Sure, papaya is juicy and delicious. But did you know that the health benefits of papaya fruit can transform your health?
Papaya is a jumbo offering of health benefits. Known for being a sweet and tropical fruit, papaya is also called the fruit of angels. And if you are wondering why, then let me tell you papaya or papita has a lot of nutritional and medicinal values.
The great news is that you can nosh on papaya all through the year, no matter the season. And if you’re still not convinced that this fruit needs to be a part of your daily diet, then here are nine health benefits of papaya that will convince you:
Regulates the digestive system
Papaya contains two proteolytic enzymes, papain and chymopapain, which improve digestion. These enzymes help to break down and digest proteins, and thus known as powerful digestive aids. Apart from this, papaya also eases constipation.
Improves heart health
Papaya is a powerhouse for vitamins and minerals that support the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This fruit also helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack, and it’s fiber, potassium, and vitamin content promotes good heart health.
Can reduce your risk of cancer
Some studies suggest that papaya has anti-cancer properties that can protect against different types of cancers including that of the cervix, breast, liver, lung, and pancreas. Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotenes, and carotenoids, this fruit works reducing the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Helps with weight loss
This low-calorie fruit is excellent for weight loss. If you’re looking for foods to add to your weight loss diet, then do consider this humble fruit—100 grams of which only contains 43 calories.
Brilliant for your skin
Papaya can give you a glowing skin because it helps to remove dead cells. Not to mention, the abundance of beta-carotene in this fruit helps to brighten the skin tone. It can also keep your skin hydrated and you can use it to treat cracked heels.
Great for your eyesight
We all know that vitamin A is a must for good eyesight. And papaya’s beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in the body, thus keeping your eyes healthy. At the same time, its antioxidant content reduces the wear and tear of the retina and cornea.
Helps you deal with irregular periods
Papaya fruit is often given to women who have irregular menstruation cycles. Its enzymes help regulate and ease the flow of blood during periods. This fruit also stimulates the oestrogen hormone in the body and helps you deal with painful cramps.
Prevents arthritis
Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the compound papain. This makes it a potent food to fight against diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A boon for immunity
We know that you already know a good deal about immunity-boosting fruits, but we can’t possibly finish this ode to papaya fruit without mentioning its benefits for your immune system. Papaya is packed with iron, folate, B6, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, B1, B3, B5, E, K, and potassium—making it the perfect food to keep your body going.
A video by Iris King
