Papaya

Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit tree that bears sweet, mushy, and pulpy fruits. The fruits are normally golden or orange in color. The core of the fruit contains black, pepper-like seeds contained in a transparent membrane. Fruits are generally peeled, deseeded, and then consumed. Papaya tastes so good that’s why it is hailed as the “fruit of angels.” Aside from its pleasing taste, papaya also offers a wide variety of health benefits because it is highly rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of Papaya

Here are some of the top proven benefits of papaya fruit:

Cancer Prevention

Research suggests that the lycopene in papaya has anti-cancer properties.[1-2] Lycopene’s cancer-fighting ability appears to be due to its ability to suppress the production of harmful free radicals in the body that contribute to cancer development. Another study found that papaya extract can suppress the growth and reproduction of human breast cancer cell line known as MCF-7.[3]

Healthy Heart

Adding papaya to your diet can boost your heart health significantly. Studies show that lycopene and vitamin C in papaya fruit may help prevent deadly heart diseases by preventing inflammation, blood clots, and other unfavorable cardiovascular events.[4-6]

Healthy Digestive System

Papaya is long used as a natural remedy in a wide array of digestive problems. In one study assessing the effects of papaya on people with chronic indigestions and dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract, researchers found that subjects who consumed papaya preparation (20 ml daily for 40 days) reported significant improvements in digestive problems such as constipation and abdominal bloating.[7]

Ulcer Prevention

A 2015 study found that papaya consumption can help treat and prevent Buruli ulcer, a type of ulcer that affects the skin and bone.[8] Researchers in the study found that papaya consumption demonstrated efficacy in hospitalized patients with Buruli ulcer.

Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin

The vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants in papaya may slow the process of skin aging and protect your skin from harmful free radicals.[9] In one study, older women who consumed a mixture of lycopene, vitamin C and other antioxidants for 14 weeks experienced a significant improvement in the depth of facial wrinkles.[10] This only shows that eating papaya can help you achieve a healthy, rejuvenated skin.

Strong Immune System

Consuming papaya can help ward off a wide array of diseases and infection. In one study, patients suspected of suffering from dengue who received 2 doses of papaya leaf extract at intervals of 8 hours, had increased platelet count and total white blood cell count within 24 hours of treatment with the extract, indicating an improvement in immune function.[11]

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is linked with a broad range of medical conditions including arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases. In one study, researchers found that healthy human subjects who consumed papaya on a regular basis had lower levels of inflammatory markers such as cytokines and interleukin 1 beta.[12] With its anti-inflammatory properties, papaya can help ward off several inflammatory conditions.

References:

1. Gajowik A, Dobrzyńska MM. Lycopene – antioxidant with radioprotective and anticancer properties. A review. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 2014; 65(4):263-71.
2. Aruoma OI, Somanah J, Bourdon E, Rondeau P, Bahorun T. Diabetes as a risk factor to cancer: functional role of fermented papaya preparation as phytonutraceutical adjunct in the treatment of diabetes and cancer. Mutation research. 2014; 768:60-8.
3. García-Solís P, Yahia EM, Morales-Tlalpan V, Díaz-Muñoz M. Screening of antiproliferative effect of aqueous extracts of plant foods consumed in México on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2009; 60 Suppl 6:32-46.
4. Kris-Etherton PM, Hecker KD, Bonanome A. Bioactive compounds in foods: their role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The American journal of medicine. 2002; 113 Suppl 9B:71S-88S.
5. Ellingsen I, Seljeflot I, Arnesen H, Tonstad S. Vitamin C consumption is associated with less progression in carotid intima media thickness in elderly men: A 3-year intervention study. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2009; 19(1):8-14.
6. Somanah J, Aruoma OI, Gunness TK. Effects of a short term supplementation of a fermented papaya preparation on biomarkers of diabetes mellitus in a randomized Mauritian population. Preventive medicine. 2012; 54 Suppl:S90-7.
7. Muss C, Mosgoeller W, Endler T. Papaya preparation (Caricol®) in digestive disorders. Neuro endocrinology letters. 2013; 34(1):38-46.
8. Tsouh Fokou PV, Nyarko AK, Appiah-Opong R. Ethnopharmacological reports on anti-Buruli ulcer medicinal plants in three West African countries. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2015; 172:297-311.
9. Schagen SK, Zampeli VA, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology. 2012; 4(3):298-307.
10. Jenkins G, Wainwright LJ, Holland R, Barrett KE, Casey J. Wrinkle reduction in post-menopausal women consuming a novel oral supplement: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study. International journal of cosmetic science. 2014; 36(1):22-31.
11. Hettige S. Salutary effects of Carica papaya leaf extract in dengue fever patients a pilot study. Sri Lankan Fam Physician. 2008;29:17–9.
12. Abdullah M, Chai PS, Loh CY. Carica papaya increases regulatory T cells and reduces IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells in healthy human subjects. Molecular nutrition & food research. 2011; 55(5):803-6.