Papaya is such a fruit, every part of which is used in some form or the other. Apart from preventing diseases, it is also considered good for hair and skin health. we have brought information related to the benefits of eating it on the basis of research. Not only this, as a precaution we will also tell you the disadvantages of eating papaya.
What are the benefits of papaya?
It is a treasure trove of properties, which can provide many benefits to health. What scientific studies say about these benefits is detailed below. Just remember to consume only ripe papaya to get these benefits.
1. Rich in powerful antioxidants
According to research published by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), polyphenols present in the extract and other parts of it contain powerful antioxidants. These may help maintain health and prevent diseases by reducing oxidative stress.
Apart from this, it can eliminate free radicals present in the body. Not only this, but antioxidants are also known to relieve gastrointestinal tract (digestion) problems. It also contains carotenoids, which are a type of antioxidant.
2. Anticancer properties
Medicinal properties of papaya can prevent cancer. Many institutions have done research on this topic. According to a research paper, it contains pectin compound, which can show anticancer effect. This compound may be beneficial in preventing cancer cells from growing.
Apart from this, it is also considered beneficial in reducing the symptoms of cancer. Keep in mind that if someone has cancer, it is important to get him medically checked and given proper treatment. In case of a serious disease like cancer, one cannot depend only on it.
3. Healthy heart
Research published on the NCBI website regarding the effect of papaya on rats found that papaya has a protective effect against cardiotoxicity. Due to this cardiotoxicity, the heart muscle gets damaged, and the heart is not able to pump blood properly in the body.
Also, cardioprotective and antioxidant properties are found in papaya extract. Both of these can help in removing the condition of cardiotoxicity and maintaining heart health. For this reason, heart health is also counted among the benefits of eating it.
4. To reduce swelling
Chronic inflammation can further lead to various diseases like cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis (disease of the arteries). In such a situation, eating it can be beneficial in removing the problem of swelling. Research has found that it extracts has anti-inflammatory effects, which can relieve severe inflammation. It can also reduce the symptoms of diseases caused by severe inflammation.
5. Beneficial for digestive system
Papaya is used as a treatment to overcome digestive problems. According to research, it contains compounds like papain. These are known to relieve digestive disorders. Papain may help digest protein faster.
Also, it has anti-ulcer effect, which can reduce ulcers. Not only this, the problem of flatulence, indigestion and constipation can also be cured by consuming papaya. Actually, the fiber present in it is considered good for constipation.
Side Effects of Papaya
While on one hand the properties of it make it beneficial, on the other hand due to some reasons disadvantages of it can also be seen. The benefits and disadvantages of eating it depend on its quantity as well as on how ripe the papaya is. Here we are telling about the estimated side effects of it.
- Its latex contains a compound called papain. Taking papain by mouth in large amounts may cause damage to the esophagus in the throat.
- Applying papaya latex to the skin can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
- Consuming under ripe papaya during pregnancy can cause the papain present in it to act as poison for the fetus or cause birth defects.
- Eating excessive amounts of it can cause thyroid problems. Papaya can reduce the sugar level in the blood.
- Consumption of it during and after surgery can affect the sugar levels in the blood. For this reason, consumption of it should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.
How to Use it
Due to its properties and taste, it is used in many ways in almost every Indian kitchen. Here we are telling some simple and beneficial ways of using it.
How to eat:
- You can remove the peel of papaya and eat it as is.
- It can be used to make juice.
- It can also be consumed by making fruit salad.
- You can also make delicious pudding using papaya.
- In many places, ripe papaya is also used to make sweets.
When to eat:
- You can make papaya salad and eat it for breakfast in the morning.
- You can make its juice and drink it in the afternoon.
- Halwa made from this can be eaten at night.
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