Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya one of  the favorite fruits of Christopher Columbus is a delicious tropical fruit which has a mouthwatering flavor and great health benefits. Papaya is a very delicious food that has been enjoyed lavishly by people as a part of cuisines and salads.


Once considered quite exotic, Papaya can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round. Originally from the tropics of America the taste and its numerous health benefits made it popular in all the continents around the world.

Deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. And let me tell you one more secret! When used on your face on a regular basis you might resemble an angle too.

Papaya tree is grown extensively all over the tropical regions and cultivated for its fruits and latex papain, an enzyme that is used in food industry. Botanically, the plant belongs in the family of Caricaceae of genus; Carica and scientifically named as Carica papaya.

Nutritional Profile
Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids) and vitamin C. It is a very good source of folate. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, copper, and vitamin K. The nutritional values of papaya per 100 grams are:

  • Energy- 163 kJ
  • Calories- 39 kcal
  • Sugars- 5.90 gram
  • Carbohydrates- 9.81 gram
  • Dietary fiber- 1.8 gram
  • Fat- 0.14 gram
  • Protein- 0.61 gram
  • Vitamin A- 328 micrograms (41%)
  • Vitamin B1- 0.04 milligram (3%)
  • Vitamin B2- 0.05 milligram (4%)
  • Vitamin B3- 0.338 milligram (2%)
  • Vitamin B6- 0.1 milligram (8%)
  • Vitamin B9- 38 milligram (10%)
  • Vitamin C- 61.8 milligram (74%)
  • Calcium- 24 milligram (2%)
  • Iron- 0.10 milligram (1%)
  • Magnesium- 10 milligram (3%)
  • Phosphorus- 5 milligram (1%)
  • Potassium- 257 milligram (5%)
  • Sodium- 3 milligram (0%)
Health Benefits

1) Skin Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is very good for your skin, it helps to get rid of skin infections like acne, pimples etc. Papaya also acts as a natural skin exfoliator. To get the benefits make paste by meshing papaya flesh and apply tropically as a face pack. The fermented flesh of papaya also known as papain opens the clogged pores and dissolves trapped dead cells and you get an all new fresh and glowing skin. 

2) Heart Health Benefits of Papaya
Papayas are an excellent source of the powerful antioxidants nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system.

These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol becomes oxidized is it able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, forming dangerous plaques that can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes.

The folic acid found in papayas converts a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids such as cysteine or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and, if levels get too high, is considered a significant risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.

3) Gestational Health Benefits of Papaya
Papayas contain the protein-digesting enzyme papain which breaks down protein fibers and is used to tenderize tough meats, and which may also help with digestion. Papain is more concentrated in papaya when it’s unripe.

4) Colon Health Benefits of Papaya
Increasing Papaya intake can be helpful for preventing colon cancer. Papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. 

These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA. Also fiber content of papaya makes a bond with cancer causing toxins to flush them out of your body, thus keeping healthy colon cells safe from risk of colon cancer.

5) Anti-ageing Benefits of Papaya- The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look.

6) Immunity Benefits of Papaya
Some essential nutrients like Vitamin C and vitamin A, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya contains most of the essential nutrients and beta carotene which is converted in to essential nutrients by your body when consumed therefore papaya is a healthy fruit choice for preventing illnesses boosting your immunity.

7) Anti Inflammatory Benefits of Papaya
Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes including papain and chymopapain. These enzymes have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve and accelerate the healing of burns and wounds. Papaya contains the antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene, all of which contribute to inflammation reduction.

Besides above benefits there are hundreds of other benefits you may get by including this amazing fruit in your daily diet. You can enjoy papayas in many different ways. They can be eaten as is, added to a fruit salad or to a host of different recipes. If you are adding it to a fruit salad, you should do so just before serving as it tends to cause the other fruits to become very soft.

So, what are you waiting for......... go ahead and eat those papaya to get those wholesome benefits.

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