Papaya – The Wonder Fruit

Papaya is a popular tropical fruit that is filled with numerous nutrients including: natural fiber, vitamin A, carotene, vitamin C, protein, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and niacin. Besides the fact that it has an excellent and sweet taste, it also comes with a large variety of medicinal properties. Basically, both the leaves and the fruit of the papaya tree have amazing health benefits. You can enjoy the papaya raw or in smoothies, milkshakes, fruit salads or yogurts. No matter how you consume it, this fruit can help you with the following health problems:

Arthritis

Papaya can effectively treat arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory enzymes: the chymopapain and the papain. These compounds have the ability to offer relief for the rheumatoid arthritis by lowering the inflammation. This can also be reduced thanks to the beta-carotene and vitamins E, C and A in the papaya. So, by consuming papaya and other fruits rich in vitamin C, you can reduce the risks of developing various forms of arthritis.

Hair Problems

If you have a dry and brittle hair, then you can greatly benefit from the papaya properties. This fruit contains enzymes, vitamins and minerals that will boost the hair strength and growth. At the same time, it will nourish the hair and increase its volume. Moreover, if you have dandruff, the papaya can control this problem. You can enjoy the hair benefits of this fruit by consuming papaya on a regular basis. Also, you can use shampoo, conditioner or masks containing papaya extract. The lifeless, unruly and dull hair can also be tamed with a conditioner made of papaya leaf extract.

Heart Diseases

By consuming papaya on a regular basis, you will be able to prevent the diabetic heart diseases and the atherosclerosis. Papayas are rich in antioxidants and vitamins E, C and A and can prevent the cholesterol’s oxidation. This is the main cause for the heart strokes and attacks. Papayas also contain fiber that is effective in reducing the high cholesterol levels.

Hypertension

Papaya is rich in potassium, a mineral that combats the sodium effects on the body and lowers the high blood pressure levels. If you suffer from hypertension, you should consider including papaya in your diet. Consume it raw or add it to spicy salsas or fruit salads.

Digestive Problems

The papayas contain papain, a digestive enzyme that stimulates the natural digestion and breaks down the protein fibers, transforming them into energy. The fruit is also rich in soluble fiber and water and can improve the digestion process. At the same time, the papaya helps the bowel movements function normally and can prevent constipation. Moreover, the regular consumption of papaya can prevent the colon cancer thanks to its high content of vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and folate.

Eye Disorders

The papaya fruit is also protective with the eyes. If you consume papaya more than 3 times per day, you will diminish the chances of developing macular degeneration, the condition that leads to the vision loss. It usually affects the older people. The antioxidants, the zeaxanthin and the carotenoids lutein can also protect the eyes from the damaging high energy blue light. Papaya can also prevent glaucoma and cataracts.