BENEFITS OF PAPAYA

PAPAYA

Papaya is a large tropical fruit native to Mexico and grown in several regions of the world, such as the Canary Islands. Its nutrients are mainly sugars of rapid absorption (the more the more mature the fruit is). The protein intake is low -as is common in fruits- and its fat content is low. It differs in this way from oleaginous fruits, which mainly contribute fats.

Taking into account this premise, but paying attention to the nutrients of the papaya and the quantities in which they are found, the experts value the properties and benefits of this particular fruit.

1. It is a good diuretic (water)

Being a fleshy type fruit has plenty of water, around 90 percent. Thanks to this high percentage in water is an excellent diuretic.

2. Increase natural defenses (vitamin C)

"Papaya provides vitamin C in such high amounts that 100 grams of food cover one hundred percent of the recommended daily amount for an average adult. It contributes even more vitamin C than the orange! 

Among the benefits of this vitamin indicates:

• Helps increase the body's natural defenses.

• It favors the formation of collagen (the structural protein par excellence).

• Activates the absorption of iron.

• Has an antioxidant effect against free radicals.

3. Improves the health of the skin (vitamin A)

Papaya covers 25 percent of the recommended daily amount of this nutrient for an average adult. A nutrient that improves the health of the skin, mucous membranes and the immune system.

 beta carotene is the main precursor of vitamin A in the body. Among its benefits is the synthesis of melanin, a natural pigment in the skin that helps promote tanning and protects from solar radiation.

4. Antioxidant function (lycopene)

"More important than vitamin A in papaya is lycopene.

5. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases (flavonoids)

Another of its compounds is the flavonoid cryptoxanthin, which "acts as an antioxidant against free radicals, responsible for the premature aging of cell

"Flavonoids" protect from the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is why they help prevent cardiovascular diseases."

6. Restores the acid-base balance of the organism (minerals)

Papaya contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, which help restore the acid-base balance of the body.  it contributes a slightly higher amount of magnesium and potassium, "although no more than other plant species."

7. Improves constipation (fiber)

"Fiber helps improve intestinal transit time, improving constipation. It helps control glucose and blood cholesterol and makes these components absorb more slowly into the blood. Hence, it is speculated that it may protect against colon cancer and certain cardiovascular diseases.

8. Aids in the digestion of proteins (papain)

In papayas there is papain, an enzyme that helps the digestion of dietary proteins.

Other benefits

• Points to studies that indicate that a preparation of fermented papaya has regulatory effects on the immune and antioxidant system.

• Affirms that it is used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia to improve gynecological health.

• Indicates that papaya has also been used to treat wounds, due to its papain content, which helps to eliminate necrotic areas and initiate healing.