Last Updated on November 22, 2020 by Ed Joven
Learn the Health Benefits of eating Papaya
Orange, yummy and juicy fleshy fruit that is available all year round- this is your typical picture of papaya, papaw or papaw or fruit of the angels [as some refer to it]. It’s sweet and distinct flavor makes it a great ingredient for smoothies, or salsa. People also like putting it in salads, but most would prefer eating the fruit as is.
It is believed to have originated from the Central Americas, but right now a lot of countries particularly Hawaii, Mexico and Philippines have vast plantation of this heavenly fruit. It is available all year round, and it’s quite popular during the summer season. The scorching heat of the sun would be perfectly complimented by a cool glass of papaya shake infused with all the benefits that this wonder fruit has.
A good serving of this fruit can do a lot of wonders. The best part about it, is that it is inexpensive and it’s available in a lot of places. So if you are wondering more about the benefits of arti, read on and be amazed by the things it can do to you.
Here are the Health Benefits of Papaya:
- Food for the skin:
Skin whitening products are on the rage in the market. While glutathione is gaining more and more popularity, a lot of people still go for products with papaya extracts. But who wants only whitening when youcan get so much more. Did you know that acup of papaya a day can give you a more vibrant and glowing skin? Thanks to the high amounts of vitaminin A and C papaya help you gain just that. Apart from this two power vitamins, papaya also contains Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that fights of the effects of UV damage. Last but not the least, Papaya is rich in papain. It is an enzyme that is good for exfoliating dead skin cells. Imagine what you can get with just a cup of papaya a day.
- Sharper vision:
Papaya is one of the fruits with the highest Vitamin A content. Vitamin A is an important vitamin for the eyes, especially for those who are already aging and suffering from macular degeneration. Vitamin A is important in manufacturing the pigments of the retina. This very essential layer of the eyes maintains the functions of photoreceptors which are enables you to see colors in both the light and dark.
- Hearty fruit:
Papaya is one the most heartiest food in the planet. Researches show that Vitamin C is found to prevent arterial damage. Which is why Papaya is commonly attributed to a good and healthy heart. Apart from this benefit, studies also claim that Vitamin C can also help slow down the formation of plaques inside the arteries. This beneficial effect can help minimize your risks to atherosclerosis, a deadly disease that can lead to another serious heart ailment. Don’t forget that it is also high in Lycopene, a hundred grams of papaya contains at most 2 mg of Lycopene, that’s already a healthy dose of an antioxidant that could reduce the amount of oxidized cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream.
- Hello to weight loss:
Have you ever noticed that you easily feel full after eating a small piece or slice of papaya? Well that’s because of its soluble fiber. When we feel full, of course we tend to lessen our food consumption which in turn [if coupled with a healthy lifestyle and plenty of exercise] could help us loose a few pounds. Furthermore, soluble fiber helps you get rid of cholesterol in the body. So you get to munch all the papaya’s you want since there’s basically zero fat, low energy density but high in minerals and vitamins, which in layman’s term would just mean, you get all the healthy benefits without the added calorie and fat guilt.
- Aids the Digestive system:
As mentioned earlier, papaya is also rich in soluble fiber, a key component to a healthy digestive system, it provides mucilage to ensure the smooth flow of the bolus. Aside from the rich soluble fiber content, researches also claim that the papain enzyme of the papaya aids in digesting proteins, especially that of the meat that we ingest. So it would be great to have a slice of papaya after a heavy protein meal.
- Great against arthritis:
Papaya is also packed with anti-inflammatory powers thanks to papain. This enzyme helps reduce the redness and irritation brought about by Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It can also help soothe the inflammation of the joints as well. Now, Papaya’s are not only beneficial for those with RAs but also those who are affected, or at high risk of developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the cartilage areas of our joints. With the high Vitamin C content of the papaya, the damaged cartilages have increased chance of repairing themselves.
- Prevents Cancer:
Having mentioned that papaya is blessed with glorious amounts of essential vitamins and antioxidants, it surely wouldn’t surprise you that this fruit is also one of the top fruits to eat to prevent cancer. By combining papaya as well as other anti-cancer food and a healthier lifestyle with plenty of exercise and ample sleep then one can avert himself from this disease.
- Healthy and Shinny hair:
If you think that papaya is only great for the skin, then think again, because it also works quite well with our hair. The Vitamin C content ensures that your hair would grow healthy. It can prevent split ends, and dry hair brought about by stress. It also works well for preventing hair loss as Vitamin C functions by reversing adrenal gland fatigue, the major cause of hair fall.
- Immunobooster:
While it was already debunked that Vitamin C can fight off the colds, Vitamin C still remains to be one of the most popular immunoboosters out there. It is seen to stimulate the body’s prime defenders, the leukocytes. It also functions in increasing the bodies mechanism against viral infections. Vitamin C in papaya is very high, in fact you can get as much vitamin C in papaya as in oranges and other citrus fruits.
- Natural Anti-aging agent:
Powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C, and Lycopene are among the top ingredients and secrets of beauty products that fight against aging. These antioxidants fight off cell damage and promotes faster cell growth. Antioxidants are also very protective against the potential damages of the free radicals that we acquire from our day to day activities.
debbie says
Wow no wonder they call papaya a superfood. I knew it was healthy and delicious but reading this information I realize there was so much I ddint know.
Thanks for the interesting info
Sherry Compton says
Didn't realize it had so many benefits. Eyes and helps with immunity all in a sweet and healthy treat.
Frankie says
Papaya is one of mt favorite fruits and I had been fortunate to experience some great benefits such as keeping my skin healthy...Thanks for this useful post
Ann Cagalingan says
I love Papaya...me & kids always eating this fruits very healthy!
lovely joy merced says
i love papaya in my tinola and i love semi-ripe papaya in vinegar too, healthy and yummy!
Cynthia Knisely says
I didn't know papa was so good for your. I know I love it but it is hard to find where I live
steve weber says
awesome! I need to start eating more Papaya it looks like.
rita leonard says
Thanks for all the great info on papaya. I have never tried this and now really want to give it a try either fresh or in a shake.
Dorothy Hubbard says
Papaya is a fruit I usually pass up but after reading this I will be buying it from now on. Thanks for the info.