6 Benefits of Papaya Fruit According to Science
Rp_News88..Papaya is a tropical fruit that is very healthy and nutritious. Papayas are loaded with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, fight disease, and help you look more youthful.
Here is the nutritional content in one small papaya (152 grams):
- Calories: 59
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 157% of daily requirement
- Vitamin A: 33% of daily requirement
- Folate (vitamin B9): 14% of daily requirement
- Potassium: 11% of daily requirement
Papayas also contain healthy antioxidants known as carotenoids.
Benefits of papaya fruit
Reporting from Health line, here are 6 benefits of papaya fruit according to science:
1. Has a strong antioxidant effect
Free radicals are reactive molecules created during the body's metabolism, which can increase oxidative stress and cause disease. Antioxidants, including the carotenoids found in papaya, can neutralize free radicals. Studies note that fermented papaya can reduce oxidative stress in the elderly and people with prediabetes, mild hypothyroidism, and liver disease.
2. Has anticancer properties
Research shows that the lycopene in papaya can reduce the risk of cancer.
In addition, lycopene may also be beneficial for people who are being treated for cancer.
Papaya can work by reducing free radicals that contribute to cancer.
In addition, papaya may have some unique effects that other fruits do not have. Among the 14 fruits and vegetables known to have antioxidant properties, only papaya showed anticancer activity on breast cancer cells. In a small study in older adults with inflammation and precancerous stomach conditions, consumption of fermented papaya reduced oxidative damage. However, further research is still needed.
3. Improves heart health
Eating more papaya can improve heart health. Studies show that fruits high in lycopene and vitamin C can help prevent heart disease. The antioxidants in papaya can protect the heart and enhance the protective effect of good cholesterol. In one study, participants who took a fermented papaya supplement for 14 weeks had less inflammation and a better cholesterol ratio.
4. Fights inflammation
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases and unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices can promote the inflammatory process.
Studies show that antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, can help reduce inflammatory markers. For example, one study noted that men who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids experienced a significant decrease in CRP.
5. Improve digestive health
The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest. People in the tropics regard papaya as a remedy for constipation and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In one study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days experienced significant improvements in constipation and bloating.
Papaya seeds, leaves, and roots have also been shown to treat boils in animals and humans.
6. Protects skin from damage
In addition to maintaining a healthy body, papaya can also help the skin look firmer and younger. Excessive free radical activity is believed to be responsible for much of the wrinkling, sagging skin, and other skin damage that occurs with age.The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya protect the skin and can help reduce signs of premature aging.
In one study, supplementing with lycopene for 10-12 weeks reduced skin redness after sun exposure, which is a sign of skin injury.