Papaya is a tropical fruit with a sweet flavor and an orange color. It has black seeds that are edible and have a spicy taste. Papaya is mainly cultivated in Mexico and Central America, but it is also popular among people who live in Southeast Asia and South America, as well as visitors who travel to tropical places.— Worldculturepost
In this article, you will learn about the possible health benefits of papaya and why you should eat more of this fruit.
What Is Papaya?
Papaya might not be the first thing you think of when you shop for fruits. But this tasty, oval-shaped fruit is worth a try if you want a natural and nutritious snack.
Papaya (Carica papaya)—also known as "pawpaw" in Australia and other regions—belongs to the Caricaceae family. The Caricaceae family is a group of flowering plants that are mostly found in tropical areas, such as Central and South America and Africa, according to a 2017 review published in Frontiers. Spanish invaders brought seeds of this juicy fruit, which originated in Central America, and planted them in the Caribbean and South America. Dutch and Portuguese colonists then introduced papaya to Africa and Asia, where it became a common ingredient in their dishes.
Scientifically, the papaya is a berry that grows on large trees that can reach over 10 feet tall, according to the USDA. The Environmental Working Group listed papaya on its 2022 "Clean Fifteen" shopper's guide, meaning that even non-organic papayas have low levels of pesticide residues.
Papaya Nutrition
A 1-cup (145-gram) serving of raw papaya has, according to the USDA:
- Calories: 43
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrate: 11 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 61 milligrams
- Potassium: 182 milligrams
Health Benefits of Papaya
"Papaya has an impressive nutritional profile, like many other tropical fruits," says Sarah Schlichter, M.P.H., RDN, a registered dietitian at Bucket List Tummy. "Papaya is rich in immune-supporting nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, with one medium papaya providing more than the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and almost one-third of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. Papaya also contains many antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress in the body and improve overall health."
Besides its excellent nutritional profile, papaya may have these health benefits:
1. Boosts Your Immune System
As Schlichter points out, papaya is a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient with many health benefits. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system, protects you from illness and infections, and helps you heal wounds, according to the National Institutes of Health. Moreover, vitamin C stimulates collagen production to keep your nails, skin, hair and joints healthy.
One serving of papaya provides more than half the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is 75 milligrams a day for women and 90 milligrams a day for men.
2. May Reduce Cancer Risk
A 2021 literature review published in Antioxidants suggested that diets high in vitamin C from fruits and vegetables could have a key role in cancer prevention and treatment. Since papaya is high in vitamin C, it has antioxidant properties that help prevent free radical damage and oxidative stress to your body's cells, which can create cancer-causing compounds. Furthermore, papaya flesh gets its bright orange color from a phytonutrient called lycopene, which has anti-cancer properties, according to 2021 research published in Molecules.
3. May Decrease Inflammation
Papaya has an enzyme called papain that reduces your body's production of cytokines—a group of proteins released during inflammation. Chronic inflammation can damage your health by increasing your risk of disease. A review published in Biology in 2021 found that Carica papaya extracts have several health benefits, including protection against inflammation, aging, cancer and chronic disease.
Benefits of Papaya for Skin & Hair
Papaya is not only a delicious tropical fruit to enjoy in the summer months. In fact, papaya is a source of nutrients with various health benefits that you can benefit from all year round. Eating papaya which is high in vitamins A, C and the antioxidant lycopene makes your skin look glowing, firm and young. The abundance of beta-carotene and plant compounds in papaya improves the skin's radiance and complexion.
1. Reduces dark spots and skin pigmentation
Papaya is a natural ingredient that can diminish scars and uneven pigmentation on the skin which can occur with summer breakouts.
The skin brightening properties of the fruit help remove the appearance of blemishes and dark spots. The enzyme papain in papaya acts as a skin exfoliator, eliminating the dead skin cells that can result in a lighter skin tone.
Papain can also remove damaged keratin that can accumulate on the skin and form small bumps. A 2017 study suggested that papain is a feasible treatment for scarring.
2. Hydrates
The rich array of antioxidants and enzymes in papaya help to treat dry and flaky skin. Applying papaya pulp on your face makes your skin soft and radiant. Here's a DIY natural remedy you can try at home.
3. Prevents aging
Rich in carotenoids, the potent antioxidants in papaya help fight free radical damage and prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can firm the skin and smooth out wrinkles.
4. Treats skin diseases
For ages, papaya has been used as a natural remedy for scars, burns, and other skin disorders. Papaya enzymes exfoliate dead skin cells and remove pollutants from the skin. Direct application of papaya pulp to the affected skin area can help you to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It can also help to soothe itching and redness.
5. A natural cleanser
Papaya is enriched with beneficial enzymes and plant-based antioxidants. These components can remove impurities like dead and damaged cells, tissues, and debris from the skin's surface.
Papaya also helps to clean the pores and make the skin bright and clear. It also provides a fairer complexion by penetrating the inner layers of skin and thoroughly removing dirt and excess oil discharges.
6. Stimulates collagen production
Papaya is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that can reduce irregular pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.
7. Acne management
Papaya has proteolytic enzymes, papain and chymopapain, that are useful in lowering inflammation. The papain enzyme has a property that dissolves protein, which helps in exfoliation. Therefore, products that contain papain can help to manage acne. It works by removing the dead skin cells that block pores.
Papain is effective for removing damaged keratin, which may otherwise cause build ups on skin. A recent study also showed that papain has significant results in treating scars.
Papaya also has a high concentration of retinol, a form of vitamin A that can be applied on the skin, which makes it helpful for treating and preventing inflammatory acne.
8. Wrinkle prevention
Papaya is rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, that may protect against the visible signs of aging. A 2015 study showed that a lot of the skin damage and wrinkling that happens with aging can be due to excessive free radical activity.
According to a later study, these antioxidants can help fight free radical damage which may help your skin stay smooth and youthful. Papaya may also help improve the elasticity of your skin according to 2012 research on rats. This improvement in skin elasticity could reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
A 2014 study of older women who consumed a mixture of antioxidants including vitamin C and lycopene, had a noticeable reduction in the depth of facial wrinkles.
Note: Papaya is an excellent combination of antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, which shows impressive results in reducing the depth of facial wrinkles.
9. Hair growth
According to a 2018 study, compounds in papaya, including lycopene, showed “a strong hair growth stimulating activity.”
10. Dandruff control
One of the main causes of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus called malassezia. A 2011 article indicated that the antifungal properties of papaya seeds can help in both regulating and preventing dandruff.
Try a papaya deep treatment hair mask for dandruff control. Buy one online, like this one from Papaya & Pineapple.
11. Hair conditioning
According to a 2012 study, the vitamin A in papaya can have positive effects on hair by helping your scalp produce sebum which nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair.
Different Forms Of Papaya
Besides papaya fruit, many other parts of the papaya plant are beneficial for the skin. You can get the goodness of papaya in different forms like juice, soap, powder, etc. Let's look at how to get the benefits of papaya in different forms.
1. Papaya Fruit
You can benefit from papaya whether it is eaten raw, ripe or is cooked. Apart from consumption, mashed papaya pulp can be used topically as a face pack. You can also add honey, turmeric, lemon juice, or egg white (as per your skin's need) to the mashed papaya pulp. Apply it to remove tan, lighten skin, exfoliate, moisturize, or nourish.
Different packs can provide varied benefits depending on the ingredients. Alternatively, you can also make slices or dice up ripe papaya and rub this on your cleansed skin. Wait for 15 minutes, and wash. Enjoy a cleaner and brighter skin instantly.
2. Papaya Seeds
Papaya seeds are also good for your skin. These are very high in polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants and phytochemicals of papaya seeds can protect your skin cells from oxidative damage.
Note: Papaya seeds also have anti-aging properties and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Papaya Leaves
Papaya leaves can be eaten or applied on the skin for smooth, clear, and youthful-looking skin. Papaya leaves also have papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. So, the leaf extract can be used on the skin as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, clear blocked pores, and treat acne.
Papaya leaf enzymes are also useful in enhancing wound healing. A study shows that papaya leaf extract can reduce the appearance of scar tissue. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Papaya Powder
Papaya powder or dust is a convenient and effective way to get its benefits. Papaya powder can be used in different ways such as face packs, scrubs, toner, etc. Many skincare brands use papaya powder as a main ingredient in their products.
5. Papaya Paste
You can easily find raw or ripe papaya paste in the market, but make sure you choose an organic option for your face. Avoid products that are meant to be used in cooking as meat tenderizers. You can add different ingredients of your choice, like honey, turmeric, etc.
to the paste and get a suitable face pack for your skin.
6. Soap Papaya
This is the simplest way to get the benefits of papaya. Organic papaya soap with fruit extract, vitamin C & E, and antioxidants can lighten your skin, reduce uneven pigmentation and improve collagen production.
7. Papaya Juice
Whether you make your own juice or buy the packaged version, papaya juice is rich in vitamin A and can provide instant hydration and glow. The potassium in the juice helps to moisturize the skin and remove dullness.
8. Raw Papaya
Green papaya has papain. Therefore, it works well in removing the dead skin layer from the skin.
How To Use Papaya For Your Skin?
How you use papaya for maximizing benefits will depend on your specific skin type. Here are some ways to use papaya for your skin:
1. For Dry Skin
A pack with papaya pulp, milk and honey can hydrate your dry skin and make it glow. Take half a cup of mashed papaya pulp and mix it with milk and honey. Make a smooth paste and apply the pack to your face and neck. Wash it off with water after 15 minutes. For best results, repeat once or twice a week.
Tips: Papaya is a great ingredient to hydrate your skin. Adding honey to papaya provides better hydration, and keeps your skin smooth and soft. Both papaya and milk are good for exfoliation and make your skin clean and fresh.
2. For Oily Skin
Papaya and orange both have vitamin C. A mixture of their juices is thought to act as a natural astringent that can reduce sebum production. Make a smooth blend of chopped papaya and orange pulp. Apply the mix to the face and neck and leave it for 15 minutes. Then rinse with cold water.
3. For Irritated Skin
A face pack with cucumber, banana, and papaya pulp will moisturize skin and help to lighten it. The anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties of papaya can calm your skin and reduce itchiness and redness. Keep the face pack on for 15 minutes and wash off.
4. For Acne-Prone Skin
Papaya has enzymes that help clean the skin and unclog pores. Along with honey and lemon juice, it can also kill harmful acne-causing bacteria. Take mashed papaya and add honey, lemon juice, and sandalwood powder to it and make a smooth paste. Apply this to the face and wash off with water after 15 minutes.
5. For Skin Brightening
Mashed papaya with lemon juice can brighten your skin with its skin-lightening, bleaching, and astringent properties. Apply it on your face and wash off once it dries.