Health benefits of Pawpaw (Carica Papaya)

Health benefits of Pawpaw (Carica Papaya)

Nutritional Properties of Pawpaw

The fruit is not just delicious and healthy, but the whole plant parts, fruit, roots, bark, peel, seeds and pulp are also known to have medicinal properties. The many benefits of pawpaw owed due to high content of Vitamins A, B and C, proteolytic enzymes like papain and chymopapain which have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. These nutritional values of pawpaw help to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Papaya is rich in iron and calcium, a good source of vitamins G and an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The extracts of unripe Pawpaw contain terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, and steroids.

Functional duties of the Nutrients from Pawpaw

Prevent Cancer Cell Growth

Recent research on pawpaw leaf tea extract has demonstrated cancer cell growth inhibition. It

appears to boost the production of key signalling molecules called Th1-type cytokines, which help regulate the immune system.

Antimalarial and Antiplasmodial Activity

Papaya leaves are made into tea as a treatment for malaria. Antimalarial and antiplasmodial

activity has been noted in some preparations of the plant, but the mechanism is not understood and not scientifically proven.

Facilitate Digestion

The leaves of the pawpaw plants contain chemical compounds of karpain, substance which

kills microorganisms that often interfere with the digestive function.

Prevents Heart Attack or Stroke

The folic acid found in pawpaw is needed for the conversion of homocysteine into amino acids such as cysteine or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls, thus when pawpaw is consumed frequently it reduces the risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.

Fight Dandruff

The pawpaw vinegar with lemon juice can be applied to the scalp for 20 minutes prior to

shampooing to fight dandruff

Muscle Relaxant

Adding pawpaw oil and vinegar to bath water, along with essential oils like lavender, orange and rosemary can be nourishing, refreshing and relaxing, and can work as a pain reliever and

muscle relaxant.

Prevent Prostate Cancer

Men consuming lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as pawpaw, tomatoes, apricots,

pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer compared to those consuming the least lycopene-rich foods.

Combat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vitamin C-rich foods, such as pawpaw, provide humans with protection against inflammatory

Poly-arthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints

Facilitates Digestion and solve Indigestion Issues

The leaves of the pawpaw plants contain chemical compounds of karpain, Substance which

kills microorganisms that often interfere with the digestive function The milky juice which is tapped from the green, mature fruit while still in the tree contains an enzyme known as "papain". People use this in the preparation of different remedies for indigestion.

Protection against Colon cancer

The fiber of pawpaw is able to bind cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA.

Conclusion

           The whole pawpaw plant has its own medicinal value. The wide range of enzymes, vitamins present in pawpaw makes it a neutraceutical plant

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