Papaya/Pawpaw: The Nutritional Wonder!
Papaya plants grow in hot and humid climates. They are also called papaws or pawpaws or babayas. They are popular in tropical countries. Brazil is the highest producer of papaya, followed by Mexico. While the third largest producer is Nigeria. The scientific name of the plant is Carica Papaya L.
The taste of its fruits is sweet and they are yellow greenish to bright yellow in colour on the outside, while the ripe fruit is more amber to orange on the inside. They are soft and fleshy in the inner part (when ripe) with seeds while the skin is tougher.
Papaya plant’s leaves, fruits and seeds are known for their pharmacological effects.
Papaya is a power packed with nutrients and has several health advantages. It contains vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, Thiamine, Niacin, Folate, Riboflavin. Minerals present in it are Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Manganese. Also contain electrolytes Sodium and Potassium. Last but not the least it’s also a good source of dietary fiber which is responsible for various health benefits.
Papaya contains a variety of phytochemicals which again has such properties which may be positive for health.
A special ingredient present in papaya makes it a unique food. It contains an enzyme called papain, which is helpful for the digestion process.
Here are some important Health Advantages of Papaya…
Papaya and High Blood Pressure:
Papaya leaves decoction has anti-hypertensive properties. That means its consumption helps in controlling blood pressure which can be a major cause of heart disease and in itself is believed to be a silent killer. But its consumption needs to be monitored by a medical or para medical personnel.
The Lycopene Effect:
Papaya has the anti-cancer and anti-prostate cancer properties containing antioxidant called Lycopene!
Laxative Activity:
The ripe fruit has a good laxative effect which promotes consistent bowel movement.
Improves Digestion:
The green, mature fruit contains an enzyme known as “papain”. It is believed to be helpful against indigestion.
Papain is also combined into quite a lot of enzymatic health supplements.
Anti-Inflammatory Action:
It has some effective anti-inflammatory potential which may help in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammation also helps in preventing heart disease.
Power against Heart Disease:
Papaya contains folate which helps in lowering a compound called homo-cysteine. If this substances increases in the body, it harms blood vessels and it may be a powerful cause of heart disease.
Vision and Skin Health:
Research suggests that Vitamin A has a role to play in maintaining and improving vision. Also, certain carotenes help in preventing macular degeneration, an ailment of eyes. Papayas contain abundant Vitamin A. Also, Vitamin A has shown a potential in maintaining healthy skin.
Anti-oxidant Activity:
Anti-oxidants are shown to scavenge the harmful free radicals that damages the DNA and cells of the body. Thus leading to various maladies such as heart disease, cancer, acceleration in aging process etc. Papaya contains a good amount of anti-oxidants and thus may be effective against the above mentioned issues.
Immunity and Wound Healing:
Vitamin C has been found to improve the immune response. Papaya leaves and fruit comprise of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also thought to be effective against cold and cancer. Green papaya extracts have shown some positive effects on wound healing as well, which may be attributed to its Vitamin C and Zinc contents (which are popular to carry out this action).
Traditional Medicine:
Apart from the above benefits, there are several other health advantages of papaya fruit (unripe/ripe), its leaves, seeds, skin of the fruit etc. as per traditional medicine. For example it is believed to be an effective anti-microbial agent, antiseptic agent, its topical application may help improving skin health and many more good effects on health and on various ailments such as papaya latex may help in treatment of dyspepsia and also applicable for external burns and scalds. Seeds and fruits are thought to be outstanding anti-amoebic agents.
Dengue Fever and Papaya Leaves:
Also as understood by some medical experts the juice of green papaya leaves helps in managing dengue fever by increasing platelet count and reducing white blood cell count.
Due its numerous favorable effects on health and disease conditions papaya is considered to be a nutraceutical.
Please Note
For any blood tests or various health checkups in Mumbai, please visit www.healthdekho.com
References
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2012.709210
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285117822_Basketful_benefits_of_papaya
http://www.plantsjournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_jan_2013/2.pdf
