The Benefits of Papaya

 11 Benefits of Papaya: Rich in Vitamins and Enzymes for the Body

Papaya is a fruit that causes debate, some people really like papaya because of its sweet and delicious taste, but some people do not like it because of its strong smell.

The fruit of the Carica papaya plant is native to Central America and southern Mexico but is now grown in many other parts of the world.

Papaya is shaped like a pear and can reach 20 inches or about 51 centimeters (cm) in length. The skin is green when raw and orange when ripe, while the flesh is yellow, orange, or red.

Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, once called papaya the fruit of angels because of its many nutritional contents with abundant benefits.

Before discussing its benefits, here are some interesting, little-known facts about papaya:

The papain enzyme in papaya can break down the protein chains in meat and muscles. Therefore, thousands of years ago people used papaya to tenderize meat.

Apart from the pulp, papaya seeds can also be eaten. It tastes like black pepper, so some countries use papaya seeds as a substitute for spices.

Eating too much papaya can cause carotenemia, which is a condition in which the soles of the feet and palms turn yellow. This is temporary and will go away on its own.

Until now there are only 2 varieties of papaya, namely the Mexican and Hawaiian papaya. Mexican papayas can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms (kg) while Hawaiian papayas usually weigh around 500 grams (g).

Similar to other fruits, papaya is very healthy when eaten as part of a balanced diet, and is low in calories so it can be consumed if you want to lose weight.

The following is the content in every 152 g of papaya:

• Calories: 59
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Vitamin C: 157% of the total vitamin C the body needs in a day
• Vitamin A: 33% of the total vitamin A the body needs in a day
• Folate (vitamin B9): 14% of the total folate the body needs in a day
• Potassium: 11% of the total potassium the body needs in a day
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Carotenoid antioxidants
• Papain enzyme

Benefits of Papaya 

With the abundance of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants in it. This fruit is very good for consumption every day. Papaya can be consumed directly or mixed in yogurt, smoothies, salads, and made juice.

Its nutritional content is proven to prevent various diseases such as cancer, arthritis, constipation, and many more. Here's a list of the health benefits of papaya:

1. Increase Endurance

The immune system acts as a protector against various infections that can make you fall sick.

One papaya contains more than 200% of the daily requirement of vitamin C, making it great for maintaining endurance.

2. Improve Digestive Conditions

Eating papaya every day can improve digestive conditions because papaya contains an enzyme known as papain and fiber which helps improve digestive health.

People in the tropics consider papaya to be a remedy for constipation and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

In one study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days experienced a significant increase in constipation and bloating.

3. Prevent Signs of Aging

Papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants like beta-carotene which help prevent your skin from being damaged by free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

4. Prevent cancer

Papaya is rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and flavonoids that prevent cells from experiencing free radical damage.

Several studies have also linked papaya consumption with a reduced risk of colon and prostate cancer.

5. Helps Reduce Stress

Papaya fruit is rich in several nutrients such as vitamin C which can make you free from stress.

According to research conducted at the University of Alabama, it was found that 200 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C can help regulate the flow of stress hormones.

6. Helps Relieve Menstrual Pain

Women who experience pain during menstruation can consume papaya to reduce the pain.

This is because an enzyme called papain contained in papaya can help regulate and increase flow during menstrual periods.

7.Protects against Arthritis (Arthritis)

Eating papaya is good for bone health as it has anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin C helps keep various forms of arthritis at bay.

 A study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that people who ate a diet low in vitamin C were three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who were diligent in consuming a vitamin C-rich diet.

8. Helps Lose Weight

Papaya is very low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer.

With a healthy digestive tract and immune system, papayas help with overall weight loss. The natural fibers in it can detoxify the body and cleanse it so that the body remains healthy and fit.

9. Good for Skin and Hair Health

Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient needed for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized.

Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair. The intake of vitamin C in papaya is needed to build and maintain collagen, which provides structure to the skin.

10. Can Prevent Diabetes

Although this tropical fruit is known for its sweet taste, it is great for diabetics or you want to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Natural sweetness, and unlike other fruits, this fruit has a low sugar content and low glucose levels.

Papaya fruit is also rich in high-quality nutrients that can maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

11. Helps Improve Heart Health

Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, papaya helps maintain heart health and fights against the possibility of developing heart disease.

Coupled with the content of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium which can increase blood flow and keep arteries healthy.

Apart from its delicious taste, papaya also contains a myriad of nutrients that can prevent various health problems

SOURCE: https://www.tokopedia.com/blog/manfaat-buah-pepaya-hlt/