Benefits of Papaya (Papita) And Its Side Effects

Macular degeneration is a disease of the eye. Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant found in papaya, helps to filter out harmful blue light rays. It is thought to play a protective role in eye health, and may ward off macular degeneration.A higher intake of papaya fruits has been shown to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It also hinders the progression of such associated diseases of the eyes.

Vitamin A, beta carotene help to prevent and reduce inflammation in the lungs. It is highly beneficial for smokers as a good intake of papaya or papaya juice can help in soothing the inflammation and reduce the chances of developing asthma.

Papaya is rich in anti-oxidants and phytonutrients that work against free radicals and make papayas effective against breast, pancreatic and other cancers. A leaf extract obtained from dried leaves of papaya plant produced anti-carcinogenic effects against tumor cells.

Papaya seeds are rich in flavonoids that have chemotherapeutic effects which can reduce the risk of cancer by arresting the development of cancerous cells.

Papayas, beneficial for bone health, have been known to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. One of the enzymes found in papayas, called chymopapain, has a significant effect on increasing the bone density and strength.

Adequate vitamin K consumption is also important for good health, as it improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. The higher proportion of calcium in the body, the greater is the bone strength and rebuilding.Thus, consumption of papaya is highly recommended for bone health.

Low in sugar, papaya can be an amazing option for those who have diabetes. Papaya helps maintain blood sugar level and cholesterol because of the high fiber content. Its extracts can actually decelerate the development of type-II diabetes, where the pancreas completely loses its ability to make and secrete insulin.

Papaya is used to treat all kinds of stomach ailments, including indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers.It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is very good for our digestive system. Papaya also contains a protein-dissolving, a digestive super enzyme called papain, that eases many stomach ailments and aids digestion.

Papaya improves digestion by breaking down proteins,cleanses the digestive tract and also ensures a reduced conversion of protein into body fat.

The seeds of papayas are beneficial for a healthy heart. Having three powerful antioxidant vitamins, namely vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, papayas help to ward off heart diseases and in preventing problems such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. The presence of pro- carotenoid phytonutrients in papaya helps prevent oxidization of the cholesterol in the body which otherwise can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Vitamin E and vitamin C obtained from papayas will help in preventing the cholesterol from sticking to the walls, thereby keeping the heart healthy. As a good source of fiber, papayas also help to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.

Papayas can be great revitalizing agents, which is why they are used for improving skin health. Papain, an enzyme present in papaya, kills dead cells and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and the other healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin.

Papaya also fights free radicals that age our skin and show premature aging signs. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, etc. The latex obtained from papayas is used to treat skin affected with acne. Topical application of papaya juice or Atex helps in curing and provides relief.

The fleshy side of the papaya skin can also be used as a mask to cure acne. Papaya fruit is one of the most effective home remedies to cure vitiligo, a condition where white patches appear on the skin.

Papaya juice can be of immense help for women with irregular periods. Consumption of green, unripe papayas helps to normalize the irregularity in the periodic cycle. The papain enzyme helps regulate and ease the flow of blood during menstruation, thus preventing cramps and not causing pain. Papaya also stimulates the production of estrogen, thereby normalizing the period cycle

This sweet juicy papaya contains active enzymes as well as vitamin C in large amount and thus, helps to restore our energy levels. Papaya also acts as a great stress reducer.

Dried papaya provides nourishment to the endocrine system and promotes the production of arginine in the body. Arginine is a type of essential amino acid that is known to activate the human growth hormones (HGH). These hormones, present in papaya, play a key role in rebuilding bones, muscles, skin, and liver cells, and promote overall cell rejuvenation.