Papaya fruit facts

About papaya

If mango is said to be the king of the fruits, papaya is certainly not far from that. This fruit is so packed with beneficial nutrients and offers so many positive effects on human health that perhaps one day the saying will go “A papaya a day keeps the doctor away”.

Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, which is today cultivated in most countries of tropical region. The plant can be 5 to 10 meters tall, and the ripe fruit is soft to touch and orange in color.

In some countries papaya is referred to as a medicinal fruit, because of its many health benefits.

Health benefits of papaya

Papaya is an active ingredient of many skin products like creams, lotions, and masks. This fruit can in fact replace expensive and often dangerous cosmetic procedures like Botox, and it certainly makes a more natural skin remedy than most of the expensive creams.

Papaya is very good for the skin mostly because of its high content of vitamin A. this vitamin improves the skin’s texture and it has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces acne and similar skin ailments and it can even reduce and prevent fine lines, especially around eyes. Papaya works best if taken several times a day in small portions, and it can also be applied directly to the skin.

Vitamin A present in papaya is also important for eyes, it improves vision and ensures optimal functioning of the eyes.

Papaya contains and enzyme papain, which promotes good digestion. This is why papaya is the remedy of choice for many people who suffer from indigestion symptoms like bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps and constipation. Papain detoxifies the digestive tract and aids the breakdown of proteins.

Being a great source of vitamins C, E and B complex, papaya is an excellent antioxidant. It prevents oxidative stress and reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature aging.

A glass of papaya juice or a few slices of this fruit can be of great help for pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness. Enzymes in papaya reduce nausea and this fruit is recommended not only for pregnant women but to all those who are suffering from nausea for various reasons.

Regular consumption of papaya is also a great way to boost the immune system. Strong immune system is important because it wards off viruses and bacteria and prevents infections.

Papaya’s benefits are not limited just to vitamins. This fruit is also loaded with minerals like calcium, iron and potassium, which are all very important for proper growth and development of the body and for overall health.