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Health Benefits of Papaya

Written by Jillian Lai Mei Siew on Wed, 27 March 2024 — Fact checked by GHBY Team

Key Highlights

  • Papaya is a fruit high in nutritional value.
  • It has several health benefits like curbing arthritis pain, fighting cancer-causing radicals, boosting immune health, relieving period cramps and many more.  
  • It is ideal to make this fruit a part of your daily diet and avail yourself of these health benefits.
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What is Papaya?

Papaya is an orange and green fruit native to Central America that grows best in a tropical region. It is green in color when raw and turns vibrant orange when ripened. It has a unique, pear-like shape and a sweet flavor. The study results suggest that papaya fruit extracts, including seeds, peels, and pulps, could be potential raw materials for functional foods.

This soft, juicy, sweet fruit is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium and fiber. Papaya also contains enzymes such as papain, which may have digestive benefits. It can be eaten fresh, either on its own or added to fruit salads, smoothies and desserts.

The papaya is a tropical fruit enjoyed for its taste and myriad health benefits. Papaya health benefits are many, but did you know that the health benefits of papaya seeds and papaya leaves, that are usually thrown away, are also immense?

The tiny round papaya seeds are actually edible and are good for our health if consumed in limited quantities. Similarly, chewing on papaya leaves can help treat dengue fever, keep blood sugar in check, aid in digestion, and alleviate muscle aches and joint pain.

Through this blog, we’ll look at the various nutritional benefits of papaya.

Papaya Benefits

Papaya is high in nutritional content and offers numerous benefits such that its inclusion is unavoidable in a healthy plate.

1. Protection Against Heart Disease

  • Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E.
  • Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol oxidizes it may create blockages that lead to heart disease.
  • The high-fiber content in papaya also helps to lower cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • The folic acid present in papaya converts the amino acid homocysteine (a risk factor for heart disease) into less harmful amino acids, thus reducing the heart disease risk. 

2. Digestion and Reduced Inflammation

  • Papaya contains two enzymes, papain and chymopapain that help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
  • It can ease acute pain, like that from burns or bruises, and might help with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that papaya extracts and papaya-associated phytochemicals possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

3. Immune System

  • Papaya fruit accumulates various bioactive compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, saponins/triterpenoids and ascorbic acid, which prevent cells from oxidative stress in human bodies.
  • The papaya is rich in the antioxidant vitamin C which helps boost your immune system, allowing the body to fight off bacterial and viral illnesses.
  • Papaya is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for a healthy and functional immune system.

4. Potentially Protects Against Prostate Cancer

  • Numerous components in papaya have anti-cancer effects. Papaya (Carica papaya Linn) seeds offer anti-cancer properties that can cure various types of cancer, such as liver and prostate cancer. Papaya seeds’ capacity to successfully inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells raises the possibility that they possess anticancer properties.
  • Lycopene is a natural pigment found in papaya that reduces the risk of prostate cancer, but some research has been inconclusive.
  • A study suggests consuming the antioxidant beta-carotene, found in papayas, may reduce cancer risk among younger men.

5. Papaya Enzyme Benefits

  • Papaya enzyme, also known as papain, is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex of unripe papaya fruit.
  • It is known for its digestive properties. They help break down dietary proteins in the stomach and reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion.
  • Creams or ointments that contain papaya enzymes are believed to promote wound healing.
  • Papain helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.
  • According to the study, protease supplements may also facilitate muscle healing and allow for faster restoration of contractile function after intense exercise.

Nutrition

I cup of raw, diced papayas provide 88.3 milligrams per serving. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is between 75 and 90 milligrams, so 1 cup of papaya covers 100% of vitamin C requirements and supports immune function, skin health, and wound healing.

According to USDA, 1 cup (145g) of raw papaya sliced into one-inch cubes also contains:

  • Folate- 53.7mcg folate which is important for cell division and DNA synthesis.
  • Vitamin A- 68.2mcg, essential for immunity, vision and skin health.
  • Fiber- 2.5g which supports digestive health, promotes satiety and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Potassium- 264 mg helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports heart health.
  • Copper- 0.065 mg
  • Magnesium- 30.4 mg
  • Pantothenic acid- 0.277 mg
  • Lycopene- 2650 µg

Potassium, magnesium and pantothenic acid, all of which contribute to cardiovascular health. They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium and vitamin K.

Nutrients Per Serving

  • 119 calories
  • 1.3 grams of protein
  • 30 grams of carbohydrates
  • Less than 1 gram of fat
  • 4.7 grams of dietary fiber
  • 21.58 grams of sugar

Health Benefits of Papaya Fruit

Papaya also acts as a panacea in many major diseases. It is rich in fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries.

Another benefit of papaya fruit is also that it is low in calories and helps in weight loss.

Papaya contains more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, boosting your immunity, enhancing vision and improving digestion.

Papaya Seed Health Benefits

Papaya seeds are black in color and have a shiny, wet and slimy covering. If you remove this covering, you can feel the rough black seeds. They are slightly bitter and peppery in taste. You can consume them by drying and grinding.

The papaya seeds, known as 'traditional healers treat', act as a magic bullet for the treatment of liver, kidney, diseases related to digestion and many more.

Papaya Seeds have Antioxidant Activity

A study showed that among the various benefits shown by the seeds, antioxidant activity was one of them.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the human body during various processes. These are harmful to our cells and can have toxic effects on our liver.

Papaya seeds contain certain substances called Polyphenols

Polyphenols combat harmful ROS and protect us from a ton of diseases. They also protect our kidneys by decreasing the toxic build-up of certain chemicals in our kidneys.

Papaya seeds prevent stomach ulcer formation and also heal ulcers due to the presence of an antibacterial substance in the seed and pulp. It has the ability to kill and prevent ulcer-producing bacteria.

Papaya seeds powder benefits and how to use: Five to ten fresh papaya seeds mixed with a pinch of black pepper increases appetite. For worm infection, take 2 gm air-dried seed papaya seeds powder mixed with 1 tsp honey taken once a day empty stomach for a week.

Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya for Arthritis

People are now beginning to complain about pain in their knees and joints as early as in their 30s! This is because the body fails to receive the necessary nutrients that are required to maintain a healthy bone structure.

Papaya for Arthritis

The papaya leaf is anti-inflammatory and is thus excellent for bone health. It contains flavonoids, papain and Vitamin E which may relieve joint pain if consumed regularly.

Furthermore, it reduces inflammation and alleviates any existing symptoms of arthritis. Your bones are bound to feel stronger, owing to papaya health advantages.

Enhanced Skin Health

It is often difficult to follow a detailed skincare regime to achieve that flawless skin everyone’s envious of. Your skin health largely depends on your food habits and lifestyle.

If you are someone who experiences bad skin health, papaya is a great agent to fight any signs of skin damage.

Enhanced Skin Health

Packed with Vitamin C, a great brightening agent that results in improved skin health.

You can expect reduced signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging and an even skin tone, that makes you look more youthful.

Better Digestion

What you put in your body plays a key role in your digestive process. Consuming papaya is said to catalyze the digestive process.

Better Digestion

The papain enzyme present in this fruit is responsible for better digestion of protein and other compounds present in the body. It is also a great remedy for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome and a daily.

Healthy Heart

Balancing work and personal commitments can get exhausting, leaving little to no time to take care of your health and fitness.

A sedentary lifestyle can have a direct effect on the heart, increasing the chances of cholesterol imbalance and a slower metabolism cycle.

Healthy Heart

While it is important to take at least 20 minutes out of your daily schedule for some form of physical activity, following a healthy diet is key to maintaining a good heart health.

Foods like papaya that are high in lycopene, Vitamin C and antioxidants are effective in balancing out the LDL(bad cholesterol):HDL(good cholesterol) ratio.

Stronger Immunity

In today’s day and age, it is better to go the extra mile in taking care of your immune system. Papaya benefits for men and women are immense.

Known as the 'traditional healers treat', it plays a vital role in treating diseases related to the liver, kidney, digestion etc. The antioxidants and vitamin C are responsible for strengthening your immunity, and fighting illnesses.

Anti-Cancer

Papaya seeds health benefits also include reducing your risk to cancer. An unhealthy lifestyle often ruins your immunity. Smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating habits can make you prone to cancer. However, certain foods offer anticancer properties; papaya being one of them.

Anti-Cancer

The lycopene present in papaya is said to reduce cancer risk by combating the number of free cancer-causing radicals.

The benefits of papaya seeds too are many, as they contain phytochemicals and carotenoids.

Hair Growth

Many papaya masks are great to treat damaged hair. Similarly, consuming antioxidant-rich papaya helps in curbing oxidative stress, a major reason for hair loss.

Both consumption and application of papaya are excellent for hair growth and lustre.

The papaya leaf’s anti-fungal properties also fight dandruff and contributes to your scalp health overall.

Nutrient-rich

The papaya is packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, A, B3, B5, E and K. It contains folates, potassium, proteins, fibre, carbohydrates and a healthy dose of calories needed to fuel your body. The benefits papaya offers are significant in number.

Furthermore, there are many benefits of having papaya on an empty stomach. Since consuming cholesterol-loaded foods can block your arteries, it's always better to eat papaya on an empty stomach as that allows your body to absorb all its nutrients more effectively.

Alleviates Period Pain

Period cramps can make you extremely irritable but antioxidant-rich foods can help you ease the pain.

The beta-carotene present in papaya increases estrogen hormone production which facilitate uterus contractions and period flow. This substantially cuts down period cramps and provides pain relief.

Fights Dengue

The Carica Papaya and its leaves have become a herbal remedy to fight dengue.

Fights Dengue 

It has been observed that the blood platelet count significantly increases with the consumption of papaya leaves and is a much more cost-effective treatment as opposed to allopathy.

In fact, papaya is an immunity booster and is effective in keeping several infections and fever at bay.

Bid goodbye to worms with papaya health benefits

Intestinal parasites are common in children. They cause frequent loose, mucus-filled watery stools, abdominal pain and spasms. Ouch! Sounds painful right? It is!

You can use the papaya fruit health benefits in curing stomach disorders. For this, papaya seeds should be consumed daily.

Alongside, drinking papaya juice is beneficial to eliminate stomach worms.

Papaya seed is also beneficial to flourish digestive flora, primarily it acts on the liver and increases its vitality to perform better.

How Papaya Helps Lower your Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions (for example, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels) that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Papaya seeds are packed with vitamins, bioactive compounds and fats of biological and nutritional importance. They are involved in the treatment of metabolic dysfunctions, associated or not associated with obesity.

A study demonstrated that the water extract of papaya seeds showed restoration of blood glucose and fat levels without signs of acute toxicity.

Conclusion

Versatile in nature, the health benefits of papaya act as a remedy to various health conditions. Its peppery taste makes it a popular favorite and a part of many people’s daily diet.

Papaya seeds are highly nutritious, and their extracts have been associated with a number of health benefits, including cancer prevention and kidney protection.

High doses may cause side effects, but these issues can easily be avoided by moderating your intake and sticking to a few servings per day.    
So, the next time you slice open a papaya, be sure to enjoy both the delicious flesh and powerful seeds nestled inside to take advantage of the full range of papaya fruit health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Papaya has several health benefits to offer. It is excellent in curbing joint pain and the  lycopene present in papaya is said to reduce cancer risk by combating the number of free cancer-causing radicals. Moreover, recent studies also state that its leaves are a good cure for dengue. 

Papaya seeds can be grinded to make a fine marinade that can be added to salads and curries to add a kick of flavour. You can also add this mixture to a smoothie of your choice. Papaya seeds are antioxidant in nature and are great to build your immunity. 

Mexican folk medicine used papaya leaves to balance blood sugar levels and is great to keep your diabetes under control. Recent studies have also revealed that it may provide relief from symptoms of dengue. 

Papaya seeds are bitter in taste but packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fibre. Their slimy texture makes them great salad marinades and an addition to smoothies for that extra lick of taste and nutrition. 

It is recommended to have not more than one spoonful of papaya seeds per day. 

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which is great for your digestive health, which makes papaya really good for your stomach. 

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Jillian Lai Mei Siew

As the Product Consultant Manager of Mega BiO-LiFE, Jillian Lai Mei Siew, has the role of providing a productive team spirit among all Product Consultants to equip them with the right health nutritional information. Jillian is a BSc in Nutrition and Community Health, and a MSc in Nutritional Sciences an from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Affiliated to the Professional Affiliation Languages & Dialects Nutrition Society of Malaysia, NSM, Jillian can speak English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien and Malay.

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3 Comments

  1. Okwuoma Odogwu

    Thu, 24 August 2023, 7 months ago

    Thanks for this piece on Papaya and it's benefits. The write up has opened my eyes and made me to know so many things about PAPAY that I did not know before.. It is highly informative. Thank you.

    Reply
    • GHBY TEAM

      Mon, 28 August 2023, 7 months ago

      Great to know you found the article informative and useful. Keep reading!

      Reply
    • Mayamba

      Tue, 22 August 2023, 7 months ago

      Great

      Reply
      • GHBY TEAM

        Mon, 28 August 2023, 7 months ago

        Thank you!

        Reply
      • [email protected]

        Tue, 22 August 2023, 7 months ago

        Very interesting and informative

        Reply
        • GHBY TEAM

          Mon, 28 August 2023, 7 months ago

          Glad to know you found the article useful and interesting! Keep reading!

          Reply

        Leave a Comment

        Our team of experts frequently monitors developments in the health and wellness field, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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