The humble papaya is one of the healthiest fruits that has a host of health benefits – from aiding digestion, controlling high blood sugar and promoting digestive health, as well as lustrous and healthy hair. It has powerful antioxidant effects, anti-carcinogenic properties, fights inflammation and more. Let us check out the many health benefits of papaya.
10 Health Benefits of Papaya
Be it the fruit or the seed, papaya has many health benefits. Here are 10 of them:
1. Helps in digestion
Thanks to the presence of the digestive enzyme ‘papain’, papaya aids in digestion and keeps digestive problems like flatulence, constipation and acidity at bay.
2. Aids in weight loss
Low in calories and rich in starch, papaya keeps you full for longer and hence prevents unhealthy snacking. Papaya salad can be your ideal weight loss meal.
3. Helps in the prevention of asthma
Papaya is a storehouse of beta-carotene and this nutrient is known to prevent asthma.
4. Manages high blood sugar
Not only the fruit, papaya seeds are also good for diabetics. It has a moderate glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar. It is also rich in fiber and keeps the digestive system healthy.
5. Promotes Bone Health
Papaya is rich in Vitamin K and helps in keeping bones strong. Adequate amounts of Vitamin K help in the absorption of calcium and reduce the loss of calcium through urine.
6. Detoxifies the body
Papaya acts as a natural detoxifier. Papaya is packed with vitamins and minerals and is high in fiber content. Fibers help to effectively remove toxins from the body.
7. Anti-carcinogenic properties
Studies have shown that people whose diets are rich in vegetables and fruits, which include papaya, are less likely to develop many types of cancer – such as colorectal and prostate cancer – from a young age.
8. Promotes Eye Health
According to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, carotenoids that make up vitamin A in the body promote eye health and are present in significant amounts in papaya.
9. Heals wounds
Mashed papaya can be used to treat skin wounds, thanks to the fruit’s antibacterial properties. The papain and chymopapain present in papaya give it antibacterial properties.
10. Good for hair and skin health
Due to the presence of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, papaya can have a great effect on the health of your hair and skin.
(Disclaimer: The article is based on general information and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical expert. Zee News does not confirm the same.)