Content
The benefits and harms of papaya for the body are of interest to many lovers of exotic unusual fruits. To assess the health effects of a product, you need to consider its chemical composition and basic properties.
Where does the melon tree grow
Papaya, or melon tree, is a tropical plant native to Mexico, South America and Central America. At the same time, papaya is widespread throughout the world, at present it is artificially grown in almost all countries with a tropical climate.
The plant is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity conditions, so it does not always take root in the subtropics. However, experimentally, the melon tree is grown even in Russia - in the Crimea and the Caucasus, where the climate is most similar to the conditions usual for the plant.
How papaya grows in nature
The melon tree is a plant with a rather unusual life cycle. In appearance, the tree is similar to a palm tree, but it has fundamental differences. In particular, the trunk of a papaya does not become lignified during growth, although lignification is common in most trees. At the core, it remains filled with softwood, which ultimately simply dries up and disappears, causing the trunk to become hollow.
The absence of lignification provides papaya very fast growth - by the age of 3 years, 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.
Health benefits 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 from time to time include the product in his diet, he will be able to:
- have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect - eating the fruit is useful for internal inflammation and for skin lesions;
- serve as a mild natural anthelmintic, exotic fruit is used to get rid of parasites;
- improve digestion and speed up metabolic processes in tissues and intestines;
- strengthen eyesight and the body's immune resistance 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 to get rid of flatulence and solves the problem of constipation. Papaya promotes weight loss and is recommended for many weight loss diets. It also regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, therefore it is very useful for weakened blood vessels.
Benefits of papaya fruit
Basically, the plant is appreciated for its fruits - large, sweet and very tasty. If you study the photos 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 vitamin deficiency and anemia. Eating the fruit in food saturates the body with important substances, helps to cope with seasonal vitamin deficiencies and strengthen the immune system.
Due to its high fiber content, papaya fruit is highly regarded as a natural laxative. The effect of the fruit on the gastrointestinal tract is very mild - the fruit enhances peristalsis and helps to normalize the stool. Also, the fruit is of great benefit due to the fact that it facilitates the assimilation of protein by the body; it is recommended to use the fruit if it is difficult to digest protein foods. The fruit can also be used 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. Thanks to this, the seeds have a pronounced antiseptic, anticancer and antiparasitic 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 using 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, it will help speed healing.
Health 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. Healing infusions and medicinal teas are prepared on the basis of the leaves; when taken in dosage, they help cleanse the intestines of parasites and generally improve digestion. The leaves also 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. The dried leaves added to tea have analgesic and antipyretic effects, therefore they are of great benefit to the body in case of colds.
The 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, this also increases the calorie content of the product, therefore, with a tendency to gain excess weight, dried fruits should be approached with caution.
Dried papaya is very useful for malfunctioning of the pancreas and stomach, in small quantities it can be used for chronic pancreatitis and gastritis. Dried fruits of the plant bring special benefits to blood vessels and the heart system, they improve the quality of blood, eliminate cholesterol deposits, prevent the development of atherosclerosis and ischemic diseases.
Benefits of papaya enzymes
The tropical plant is particularly prized for the benefits and harms of papaya enzymes. The fruits, foliage and seeds of the tree contain substances important for health, such as:
- papain - this enzyme is responsible for the fast and good absorption of foods with a high protein content;
- arginine - the substance is of particular value for men, as it increases potency and improves the quality of the 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 it from thickening or excessive thinning.
The benefits of papaya enzymes are even used by official medicine, in pharmacies you can find dietary supplements with the listed enzymes. It is recommended to use them in courses to improve digestive functions and for general strengthening of the body.
Why papaya is useful 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 delight you with its pleasant taste.
Why papaya is good for women's health
The benefits and harms of papaya for women are mainly in the beneficial effects 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 dried fruit can be used on a diet. The product stimulates the intestines and helps the body to quickly get rid of toxins, helps to eliminate excess fluids and toxic substances. The use of the 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.
The benefits of papaya for men
For the male body, the substance arginine is of particular value in the tropical fruit. This enzyme not only enhances potency, but also improves the quality of sperm, therefore, 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.
Health benefits of papaya for children
The benefits and harms of the 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 prevent constipation.
But at the same time, for the first time, it is possible to offer a fruit to a child only at 8 months and in very small quantities. The pulp must be kneaded to a puree state and give the baby only half a small spoonful of treats. If the child does not show any allergy symptoms after a few hours, the fruit can be left in the diet and increased over time.
Is it possible for pregnant papaya
During the period of gestation, tropical fruits can be of great benefit. Papaya contains vitamins and folic acid, so it contributes to the proper development of the fetus and also protects the woman herself from allergies. The enzymes in the fruits of the plant prevent constipation in the expectant mother, many also note the positive effect of papaya in toxicosis - the fruit relieves nausea and normalizes appetite.
In this case, it is necessary to remember about the possible dangers of a tropical fruit and not eat fruits in too large quantities. Pregnant women are allowed only ripe fruits; green papaya contains a substance called 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 foods that may cause allergies in babies. Fruits with red and orange pulp and a high content of vitamin C are considered especially dangerous in this regard - they provoke a negative reaction very often.
Thus, it is better to refuse papaya during lactation - it is highly likely that the product will harm the baby's body. If you really want to enjoy exotic fruits, then you should try them not 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 humans
Delicious papaya has many beneficial properties, so its uses 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. The oil is especially popular, it not only softens the skin, but also has matting properties, therefore it is ideal for the care of oily epidermis.
Papaya oil has a cleansing effect on the skin, softens rough areas and is beneficial for calluses. 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 for 20-30 minutes once a week, so that after a few procedures the curls become more voluminous and silky. Another use for fruit-based extracts and oils is in face whitening products, as papaya evens out skin tone.
In cooking
The fruits of papaya in cooking are consumed not only raw, but also in processed form. 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 dish.
In folk medicine
Almost all parts of the plant find their use in home medicine. Papaya is found in many recipes designed to improve digestion or boost immunity.
- From parasites. Papaya is widely known for worms - the beneficial substances in the fruit gently but effectively cleanse the intestines from worms. It is recommended to crush well-dried seeds of the plant into powder, and then take it every morning for a week, stirring 1 small spoonful of the product in a glass of warm water.
- Constipation. The benefits and harms of papaya for the intestines help to establish an emptying regime; in order to get rid of constipation, you need to eat several pieces of fresh fruit a couple of hours before and after the main meal.
- From heart ailments. To strengthen blood vessels and improve the work of the heart, it is necessary to grind and mix together in equal amounts papaya and ziziphus leaves, 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 blood pressure and calms the heart rate.
- From otitis media. In case of inflammatory processes in the ears, it is recommended to grind papaya flowers or leaves, squeeze a little fresh juice through cheesecloth and drip 3-4 drops into each ear. You need to repeat the procedure three times a day.
- From the temperature. With a cold and high temperature, you can wash a fresh leaf of the plant and apply it to your forehead for half an hour - beneficial substances will penetrate the tissues through the skin and help reduce fever.
- From 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 they drink 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 the damage and starts the process of active cellular renewal. With papaya pulp or broths, you can simply wipe the sore areas on the skin, or you can make healing compresses, fixing them on the affected area for 2-3 hours.
Papaya harm and contraindications
With all its beneficial properties, sometimes papaya can cause severe harm to the body. First of all, a product overdose is a danger. Since the fruits of a tropical plant contain alkaloids, including the substance carpain, excessive amounts of the fruit can cause heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. An unripe green papaya is especially dangerous; it can even provoke a burn of the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach.
Contraindications for the fruit of the plant are:
- pancreatitis, peptic ulcer and gastritis in the acute stage;
- a tendency to diarrhea;
- individual allergy to exotic fruit;
- poor blood clotting.
Calorie content of papaya
Fresh fruit has an extremely low nutritional value. 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, the unusual fruit will have a positive effect on the body of men and women, strengthen strength and improve bowel function.
