Papaya is an exotic fruit that has been consumed by humans in many forms throughout history, ranging from green to ripe and even as juice. Besides being a delicious addition to any breakfast or meal, papaya may also provide health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels, combating obesity and diabetes, improving digestion and relieving symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases. But what exactly happens if you eat papaya everyday? Read on to find out more about the health benefits of eating papaya and the best ways to incorporate it into your diet.
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Nutritional Value
Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamins A, B6, folate, potassium and manganese. They are also a good source of dietary fiber. Papayas also contain phytochemicals such as carotenoids that can help to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. (1) As with most fruits, papayas have both soluble and insoluble fiber which aid in digestion by slowing down food absorption while providing some important nutrients for our body. The unique nutrient composition in these fruits is beneficial to various body systems including the cardiovascular system, immune system, skin health and more.(2) In addition to their benefits on those specific body systems, they may help reduce inflammation throughout our body.
Diuretic properties
Papayas are a good source of antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. They also help strengthen bones and muscles, improve eyesight, and boost our immune system. The diuretic properties in papayas have been shown to help relieve some symptoms of swelling (edema), urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder inflammation (cystitis), kidney inflammation (nephritis) and rheumatoid arthritis. This can reduce your risk of health complications associated with these conditions because you’ll be able to keep your body more hydrated than before.
Skin Benefits
Papayas are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that is known to help skin heal faster and reduce wrinkles. By including them in your diet, your body will get more collagen, a protein that keeps skin elastic and supple. For healthy-looking hair and nails too, consider adding papayas to your regular diet. Also high in vitamin A, they’re essential for clear eyesight. They also contain high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against sun damage while keeping skin soft and supple. Take care not to peel or cut your papaya before eating—the vitamins lie just beneath its thick skin!
Immunity Boost
The high levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene and other antioxidants present in Papayas can boost your immune system to fight off bacterial and viral infections. The Vitamin C content present in a single fruit can serve as many as 10 glasses of orange juice. Research has shown that eating just one portion of papaya every day can help lower LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 5%. In addition, it is rich in minerals like copper, potassium, manganese, calcium etc. It also contains a significant amount of fiber that helps keep your intestines healthy. Eating Papayas regularly may help prevent cancer by promoting cell division because it contains a protein called protease which breaks down proteins.
Cancer Prevention
The benefits of eating papaya can also reduce your risk of developing cancer. According to a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, chemicals in Papayas called carotenoids can help your body fight off cancer cells and protect against early death from heart disease. Researchers believe that these chemicals may slow aging and increase longevity. Carotenoids are not exclusive to Papayas; in fact, a variety of fruits and vegetables contain these essential nutrients for optimal health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Research has shown that some compounds in papaya may help with inflammation. The enzyme in papayas (papain) is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but research has also suggested that additional antioxidants and nutrients in papayas could help reduce inflammation as well. One recent study investigated whether people who ate more fresh fruits had fewer inflammatory markers in their blood compared to those who did not regularly consume fruit. This was indeed found to be true, with pepino (papaya) being especially beneficial in terms of reducing inflammation.
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