Pawpaw, as a fruit, is being enjoyed for its sweetness globally. Research shows that its delicious content is less important in comparison to its health benefits. The fruit is packed with nutritional value.
Other parts of pawpaw from its seeds to its peels, to its leaves and many more are also known to be very beneficial to our health. Do you know that pawpaw and its products can be used for medicinal purposes?
Papaya contains dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C, and E. It also contains a small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. It is very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes; very high in vitamin C plus A and low in calories and sodium.
Here are some of the health benefits of pawpaw
1. It lowers cholesterol
Papayas are rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants that prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries, which causes a heart attack.
2. It helps boosts immunity
It is important to realize that your immune system is your first line of defense against various infections that can make you really sick. Pawpaw is a great agent of a stronger immune system.
3. Great eye care
Papayas are rich in Vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lutein, which keep the mucous membranes in the eyes healthy for good vision.
4. Helps ease menstrual pain
Women who experience menstrual pain should help themselves to several servings of papaya because there is an enzyme in the pawpaw called papain. This papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods.
5. Promotes hair growth
Apart from keeping the skin healthy, papayas are very effective for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin A in them is utilized in the production of sebum, a compound that is crucial for keeping the hair smooth, shiny, and moisturized.
6. Anticancer properties
Researchers have come to discover that papayas are effective against breast, pancreatic and other cancers. A recent experiment showed that papaya leaf extract contains anti-carcinogenic properties that are effective against tumor cells.
7. Anti-inflammatory effects
The enzymes present in papayas, especially the papain and chymopapain, reduce inflammation in different parts of the body. There is a high concentration of latex in raw and semi-ripe papayas, which can cause uterine contractions and might lead to abortions. It is, therefore, advisable for expectant mothers to avoid eating raw pawpaw.