HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAPAYA
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. Here is a healthy diet plan for diabetics.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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. Papaya a wholesome fruit that is excellent for your entire body.