Everything you need to know papaya about
Incredible health benefits of papaya leaves
Papaya leaves have incredible health benefits. They are widely used in the form of juice or tea to treat ailments like dengue, menstrual pain, malaria, skin problems, heartburn, hair problems and manage diabetes and hypertension. Along with vital enzymes like papain and chymopapain, the leaves of papaya also contain a compound called karpain with unique disease-preventive properties. Papaya leaves have been regarded as a wonderful, healthy and most loved herb since ancient times.
Papaya seeds
Papaya seeds have health benefits too, though they are often thrown away due to their inedibility. Many people are unaware of the fact that papaya seeds are edible too, either fresh or in the form of powder and are full of nutrients. Papaya seeds contain a good amount of phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium, fibre, fatty acids, protein and antioxidants. They are also good for the management and prevention of diseases like liver disorders, cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Benefits of dried papaya
Dried papaya is mainly prepared either by drying the pulp of papaya or concentrating the papaya juice and then drying it. It is available in the form of chunks or powder. Papaya seeds are also dried and crushed to form a powder. Drying papaya may help preserve some of its vital nutrients like phenolics, flavonoids, minerals and vitamins, thus providing approximately the same benefits as fresh papaya fruit.
Are papayas a healthy choice for people with diabetes?
Diet and exercise are some of the ways by which diabetes can be managed lifelong. Papaya is considered to be a natural inhibitor of high glucose levels in the body. Also, they are cheap, easily available and less toxic. The antidiabetic, antioxidative, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects of papaya, together, help in preventing the risk of diabetes or help manage it in people already with the condition.
People with these medical conditions should avoid eating papaya
Papaya has an abundance of health benefits for people of all age groups. However, this superfood is not always healthy or ‘SAFE’ for some people, like pregnant women and those with skin, kidney and liver problems. The latex and phenolic compounds in papaya may trigger inflammatory reactions in some and cause side effects. It can lead to abortion, worsen the functioning of the liver in people already with liver diseases and may lead to skin allergies.
Benefits of papaya for babies
Though breastmilk is the prominent source of nutrition for babies, some foods like papaya can be included in their diet in small quantities, once they start on complementary foods.
Papaya is loaded with health-promoting nutrients that can help in growth and maturation.It can help treat rashes, pediatric burns and intestinal worms in babies, along with maintaining the good health of the mother too.
Who should not eat papaya?
Papaya is a superfood for people of all age groups, however, some people should not eat papaya as they may experience side effects or the worsening of their medical conditions. It includes pregnant women, those with liver diseases, kidney problems and skin allergies. Such people should consult a medical expert before adding papaya to their diet
What are the side effects of eating papaya?
Ripe papaya in excess may lead to constipation or other digestive issues due to the high amount of fibre. Raw papaya in excess can damage the oesophagus due to latex and enzymes in it. Overall, papaya causes side effects only when consumed in access or to people who are allergic to certain phenolic compounds in papaya.
Can we drink water after eating papaya?
When papaya is consumed, the vital nutrients and enzymes like papain in it are released into the stomach for absorption. Drinking excess water can dilute the stomach acids which are responsible for breaking down and absorption of nutrients from foods, thus causing digestive issues and poor absorption of nutrients.