The 11 benefits of papaya, a delicious tropical fruit

This fruit native to Mexico has great nutritional properties.

Sweet and refreshing in taste, papaya is a fruit that attracts special attention because of its exotic orange color and its pear shape..

It is a fruit native to southern Mexico and Central America, which is now cultivated in most tropical countries. There are two main types of papaya: the Mexican, which is heavier, and the Hawaiian, which is smaller.

Related articles:

• "13 benefits and nutritional properties of olive oil"
• "10 benefits and nutritional properties of peanuts"

Why is papaya healthy?

In addition to its delicious flavor, this exotic fruit brings a number of benefits to our health. These are shown below.

1. Helps digestion

One of the health benefits of this delicious fruit is its power to promote digestion, this is due to an enzyme present in papaya that helps in the breakdown of proteins.This is due to an enzyme present in papaya that aids in the breakdown of proteins. It is preferable to eat the fruit to achieve all the benefits; however, a natural papaya juice is known to be a home remedy for problems related to digestion or constipation.

2. Reduces bad cholesterol levels

This exquisite and attractive fruit contains a large amount of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C, elements that act against the increase of bad cholesterol levels.elements that act against the increase of cholesterol in the arteries. As a result, the consumption of papaya prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries from causing cardiovascular problems. Likewise, the flavonoids present in papaya act against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

3. Prevents diabetes

There are many researches that have concluded that raw papaya could help maintain stable blood sugar levels (avoiding hyperglycemia) and cholesterol due to the high fiber content, which would be important for the prevention of diabetes. (avoiding hyperglycemia) and cholesterol due to the high fiber content, which would be important for the prevention of diabetes.

According to a study conducted by the Center of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research at the University of Mauritius, fermented papaya is a preventive element for diabetes. In some countries, papaya flowers are even used in different culinary dishes for their preventive power against this disease.

4. Prevents cancer

Papaya is a food that helps prevent cancer.Its antioxidants help reduce free radicals that contribute to the development and progression of this disease. Science has shown that it contains lycopene, which reduces the risk of cancer.

Researchers have also found that this fruit is effective against breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and in fact, a study proved that papaya leaf extract has anti-carcinogenic effects. This study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Florida, named Nam Dang, together with a group of Japanese researchers.

5. Improves skin health

Papaya takes care of the skin, as it works as a revitalizing agent and, therefore, is used in many cosmetics.. It is also often used in homemade masks, as this fruit removes dead cells and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and healing enzymes present in papayas help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders such as eczema.

6. Anti-Inflammatory properties

The enzymes present in papayas, especially papain and chymopapain, reduce inflammation in different parts of the body. in different parts of the body. Research showed that people who increased their intake of this fruit, which is high in carotenoids, had a significant decrease in inflammation.

7. Improves the immune system

Papaya is a great source of vitamins A, B, C and K and is therefore beneficial for the immune system.. It also promotes the growth of body tissues, including hair and skin. It helps in the maintenance of collagen, the structural protein of connective tissues.

8. Fights arthritis

Papaya also fights pain, particularly arthritis, as it is a fruit rich in minerals.It is a fruit rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Regular consumption over a prolonged period of time appears to be effective in maintaining control over arthritis.

Therefore, it is possible to enjoy this kind of benefits of papaya by incorporating it into desserts or snacks, either chopped or in smoothies.

9. Improves cardiovascular health

Papaya improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart problems.. Papaya seeds are good for a healthy vital organ, as they contain three powerful antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Studies suggest that papaya prevents atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease due to the presence of pro-carotenoid phytonutrients, which helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, as I mentioned earlier.

10. Improves vision

Eating papaya is beneficial for our eyesight, in particular, it prevents macular degeneration, a condition in which eye cells degrade, resulting in blurred vision and sometimes blindness.

Macular degeneration generally occurs with age. Studies suggest that papaya may be beneficial in preventing this eye damage due to its high beta-carotene content.. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, consuming 3 or more servings per day of fruits or vegetables with this component (e.g., papaya or carrots) may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

11. Prevents infections

Studies also suggest that papaya prevents intestinal infections and helps reduce toothache.. In the latter case, there is a home remedy based on papaya that seems to be beneficial for toothache. Consiste en hacer una pasta con papaya y masajearla directamente sobre el diente dolorido o las encías.

Referencias bibliográficas:

• Alonso, N. (2009). "First Taste Of Mexican Cuisine". PhilStar Global.
• Feldkamp, S. (2002). Modern Biology. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
• Heywood, V.H.; Brummitt, R.K.; Culham, A.; Seberg, O. (2007). Flowering plant families of the world. Firefly Books.
• Vicente, A.R.; Manganaris, G.A.; Sozzi, G.O.; Crisosto, C.H. (2009). Nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables.