Papaya contains vitamins A, C, and E and is renowned for its many health benefits, including improved digestion, immune system support, and better skin health.
Here, we explore the scientifically-backed evidence of why papaya should be part of your diet and the best ways to enjoy this delicious fruit.
Table of Contents
1. Improved Digestive Health
Papaya is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, both of which are important for digestive health. Eating papaya can aid in digestion and improve gut bacteria, which is essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients from it.
Studies have also shown that papaya can reduce the symptoms of indigestion, including bloating and gas.
2. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Eating papaya can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
A 2017 study found that when rats were fed a diet high in papaya extract, they had lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) while maintaining their levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
This suggests that consuming papaya on a regular basis may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Papaya is high in an antioxidant called lycopene, which has anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 study showed that when rats were fed papaya extract for a month, the symptoms of their induced arthritis decreased significantly.
Additionally, disease activity index in the experimental group was found to be lower than in the control group.
These results suggest that including papaya in your diet could help reduce inflammation and improve arthritis symptoms.
4. Support for Cancer Treatment
Several studies have found that papaya can provide some level of support during cancer treatment. In an animal study, researchers discovered that papaya extract inhibited the growth of canine lymphoma tumor cells.
Another study from 2016 observed a similar trend in gallbladder cancer cells where papaya extract caused cell death.
Additionally, a 2019 review showed that when papaya extract was added to conventional breast cancer treatments, the patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms.
5. Skin Benefits from Papaya Enzymes
Papaya is rich in the enzyme papain and other skin-friendly vitamins like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
These enzymes help break down proteins on your skin’s surface that can cause blemishes. For this reason, it is often used as a facial mask ingredient. Papaya also has bromelain, which helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, its high antioxidants and fiber content also help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Side Effects of Papaya
Eating too much papaya can lead to various side effects such as:
- skin irritation
- allergic reactions
- uterine contractions
- miscarriage
- carotenemia
- stomach upset
- nasal congestion
In more serious cases, wheezing or difficulty breathing could be signs of a severe reaction. If you experience any of these side effects after consuming papaya, it is better to consult your doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, pregnant women should avoid eating papaya due to potential ill effects of its two primary ingredients, papain and chymopapain.
The Benefits of Eating Papaya
Understanding the benefits of eating papaya reveals a multitude of health advantages that this tropical fruit offers.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, papaya not only supports digestive health through its enzyme papain but also boosts the immune system, promotes heart health, and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Its potential in skin care and cancer prevention further underscores its value in a balanced diet.
Incorporating papaya into your daily meals can be a delicious and natural way to enhance overall health and well-being, making it a worthy addition to your nutritional arsenal.
What happens if you eat papaya everyday?
Eating papaya everyday can be beneficial for people with poor digestion, as it helps to ease stress on the digestive system and promote faster metabolism. The enzyme papain found in papaya helps break down food molecules quickly, making it easier on the gut and increasing nutrient absorption. Additionally, eating papaya regularly may help reduce indigestion and improve overall digestion, resulting in better health.
Is papaya good to eat everyday?
While papaya is a great source of fiber which helps maintain digestive health, eating it overly often may lead to diarrhea and an upset stomach due to its mild laxative effect.
What does papaya do for your body?
Papaya is a nutrient-rich fruit that offers a variety of health benefits. It may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, improve digestion, control blood glucose levels in diabetics and lower blood pressure. Plus, it can enhance wound healing!
What is the best time to eat papaya?
Eating papaya on an empty stomach in the morning is recommended for optimal health benefits. Its antioxidants help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage, while also helping to lower bad cholesterol. Eating papaya also helps cleanse the body of toxins and encourages regular bowel movements.
What is the side effect of papaya?
Eating papaya can lead to side effects in some people, such as nausea and vomiting. Additionally, unripe papaya fruit may be unsafe due to its content of papaya latex, which contains an enzyme known as papain. Consuming large amounts of this enzyme could potentially damage the esophagus.
Is papaya high in sugar?
No, papaya is relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits. A single cup of sliced papayas contains only 8.3 grams of sugar, making it a suitable option for individuals with diabetes and other health-conscious individuals.
Is eating papaya a good way to lose weight?
Even though it isn’t directly related to weight loss, papaya can be part of a nutritious diet that can contribute to healthy and sustained weight loss. Papaya is low in calories and rich in fiber; both of these qualities are important components of any diet plan geared towards successful weight loss.
What are the top health benefits of eating papaya?
Eating papaya offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion due to the enzyme papain, enhanced immune system from its high vitamin C content, reduced inflammation thanks to its antioxidants, and better heart health through its fiber and potassium. Papaya also supports skin health with its vitamin A and lycopene.
What should you not eat together with papaya?
To maximize the benefits of eating papaya, it’s advisable to avoid combining papaya with certain foods that might diminish its health advantages. Eating papaya with latex-containing foods such as kiwi, bananas, and avocados should be avoided by those with latex allergies due to potential cross-reactivity. For optimal digestive benefits from papaya’s enzyme, papain, avoid consuming it with heavy, starchy foods or difficult-to-digest meats shortly after.
