How Papaya is Good For Your Health
Nutrient Content
Vitamins
Excellent Source of (Daily Recommended):
- Vitamin C – 144%
- Vitamin A – 31%
Good Source of (Daily Recommended):
- Folate – 13%
A Source of:
- Vitamin E – 5%
- Vitamin K – 5%
Minerals
Good Source of (Daily Recommended):
- Potassium – 10%
A Source of:
- Magnesium – 3%
- Calcium – 3%
Other
Excellent Source of (Daily Recommended):
- Fiber – 10%
Also a Source of:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Antioxidants – Lycopene and Papain
*All nutritional information found at (1)
How Papaya Prevents Chronic Disease
Papaya, like many fruits, prevents several chronic diseases that plague America today. Most notably, papaya helps to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
How Papaya Prevents Cancer
In general, fruit is recommended to be consumed daily in order to help prevent cancer. Papaya is a great resource to incorporate into your diet to prevent various cancers.
Papaya is loaded with antioxidants. Typically, cancers are caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress that is pronounced through excess of free radicals . Usually, optimal levels of free radicals are beneficial, as they help eradicate certain waste compounds. However, in excess form, they begin to attack vital tissues crucial for our body’s daily functions. Over time, this can end up leading to cancer.
Specifically, papaya is rich in lycopene, which has been shown to reduce cancer risk. It works to eliminate the excess free radicals that develop cancer. (2)
Studies have shown that papaya was the strongest and most essential fruit for eradicating breast cancer cells. More studies should be done to confirm these beneficial effects of papaya. (3)
How Papaya Prevents Alzheimer's
Free radicals promote oxidative stress and chronic inflammation resulting in Alzheimer’s. As a result of antioxidants, your body can neutralize oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that the excess free radicals in the brain are root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
One study showed that papaya reduced biomarkers of Alzheimer’s by 40%! (4)
How Papaya Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Studies have shown that papaya can help prevent cardiovascular diseases through the activity of lycopene and vitamin C. (5)
Typically, a primary cause for many heart diseases is enhanced levels of bad LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can clump together and block off blood vessels. As a result, blood cannot reach certain parts of your body, leading to heart disease or stroke.
One way to combat this is to limit LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol will help eliminate LDL cholesterol and reduce clumping.
In one study, it was shown that papaya can help enhance the benefits that HDL cholesterol provides. It can decrease the LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio. (6)
Papaya Promotes a Number of Health Benefits
Papaya not only helps to prevent diseases but supports and promotes the functions of several important systems in our bodies.
How Papaya Promotes Digestion
Papaya is rich in fiber and high in water as well. As a result, papaya can improve overall digestion and maintain regular bowel movements.
Also, papaya is rich in an enzyme called papain. Papain is an enzyme that breaks down compounds into smaller ones, such as amino acids, so they’re easier to digest. As a result, papaya significantly improves constipation and bloating. (7)
How Papaya Promotes Skin Health
Papaya can help promote skin health. The vitamin C and lycopene can fight against free radicals, which cause skin damage and wrinkling as we age. Some studies have shown that lycopene, specifically, can reduce risk of sun damage.
Furthermore, studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce risk of wrinkling and promote healthy aging in general. (8)
How Papaya Prevents Liver Disease
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Due to the high levels of antioxidants and their ability to reduce oxidative stress in older adults, some studies have shown that papaya can reduce your risk of liver disease. (9)
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