Health benefits of eating pawpaw (papaya)

In today’s times, it is near impossible to
avoid eating foods that are bad for your
digestive system.
Christopher Columbus, an Italian voyager
once referred to papayas as the fruit of the
angels. The fruit which is extremely rich in
Vitamin C has a wide range of health benefits
making it a great fruit option to include in your
diet. Here are some of the top health benefits
of papaya.

Lowers cholesterol

Papaya is rich in fibre, Vitamin C and
antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build
up in your arteries. Too much cholesterol
build-up can lead to several heart diseases
including heart attack and hypertension.

Helps in weight loss

Those looking to lose weight must include
papaya in their diet as it is very low in
calories. The fibre content in papaya leaves
you feeling full and also clears your bowel
movement making your weight loss regime
easier.

Boosts your immunity

Your immunity system acts as a shield
against various infections that can make you
really sick. A single papaya contains more
than 200% of your daily requirement of
Vitamin C, making it great for your immunity.

Good for diabetics

Papaya is an excellent food option for
diabetics as it has a low-sugar content even
though it is sweet to taste. Also, people who
don’t have diabetes can eat papaya to prevent
it from happening.

Great for your eyes

Papaya is rich in Vitamin A which helps
protect your vision from degenerating.
Nobody wants to lose their ability to see due
to diseases like age-related macular
degeneration, and eating papayas will ensure
that you do not see a day where you cannot
see.

Protects against arthritis

Arthritis can be a really debilitating disease
and people who have it may find their quality
of life reduced significantly. Eating papayas
are good for your bones as they have anti-
inflammatory properties along with Vitamin C
which helps in keeping various forms of
arthritis at bay. A study published in Annals of
the Rheumatic Diseases showed that people
who consumed foods low in Vitamin C were
three times more likely to have arthritis than
those who didn’t.

Improves digestion

In today’s times, it is near impossible to avoid
eating foods that are bad for your digestive
system. Often we find ourselves eating junk
food or restaurant food prepared in excessive
quantities of oil. Eating a papaya daily can
make up for such occasional mistakes, as it
has a digestive enzyme known as papain
along with fibre which helps improve your
digestive health.

Helps ease menstrual pain

Women who are experiencing menstrual pain
should help themselves to several servings of
papaya, as an enzyme called papain helps in
regulating and easing flow during menstrual
periods.

Prevents signs of ageing

All of us would love to stay young forever, but
no one in this world has managed to do it.
Still, healthy habits like eating a papaya daily
will prolong the process and may make you
look 5 years younger than you are. Papaya is
rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and antioxidants
like beta-carotene which helps prevent your
skin from free radical damage keeping
wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay.

Prevents cancer

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants,
phytonutrients and flavonoids that prevent
your cells from undergoing free radical
damage. Some studies have also linked the
consumption papaya to reduced risk of colon
and prostate cancer.

Helps reduce stress

After working hard for the whole day, it is a
good idea to come home to a plate a
papayas. The wonder fruit is rich in several
nutrients like Vitamin C which can keep you
free from stress. According to a study
conducted in University of Alabama, found
that 200 mg of Vitamin C can help regulate
the flow of stress hormones in rats.