene can help prevent heart disease.
Papaya fruit contains antioxidant compounds that can strengthen the heart-protective benefits of HDL cholesterol and safeguard the cardiovascular system. Researchers found that test subjects who took a fermented papaya extract supplement for 14 weeks had a higher ratio of “good” HDL cholesterol to “bad” LDL cholesterol and less inflammation than those who did not use the supplement. This lowers the chance of developing heart disease.
Also read: 5 Incredible Benefits of Yoga
Reducing inflammation
Many complex diseases have chronic inflammation as their root cause, which can be exacerbated by eating poorly and leading an unbalanced lifestyle. Studies reveal that foods high in antioxidants, such as papaya, can considerably lower inflammatory markers.
For instance, one study found that men’s levels of CRP, a marker of inflammation, were significantly lower when they consumed large amounts of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids.
