Papaya – Fruit of the Angels
The tropical fruit, papaya, is a soft and fleshy fruit with edible seeds. Papaya is native to tropical countries like Mexico, South America, and India. You can consume the fruit either raw or cooked. The riper the flesh, the sweeter it tastes. The benefits of eating papaya are numerous and include protection against heart and skin damage, improving the immune and digestive system, and more.
What Is Papaya?
Papaya is a home-grown pear-shaped fruit found and cultivated in many countries, namely Mexico, Hawaii, Thailand, etc., with a tropical climate. The fruit is also known as tree melon. The ripened fruit has a yellow-green outer skin, orange flesh, and black seeds. The unripened version of the green papaya has white flesh and seeds and is treated as a vegetable. They are usually part of Asian cuisine, mainly for salads and curries.
Scientific Name Of Papaya
Carica papaya is the scientific name of papaya, which belongs to the Caricaceae family. It is a high-yielding crop with a lifespan of 5 to 10 years and will grow as a single branched tree. Usage of fruit, various parts of the tree, and papaya seeds benefits both humans and animals for various diseases like ringworm, hyperglycemia, piles, etc.
Papaya Benefits For Seniors
Protection against heart disease is one of the major benefits of eating papaya daily. The fruit contains high fibre content and antioxidants that lower cholesterol and homocysteine levels. It prevents the oxidation of cholesterol, which reduces the risk of blockage and heart attacks.
Papaya health benefit for senior citizens is that it can reduce oxidative stress, which may aid in the prevention of signs of ageing, liver diseases, and Alzheimer’s. The lycopene content in the fruit attributes to the removal of excess iron and free radicals that can cause these illnesses.
Papaya Benefits For Skin
Papaya benefits for skin include:
- Beautiful and radiant glow
- Prevention of wrinkles and fine lines
- Removal of tan and acne marks
You can consume or add papaya to your skincare routine. The enzymes called papain assists the body in reducing inflammation and promoting the production of collagen. You can mash the fruit and add it with honey or milk as a tan removal pack.
Applying papaya on the face benefits the skin to battle the signs of ageing and sun damage by supplementing it with lycopene. It prevents the formation of lines, sagging of skin, and recovery of skin injury. Papaya gel benefits dry skin by acting as a moisturiser for mild peeling and cracking skin.
Benefits Of Eating Ripe Papaya
Consumption of ripe papaya benefits the skin, heart, hair, and immune system. The fruit contains several antioxidants and vitamins that prevent several illnesses. You can use papaya to soften tough meats, which helps in breaking down the protein. The folic acid aids in lowering the amino acid responsible for heart disease. Papaya benefits for men include reducing the risk of prostate cancer, improved virility, aiding in digestion, etc. Lycopene is a natural pigment responsible for reducing the cancer risk. Arginine is the main enzyme in the fruit to improve blood flow to the male reproductive organs, thereby enhancing sex drive.
Benefits Of Papaya Leaves
There are several health benefits of papaya leaves, and one of the prominent reasons is that it is useful in treating dengue fever. The extract from the leaves improves the blood platelet levels. According to alternative and folk medicine, using dried papaya leaves in tea benefits the digestive system by reducing bloating and gas formation. The fibre and compounds in the leaves have anti-inflammatory benefits that can aid in treating rashes and joint and muscle pain.
Papaya Leaf Juice Benefits
The topical application of papaya leaf juice benefits the scalp and hair by improving hair strength and growth. The nutrients with antioxidants like flavonoids and Vitamin E present in papaya are vital for hair growth. Regular usage can also prevent fungal infections, dandruff, and scalp damage. In traditional medicine, the papaya leaf extract benefits for treating diabetes as it consists of potent antioxidants and blood sugar-regulating compounds. The leaf extract is available in tea, tablets, juice, etc.
Raw Papaya Benefits
Raw papaya is a superfood, as it has all the natural enzymes and nutrients. There are numerous benefits of eating raw papaya, from boosting the immune system to enhancing hair and skin health. It can be grated and added to salads to improve your digestion and cleansing of the colon. The enzyme promotes the secretion of gastric acids and easy breakdown of proteins. You can consume the raw papaya by blending it with cucumber and apple to make a green smoothie. It aids in weight loss and assists in cell repair. In many studies, raw papaya benefits periods, including reducing menstrual cramps, inflammation, etc.
Papaya Fruit Benefits with Regular Consumption
Regular intake of papaya fruit benefits people suffering from constipation and IBS. The papain and chymopapain in the fruit help digest the protein, and it is useful as a meat tenderiser because of this property. It helps in preventing certain cancers and macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is another enzyme that is said to have the power to filter out blue light rays to protect the eyes. It is an excellent source of vitamin C that can enhance your immune system, vitamin K for calcium absorption, and vitamin A to prevent illness.
Papaya Health Benefits On an Empty Stomach
Regular papaya consumption has several health benefits, like maintaining one’s digestive tracts, enhancing immunity, and reducing acute inflammation. The antioxidants in the fruit counteract the free radicals and reduce the stress oxidation that helps in increasing your body’s strength and immunity to fight infection. A few of the many benefits of eating papaya empty stomach are that it helps detoxify and remove toxins, keeps digestive disorders at bay, and eases bowel movement.
Papaya Juice Benefits
Papaya juice benefits for skin may include reducing skin pigmentation, delay in signs of ageing, enhancement of complexion, and many more. It has nutrients like carotenoids, papain, and other antioxidants. Daily consumption of the juice prevents osteoporosis, helps improve bone density, and prevents breakage due to age.
People suffering from high blood pressure, an unhealthy gut, or gout can drink the juice to soothe the symptoms.
Raw papaya juice benefits patients suffering from irregular bowel movements, as the raw version consists of an enzyme called latex, which aids in softening the stool and cleansing the stomach.
Benefits of Papaya Face Pack
Papaya face pack benefits your skin by soothing and mildly cleansing the dirt and debris on the face. It can help reduce acne scars and keratin build-up by acting as a skin exfoliator and removing dead skin. You can make your face pack by mashing the fruit and mixing it with honey or aloe vera gel. The antioxidants assist in preventing wrinkle formation and lines. Papaya benefits skin whitening due to an enzyme, papain and beta-carotene. While consumed regularly, this aids in flushing out toxins and improves collagen production, which helps enhance your glowing skin.
Papaya Seeds Benefits
The papaya seeds are highly nutritional and consist of healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, and antioxidants. Consumed in moderation in a dosage of 1 teaspoon per day, papaya seeds benefits may involve improved heart and kidney functioning, prevention of cancer and fungal infections, and limiting cholesterol and blood pressure level. It helps regulate metabolism and gut health, resulting in weight loss. You can eat it raw or add it to salad or smoothies. However, the seeds should not be over-consumed as they may inadvertently affect fertility and cells.
Papaya Shake Benefits
Rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins, drinking papaya milkshake benefits your skin and body. Drinking the juice or shake ensures a regular fibre and protein intake. It makes your stomach feel fuller and reduces unnecessary hunger pangs. The ripened papaya with skimmed milk is an alternative beverage or breakfast drink. Blend it with protein powder, milk, cold water, and lemon juice to make a protein smoothie. You add nuts, seeds, or other fruits for a balanced meal.
Papaya Benefits for Hair
Consuming papaya or topical application of its juice or extract comprises vitamins and minerals good for your hair, which aid in fighting hair loss, scalp infections, split ends and more. Applying a papaya hair mask can condition your dry hair by hydrating and arresting the hair’s fall. It provides the scalp with vitamin A and chymopapain for deep nourishment and sebum production needed for keeping the hair healthy. Papaya benefits for hair include the prevention of dandruff caused due to fungus and infections that can damage the scalp and hair.
Papaya Benefits for Weight Loss
Papaya, as a superfood, contains a plethora of vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, which helps you maintain a healthy diet. Including the fruit in your daily intake can curb your hunger pangs, boost your immune and digestive system and cleanse the gut as it is low in calories and high in fibre which supports your weight loss goals. The green papaya can be sliced into thin shreds and added to salads, while you can use the ripe fruit to prepare a side dish or a smoothie.
Nutrition Value of Papaya
Calories per 145 grams | 62 |
Fat | 0.4 grams |
Sodium | 11.6 milligrams |
Carbohydrates | 16 grams |
Fibre | 2.5 grams |
Sugars | 11 grams |
Protein | 0.7 grams |
Vitamin A | 68.2micrograms |
Vitamin C | 88.3milligrams |
Calories In Papaya
Calories for 225-grams | 119 |
Protein | 1.3 grams |
Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
Fats | Less than 1 gram |
Dietary Fibre | 4.7 gram |
Sugar | 21.58 grams |
It contains copper, magnesium, folate, potassium and Pantothenic Acid.
Side Effects of Eating Papaya
One of the major papaya benefits and side effects can be its high fibre content. While effective for people suffering from constipation, overconsumption may lead to diarrhoea and an upset stomach. The Latex content in the fruit can irritate the stomach walls and lead to uterine contractions in pregnant women. The papain can affect cell membranes causing damage to the foetus. Pregnant women should avoid consuming papaya.
Certain medications and papaya can cause allergies and adverse reactions in blood-thinning medications and diabetes patients. If you are under medication, consult a physician before eating.
FAQs
What are the benefits of eating papaya empty stomach?
Consuming papaya on an empty stomach benefits the digestive tract, helps in softening and passing the stool, cleanses the gut and detoxifies the toxins.
What are the benefits of eating papaya at night?
The major benefit of eating papaya at night is a laxative. People having constipation and stomach disorders can have papaya the night after a meal. However, ensure to eat it 4 hours before sleeping.
Can we eat papaya cucumber and almonds as breakfast also? What are the benefits?
Eating papaya benefits in regulating the digestive system and bowel movement, and helps in flushing out toxins. Consuming nuts and cucumbers can help your daily intake of healthy fats and reduce hunger cravings.
What are the Benefits of Papaya rice water to skin?
Papaya and rice water make a potent combination of antioxidants that deal with skin problems like acne scars, wrinkles, etc. It helps to soothe irritated skin and can gently exfoliate the dead skin. Papaya and rice water masks can also help delay ageing, reduce inflammation, and improve wound healing with regular usage.
Is papaya leaves capsule and seed powder give the same benefits?
Both capsule and powder promote digestion and the breakdown of proteins. Leaf capsules are useful to treat dengue fever, while the seed powder can enhance the body’s metabolism.
What happens if you eat papaya every day?
Benefits of eating papaya include:
- Increases protection against prostate cancer
- Boosts immunity and digestive system
- Aids in lowering risks of heart disease
What is the best time to eat papaya?
It can be blended to make smoothies for breakfast, so it can help digestion. It is best to have it at night as a laxative.
When should you not eat papaya?
You can eat papaya any time of the day, but you should avoid it at least 4-5 hours after meals.
Who should not eat papaya?
Diabetic patients and pregnant women should avoid eating papaya because it contains enzymes that can trigger adverse effects. The fruit contains high levels of vitamin C, so it’s best to be avoided by patients suffering from kidney stones.