PAPAYA- (PAWPAW)-AND-ITS-MEDICINAL-BENEFITS:

 PAPAYA (PAWPAW) AND ITS MEDICINAL BENEFITS:

Dave Ikiedei Asei

05/03/2023

Papaya is a common tropical fruit that is rich in nutrients and has numerous health benefits.  Today we shall discuss some of the health benefits of papaya which is also known as pawpaw in some quarters.

SOME MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF PAPAYA:

DIGESTIVE HEALTH:

Papaya contains enzymes such as papain and chymopapain that aid in digestion by breaking down proteins. It also contains fiber that helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES :

Papaya contains several anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to several chronic diseases.

IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER:

Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that helps to boost the immune system. It also contains Vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

CANCER PREVENTION:

Papaya contains several compounds  that prevents cancer such as:

LYCOPENE:

Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that gives red and pink fruits and vegetables their color. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been linked to a number of potential health benefits.

Lycopene is found in high concentrations in tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, papayas, and guavas. It is also found in smaller amounts in other fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers.

Studies have suggested that lycopene may have a number of health benefits. For example, it may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. It may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, as it has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.

Lycopene is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have also suggested that lycopene may help to improve skin health and may protect against sun damage.

While lycopene is generally considered safe, high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. It is also important to note that consuming lycopene in supplement form may not provide the same health benefits as consuming it through whole foods. Therefore, it is generally recommended to obtain lycopene through a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.

BENEFITS OF BETA-CAROTENE:

Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid, a group of pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Beta carotene is found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and mangoes, as well as in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.

In the body, beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Beta carotene is also an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

However, it's important to note that while beta carotene is essential for good health, taking high doses of beta carotene supplements can be harmful, particularly for smokers. Studies have shown that high doses of beta carotene supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Therefore, it's generally recommended to obtain beta carotene through a healthy and balanced diet, rather than through supplements

SKIN HEALTH:

Papaya is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the skin firm and elastic. Papaya also contains papain, which can help to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking healthy and glowing.

Papaya contains potassium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. It also contains fiber and antioxidants that can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

PAPAYA LEAVES AND HEALTH BENEFITS:

Papaya leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly in traditional medicine in Asia and South America. The leaves of the papaya plant contain numerous compounds that are believed to have health benefits, including papain, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids.

LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR:

Studies have shown that papaya leaves may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

FIGHTING CANCER:

Some studies suggest that papaya leaves may have anticancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

TREATMENT OF DENGUE:

Papaya leaf extract has been used to treat dengue fever in traditional medicine in some parts of the world. Some studies suggest that papaya leaf extract may help to reduce the symptoms of dengue fever.

It's worth noting that while there is some evidence to support the use of papaya leaves for these health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using papaya leaves for medicinal purposes. If you are considering using papaya leaves for health purposes, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider first

Also, to these medicinal properties, papaya has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments such as constipation, wounds, infections, and menstrual pain. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of papaya and its effectiveness in treating various health conditions.