Table of Contents
One of the many health benefits of papaya is that it contains a small amount of an enzyme capable of digesting two hundred times its weight in proteins. It is also known that just because papayas aid digestion, they should not be abused as those long-ago Caribbean natives did.
Papaya Nutritional Facts
The papaya is 88.8 percent water, almost as much as a melon (92 percent). This is why some call it the “tropical melon.” However, the papaya and the melon belong to distinct botanical families with entirely different characteristics. Its content of energy-producing nutrients is relatively reduced in carbohydrates (eight percent), proteins (0.61 percent), and fats (0.14 percent). Most of its carbohydrates are formed from sugars: saccharose, glucose, and fructose.
Its vitamin content, however, is striking: one hundred grams of pulp provides 103 percent of the RDA of vitamin C and 18 percent of vitamin A for an adult. The B vitamins are also in small amounts except for folates, which, with 38 mg/100 grams, is as much as the mango or the feijoa, the richest fresh fruits in these substances.
Where minerals are concerned, the papaya is rich in potassium (257 ug/100 grams) and significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Pectin (soluble vegetable fiber) makes 1.8 percent. Using sophisticated methods of chemical analysis, 106 volatile chemical substances have been identified in papaya pulp responsible for its aroma. This figure gives an idea of just how complex the fruit composition is. So many functions are unknown, and so many are yet to be discovered.
PAPAIN is a proteolytic enzyme (one that digests proteins), similar to the pepsin in gastric juice. Its primary source is the papaya tree leaves or its unripe fruit. Papain is significantly reduced in ripe papayas.
Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is easy to digest and enhances other foods’ digestion. These are its primary therapeutic indications:
Stomach disorders: Papaya is recommended for difficult digestion, gastric ptosis (gastric prolapse), gastritis, and any time digestion is impacted by swelling of the gastric mucosa. Papaya supports neutralizing excess gastric acid. Therefore, it is helpful in cases of gastroduodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and pyrosis (heartburn).
Biliary dyspepsia and chronic pancreatitis: Papaya is of value because of its effect on all digestive processes and its shallow fat content.
Intestinal disorders: The papaya’s emollient and antiseptic effect on the digestive mucosa makes it useful in any gastroenteritis or colitis: infectious, ulcerous, or spastic (irritable bowel). Studies carried out in Japan show that papaya, mainly when it is slightly green, has bacteriostatic properties, impeding the development of many enteropathogens that cause intestinal infections:
- Enterobacter cloacae
- Escherichia coli
- Salmonella typhi
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Papaya is highly recommended for infectious diarrhea.
Intestinal parasites: Papaya sap or latex, and to a lesser extent the pulp, have anthelminthic and vermifuge properties against intestinal parasites, particularly tenia (tapeworm).
Skin disorders: Because of its richness in provitamin A, Papaya is a part of the suggested diet for those with skin disorders such as eczema, furunculosis, and acne.
Papaya Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Carica papaya L.
- Other names: Pawpaw, Melon fruit, Melon pawpaw.
- French: Papaye.
- Spanish: Papaya, Lechosa, Mamao, melon zapote.
- German: Papaya.
- Description: Fruit of a fast-growing herb-like tree 3-6 meters in height of the botanical family Caricaceae. The fruit usually weighs 0.5 to 2 kilos, although some reach six kilos. The green or yellow rind encloses a delicate yellow or orange pulp. Its center is filled with sour black seeds.
- Environment: Papayas are initially from Mexico and the Antilles, where they even grow wild. Their cultivation has spread throughout all tropical areas of the world.
How to use and Prepare Papaya
- FRESH: This is the most excellent way to eat papaya. The fruit sold in nontropical countries is usually picked green to facilitate transport. Consequently, they lose quality and flavor. Papaya makes an excellent breakfast or dessert, although it also goes well in a lettuce salad with lemon juice.
- OTHER METHODS OF PREPARATION: Papayas are a good addition to soft drinks, shakes, and ice cream. Papaya jam is a popular dessert in the American tropics.
- CANNED: Canned papaya allows it to be enjoyed throughout the world.
Frequently Asked Question
Can the antioxidants in papaya genuinely help fight chronic diseases?
Yes, the health benefits of papaya are partly due to their rich antioxidant content. Studies suggest that the antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C found in papaya can neutralize harmful free radicals, potentially decreasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
Is there evidence that papaya aids digestion beyond its fiber content?
Papaya contains a unique enzyme called papain, known for breaking down proteins. This may help those with digestive issues like bloating or indigestion. Additionally, research suggests papain might have anti-inflammatory effects on the gut.
Can papaya really improve skin health?
The health benefits of papaya extend to skin health. The vitamins A and C are essential for collagen production, which asserts skin elasticity and may lower the development of wrinkles. Some people also use mashed papaya topically for exfoliation.
Are the claims about papaya boosting the immune system valid?
Papaya is a remarkable source of vitamin C, a nutrient well-known for its role in immune function. Research suggests adequate vitamin C levels may help the body produce more white blood cells fighting infections.
Can papaya benefit eye health beyond its vitamin A content?
While vitamin A is crucial for vision, papaya also contains zeaxanthin and lutein. These antioxidants are concentrated in the retina and may help safeguard against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
Is there truth to the claims that papaya can help manage blood sugar levels?
Some preliminary studies suggest that the fiber in papaya may help slow down the absorption of sugar, which could be beneficial for people with diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can consuming papaya regularly improve heart health?
The health benefits of papaya also include potential heart health improvements. Papaya is a good source of potassium and fiber, both of which are linked to lower blood pressure. Additionally, the antioxidants in papaya may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Are there any probable risks or side effects associated with consuming papaya?
Papaya is generally safe for most people, but those allergic to latex may also react to papaya. Excessive consumption can also cause carotenemia, a harmless condition that turns the skin yellowish-orange due to high beta-carotene levels.
Is unripe or green papaya safe to consume, and does it offer similar health benefits?
Unripe papaya contains higher amounts of papain but is also a rich source of latex, which can cause allergic results or digestive upset in some individuals. Green papaya is used in various cuisines but should be consumed with caution.
What is the best way to incorporate papaya into my diet for optimal health benefits?
To reap the full health benefits of papaya, enjoy it ripe and fresh. You can add it to smoothies, salads, salsas, or simply eat it on its own. If you have concerns about latex allergies, consult a healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 157, 158. Print. [health benefits of papaya]
- Medical News Today – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275517
- Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-proven-papaya-benefits
- WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-papaya
- PharmEasy Blog – https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-papaya
- American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/10/13/papayas-milky-texture-packed-with-nutrients
Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API