New Delhi: When the word Papaya is uttered, our minds rush to the memories of childhood, when having a bowl of diced papaya was no less than a daily mandate. As time passed and new fruits came into the picture, but one thing that still happens to be an inseparable part of the classic fruit salad is the fresh and sweet Papaya.
Enriched with the goodness of nature, the refreshing and sweet taste of this delectable fruit is hard to resist, and the cold drips of the sweet nectar cures all the fatigue of a hot summer day.
As William Shakespeare said, “Our bodies are our gardens – our wills are our gardeners.” So, for a healthy and fit body, all you have to do is will yourself to eat a healthy diet and that diet definitely can’t be missing the vitamin and minerals package that papayas provide us with.
With all this talk of its nutritional value, let’s take a look at some of its amazing health benefits:
1. Digestion
The enzyme papain present in papaya is known to aid digestion by breaking down proteins. Therefore, a glass of Papaya juice is often recommended as a home remedy for digestion-related problems or constipation. Papaya is also high in fibre and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote a smooth bowel movement.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Apart from papain, Papaya also contains other effective enzymes that help against inflammation and promote healing of burns. Papayas have high digestive enzymes; they help in supporting your digestive fire.
3. Heart Disease and Cancer
Papaya is rich in anti-oxidants and nutrients that work against free radicals and therefore is said to protect the body from possible heart diseases and cancer. The fibre, potassium and vitamin content help ward off the risk of heart diseases. Including more Papaya in your diet can help keep your heart safe. Potassium and vitamin content help ward off the risk of heart diseases. Including more Papaya in your diet can help keep your heart safe.
4. Diabetes
Many researchers have found that the consumption of raw Papaya could help maintain blood sugar level and cholesterol because of the high fibre content, thereby keeping a check on diabetes green tea and fermented Papaya work together as preventive means for diabetes. In some parts of India, especially the North East, papaya flowers are locally used as a preventive measure against diabetes. The bitter flowers are lightly sautéed in a little oil and consumed as a side to rice on a regular basis.
5. Skin and healing
When used topically, mashed Papaya appears to be beneficial for promoting wound healing and preventing infection of burned areas. Researchers believe that the proteolysis enzymes chymopapain and papain in Papaya are responsible for their beneficial effects. Ointments containing the papain enzyme have also been used to treat decubitus ulcers (bedsores).
6. Hair health
Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturised. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of Vitamin C, which Papaya can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.
7. Asthma prevention
The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, contained in foods like Papaya, Apricots, Broccoli, Cantaloupe, Pumpkin, and Carrots.
8. Anti- ageing
Skin is the largest organ of your body and it reflects the inner workings of your body. For healthy and glowing skin, include Papaya in your daily diet. It’s packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, plus Vitamin E which provide quite a huge antioxidant dose. It makes the skin tighter and brighter, therefore, preventing wrinkles, sagging and dull skin. This wondrous fruit can do wonders for your skin and is a natural source of alpha-hydroxyl acids. AHA helps in removing the build-up of dead cells layer from the skin and rejuvenates the cell tissues, making them thicker and firmer.
Therefore, including a healthy diet of papayas is very important. Let’s stay healthy and fit.