The scientific name of papaya or pawpaw is Carica papaya. This orange and green fruit is well known for its sweet taste and soft texture. Its seeds, though bitter, are edible and scientific studies point to their potential to fight infections, boost digestive health, enhance kidney health, and help combat cancer.

Interestingly, there are many emerging health benefits and uses of papaya leaves. Perhaps the most prominent medical benefit of the nutrients and organic compounds in papaya leaves is their ability to treat the symptoms of dengue fever (a mosquito-borne virus). Animal studies also show that the leaves can help balance blood sugar, promote hair growth, and offer anti-inflammatory effects. To make papaya leaf juice, you’ll crush the leaves and strain the juice from the plant material.

The papaya fruit is loaded with antioxidants, dietary fiber, folate, vitamins C, A, and E, and small amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, and thiamine. Papaya is touted to be one of the healthiest tropical fruits. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that papaya can offer multiple benefits for the skin, hair, and general well-being.

Below are 6 evidence-based health benefits of papaya.

May Help Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol build-up (plagues) can block blood flow in the arteries and cause heart diseases, including heart attacks. Luckily, pawpaw is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that can help lower total blood cholesterol levels by preventing plagues/build-ups. These health benefits can also help reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

May Boost Your Immunity

Studies suggest that papaya can be an immunity-boosting food, helping prevent bacteria, viruses, colds, the flu, and other infections. Amazingly, the nutrients in papaya can offer more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

May Relieve Constipation and Reduce Motion Sickness

Papaya is a great natural laxative for eliminating constipation and improving digestion. Papain, an enzyme in papaya, can help improve digestion. In fact, this enzyme has also been used as a meat tenderizer. The fruit also has a high concentration of fiber and water content. This compounds can effectively get rid of constipation while promoting a healthy digestive tract- even in people with a long history of constipation symptoms.

Anti-cancer Effects

High levels of free radicals can be dangerous to the body. They can cause oxidative stress, which damages the major components of our healthy cells, including  DNA and proteins. This results in the development of different types of cancers and other diseases. The good news is that pawpaws are chock full of antioxidants which can help protect our healthy cells from damage, hence lowering the risk of cancer. In addition, multiple studies have shown that beta-carotene, an antioxidant in pawpaw, can protect against prostate cancer.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Studies on the anti-inflammatory activities of papaya have been done, and the findings show that papaya extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties. Although clinical trials into the same are lacking, the high levels of antioxidants (vitamin C & beta-carotene), papain, and chymopapain in papaya can help reduce inflammation, promote healing from burns, and maintain your youthful look.

Ideal For The Eyes

The carotenoids in papaya, including beta-carotene, can be converted by the body into vitamin A which is essential for healthy eyes and vision while preventing age-related macular degeneration. Papaya also contains flavonoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin, which maintain the healthy mucus membranes in the eyes, preventing eye damage.

Possible Risks Of A Papaya

Papayas are generally considered safe for consumption with negligible to no side effects. However, keep in mind that the fruit contains natural sugars. So, it’s vital to eat only the amount that meets your health needs.

6 Healthful Ways To Eat A Papaya

It’s important to consider when and how you want to eat papaya before purchasing from any trustworthy store.

Unripe papayas are typically green in color, and they do not have the characteristic flavor and texture. They can be grated in salads and eaten raw. Some people also cut unripe papayas into cubes and use them in cooked dishes.

Ripe papayas have a red or orange color. The best ripe papayas to buy are slightly soft to the touch without being overly tender. Should you buy unripe papayas, the best thing is to store them at room temperature and allow them some time to ripen for consumption.

When preparing a ripe papaya, you will cut it open, scoop out the edible seeds, and eat the tender interior. Below are the most common papaya recipes.

• Pawpaw jam
• Pawpaw salsa
• Pawpaw smoothies
• Pawpaw salads
• Pawpaw relish
• A fruit bowl  of pawpaw