Contents
The benefits and harms of papaya for the body are of interest to many lovers of exotic unusual fruits. To evaluate the effect of a product on health, you need to consider its chemical composition and basic properties.
Where does the melon tree grow?
The papaya, or melon tree, is a tropical plant native to Mexico, South America, and Central America. At the same time, papaya is distributed throughout the world; at present, it is artificially grown in almost all countries with a tropical climate.
The plant is highly sensitive to temperature conditions and humidity, so it does not always take root in the subtropics. However, on an experimental basis, a melon tree is grown even in Our Country – in the Crimea and the Caucasus, where the climate is most similar to the conditions familiar to the plant.
How papaya grows in nature
The melon tree is a plant with a rather unusual life cycle. In its appearance, the tree is similar to a palm tree, but has fundamental differences. In particular, the papaya trunk does not lignify during growth, although lignification is common to most trees. At the core, it remains filled with soft wood, which eventually just dries out and disappears, causing the trunk to become hollow.
The absence of lignification provides papaya with very rapid growth – by the age of 3, a melon tree can reach 6 m in height. The plant blooms sometimes 3 months after planting in the ground, and begins to bear fruit in the first six months.
Useful properties of papaya
The health benefits and harms of papaya are quite diverse – the plant is valued not only for its pleasant taste and unusual appearance. If you include the product in your diet from time to time, he will be able to:
- have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect – eating fruit is useful for internal inflammation and skin damage;
- serve as a mild natural anthelmintic, an exotic fruit is used to get rid of parasites;
- improve digestion and speed up metabolic processes in tissues and intestines;
- strengthen vision and immune resistance of the body to bacteria and viruses;
- cleanse the blood and tissues of toxic substances and facilitate the work of the liver;
- take care of the health of teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
- have a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels and protect the heart from ailments.
Eating a tropical fruit helps get rid of flatulence and solves the problem of constipation. Papaya promotes weight loss and is recommended for use in many weight loss diets. It also regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, so it is very useful for weakened blood vessels.
Benefits of papaya fruit
Basically, the plant is valued for its fruits – large, sweet and very tasty. If you study the photo and the beneficial properties of the papaya fruit, you can find out that the fruits contain:
- vitamins C, A, B and D;
- albumen;
- fructose and glucose;
- phosphorus and iron;
- sodium and calcium;
- cellulose;
- magnesium;
- flavonoids.
Such a rich composition makes papaya an excellent remedy for beriberi and anemia. Eating fruit saturates the body with important substances, helps to cope with the seasonal lack of vitamins and strengthens the immune system.
Due to their high fiber content, papaya fruit is highly valued as a natural laxative. The effect of the fruit on the gastrointestinal tract is very mild – the fruits increase peristalsis and help normalize the stool. Also, the fruit is of great benefit due to the fact that it facilitates the absorption of protein by the body, it is recommended to use the fruit if there are difficulties with the digestion of protein foods. You can also use the fruit as a diuretic – juicy fruits with a high water content effectively remove excess fluid from the body. The beneficial properties of green papaya are especially great for the kidneys – the diuretic properties of this fruit are most pronounced.
Benefits of papaya seeds
Useful substances are present not only in fruits, but also in the seeds of a tropical fruit. The benefits of papaya seeds are that they contain a large amount of vitamins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, they also contain palmitic and oleic acids. Due to this, the seeds have a pronounced antiseptic, anti-cancer and anti-parasitic effect.
The benefits and harms of papaya seeds are used to prepare a powder with anthelmintic properties. If you take it with worms and other intestinal parasites, then you can get rid of the problem without the use of pharmacy products.
Also, useful oil is made from seeds – it is used mainly in cosmetology. Papaya oil not only improves the condition of the epidermis, but also helps fight dandruff, softens dry scalp. It can be used to treat inflammatory skin irritations, scratches and cuts – in these cases, the remedy will help to heal quickly.
Benefits of papaya leaves
The benefits of the leaves of the plant are mainly due to the presence in their composition of the substance carpain – a natural anthelmintic. On the basis of the leaves, medicinal infusions and medicinal teas are prepared; when taken in doses, they help cleanse the intestines of parasites and generally improve digestion. Also, the leaves contain a lot of flavonoids, which allows them to be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
The juice squeezed from fresh leaves is suitable for treating skin lesions – wounds and burns. Dried leaves added to tea have analgesic and antipyretic effects, so they are of great benefit to the body during colds.
Benefits of dried papaya fruit
The fruits of a tropical plant are consumed not only fresh, but also dried or withered. With the observance of cooking technologies, the benefits and harms of dried papaya fruits only increase – vitamins and minerals become more concentrated. True, at the same time, the calorie content of the product also increases, therefore, with a tendency to gain excess weight, dried fruits should be approached with caution.
Dried papaya is very useful for malfunctions of the pancreas and stomach, in small quantities it can be used for chronic pancreatitis and gastritis. Dried fruits of the plant are of particular benefit to blood vessels and the cardiac system, they improve blood quality, eliminate cholesterol deposits, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis and coronary diseases.
Benefits of Papaya Enzymes
The tropical plant is valued especially highly for the benefits and harms of papaya enzymes. The fruits, leaves and seeds of the tree contain substances important for health, such as:
- papain – this enzyme is responsible for the rapid and good digestion of foods high in protein;
- arginine – the substance is of particular value for men, as it helps to increase potency and improves the quality of genetic material;
- carpain – the enzyme has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the heart and protects the body from the development of cardiac ailments;
- fibrin – the enzyme normalizes blood clotting and prevents its thickening or excessive thinning.
The benefits of papaya enzymes are used even by official medicine; in pharmacies, you can find biologically active supplements with the listed enzymes. It is recommended to use them in courses to improve digestive functions and for general strengthening of the body.
What is useful papaya for the human body
The benefits of papaya for the body may be in demand not only for adults, but also for children. If there are no contraindications to the use of an exotic fruit, it will significantly improve your well-being and please you with its pleasant taste.
Benefits of papaya for women’s health
The benefits and harms of papaya for women are mainly in the beneficial effect of the fruit on the reproductive sphere. Regular use of the fruits of the plant and products based on it helps to normalize the monthly cycle. The fruit reduces discomfort during menstruation, prevents the development of anemia against the background of natural blood loss.
In addition, fresh papaya or as dried fruit can be used on a diet. The product stimulates the intestines and helps the body get rid of toxins faster, helps to remove excess fluids and toxic substances. The use of fruit has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair – the fruits in the diet help to keep youth and freshness longer.
Benefits of papaya for men
For the male body, the substance arginine is of particular value in a tropical fruit. This enzyme not only enhances potency, but also improves the quality of sperm, so it is recommended to use the fruits of a tropical tree when planning conception.
In addition, vitamins and minerals in the composition prevent the development of inflammatory diseases in the male genitourinary system. The tropical fruit has anti-cancer properties and will not harm men who are afraid of prostate tumors.
Benefits of papaya for children
The benefits and harms of papaya fruit can be obtained not only by adults, but also by children. If the child is not allergic to an exotic product, then the fruits will bring unconditional benefits – they will strengthen the immune system, improve digestive processes and serve as a prevention of constipation.
But at the same time, for the first time, fruit can be offered to a child only at 8 months and in very small quantities. The pulp must be mashed to a puree state and give the baby only half a small spoonful of goodies. If after a few hours the child does not show any allergy symptoms, the fruit can be left in the diet and increase in volume over time.
Can pregnant women eat papaya
During the period of bearing a child, tropical fruits can be of great benefit. Papaya contains vitamins and folic acid, therefore, it contributes to the proper development of the fetus and also protects the woman herself from allergies. Enzymes in the fruits of the plant prevent the occurrence of constipation in the expectant mother, many also note the positive effect of papaya in toxicosis – the fruit relieves nausea and normalizes appetite.
At the same time, it is necessary to remember the possible harm of a tropical fruit and not to eat fruits in too large quantities. Pregnant women are allowed only ripe fruits, green papaya contains the substance peptin, which causes additional uterine contractions and can lead to miscarriage.
papaya while breastfeeding
During lactation, a woman should pay special attention to her diet. It is recommended to exclude from it any products that can cause allergies in infants. Especially dangerous in this regard are fruits with red and orange pulp and a high content of vitamin C – they provoke a negative reaction very often.
Thus, it is better to refuse papaya during lactation – it is likely that the product will harm the baby’s body. If you really want to enjoy exotic fruits, then you should try them no earlier than the baby is six months old, and at the same time you need to carefully monitor his reaction.
How papaya is used by man
Delicious papaya has many useful properties, so its areas of application are very diverse. The fruit is used not only for food, but also for body care, as well as for the treatment of certain diseases.
Papaya in cosmetology
Tropical fruit oil or extract can often be found in creams, shampoos, shower gels and masks. Oil is especially popular, it not only softens the skin, but also has matting properties, so it is ideal for caring for oily epidermis.
Papaya oil has a cleansing effect on the skin, softens hardened areas and is beneficial for corns. The product is also used for hair care – products with papaya strengthen hair follicles and help get rid of dandruff. It is enough to apply fragrant oil to the hair once a week for 20-30 minutes, so that after a few procedures the curls become more voluminous and silky. Another area of application for fruit-based extracts and oils is in facial whitening products, as papaya evens out skin tone.
In cooking
Papaya fruits in cooking are used not only raw, but also processed. The fruit can be added to salads or sauces, stuffed and baked, stewed and used as a filling for pies. The fruits go well not only with vegetables, but also with fish, meat, cheese, seafood and sweets, which allows them to be used as an addition to any dishes.
In folk medicine
Almost all parts of the plant are used in home medicine. Papaya is found in many recipes aimed at improving digestion or strengthening immunity.
- From parasites. Papaya is widely known for worms – the beneficial substances in the composition of the fruit gently but effectively cleanse the intestines from helminths. Well-dried seeds of the plant are recommended to be crushed into powder, and then taken every morning for a week, stirring 1 small spoonful of the product in a glass of warm water.
- From constipation. The benefits and harms of papaya for the intestines help to establish a bowel movement, in order to get rid of constipation, it is necessary to eat several pieces of fresh fruit a couple of hours before and after the main meal.
- From heart disease. To strengthen the blood vessels and improve the functioning of the heart, it is necessary to grind and mix papaya and jujube leaves in equal amounts, and then pour the collection of 5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. The remedy is drunk in the volume of a glass three times a day, the medicinal decoction normalizes pressure and calms the heart rhythm.
- From otitis. In case of inflammatory processes in the ears, it is recommended to grind papaya flowers or leaves, squeeze some fresh juice through gauze and drip 3-4 drops into each ear. You need to repeat the procedure three times a day.
- From the temperature. For colds and high temperatures, you can wash a fresh leaf of the plant and apply it to your forehead for half an hour – the beneficial substances will penetrate the tissues through the skin and help reduce fever.
- Against cough. With a cold cough and bronchitis, you can use papaya with honey – the leaves of the plant are washed and boiled for 10-15 minutes, and then 1 large spoonful of honey is added to the strained broth and the remedy is drunk 100 ml three times a day.
Also, the pulp of the fruit and decoctions based on its leaves are used to treat burns, wounds, boils, insect bites and skin diseases. Papaya quickly heals damage and starts the process of active cellular renewal. With papaya pulp or decoctions, you can simply wipe the diseased areas on the skin, or you can make healing compresses, fixing them on the affected area for 2-3 hours.
Harm of papaya and contraindications
With all its beneficial properties, sometimes papaya can cause severe harm to the body. First of all, the danger is an overdose of the product. Since the fruits of a tropical plant contain alkaloids, including the substance carpain, in excess quantities the fruit can cause heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. Of particular danger is the unripe green papaya, it can even provoke a burn of the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach.
Contraindications for the fruits of the plant are:
- pancreatitis, peptic ulcer and gastritis in the acute stage;
- tendency to diarrhea;
- individual allergy to an exotic fruit;
- poor blood clotting.
papaya calories
Fresh fruit has extremely low nutritional values. Depending on the degree of ripeness, papaya can contain from 35 to 49 kcal per 100 g of pulp. This is an extremely low figure, which makes the product approved for use on any diet, there will be no harm even for people prone to rapid weight gain.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of papaya for the body affect many areas of health. In the absence of allergies, an unusual fruit will have a positive effect on the body of men and women, strengthen strength and improve bowel function.
