PAPAYA
aka papaw or pawpaw
There are many varieties of papayas, this entry provides general info.
GROW
Propagate: seedings
Light: sunny
Water: once a day
Soil: good drainage
Fertilizer: twice a month
USES of the FRUIT
Aids in Digestion : Papayas are commonly consumed for proper digestion. They possess anti-ulcerative properties. Also, the presence of papain, a digestive super-enzyme and improves digestion by breaking down proteins. This ensures a reduced conversion of protein into body fat. If the protein in our diet is not digested properly, it may cause arthritis, constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure, andother related health conditions.
Weight Loss : Papayas are also good for people who are trying to lose weight naturally given the fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals that it contains. Having a bowl of papaya as a mid-evening or mid-morning snack is good for health.
Prevents Infections : Papayas are effective for killing intestinal worms, thereby avoiding infections and complications associated with them.
Relieves Toothache : A paste of fresh papaya roots can be rubbed onto the teeth and gums as a home remedy for toothache relief. The bark of the tree, primarily the inner bark, is also an excellent remedy for tooth problems.
Anticancer Properties : Researchers have discovered that papayas are effective in the fight against breast, pancreatic, and other cancers. A papaya leaf extract obtained from dried leaves produced anti-carcinogenic effects against tumor cells that were grown in the laboratory. It was observed in a 2010 study that the effects were stronger when the cells were given larger doses of papaya leaf tea. The scientists exposed different types of cancer-affected cells to different papaya leaf extracts and found that the growth of tumors slowed down.
Skin Care : Papayas can be great revitalizing agents, which is why they are used in many cosmetics and are even used in homemade face masks by many women. The papain kills dead cells and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and the healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Lycopene present in papayas reduces wrinkle formation in post-menopausal women.A good facial massage using papaya is a fabulous remedy to remove dead cells. If you are a person who spends most of the time outdoors, then papayas can be a great help, as papayas fight free radicals that age your skin. The peels of papayas are also used to rub on the face and hands for healthy skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and others.
Improves Heart Health : The seeds of papayas are good for keeping your heart healthy. Having three powerful antioxidant vitamins – namely vitamin A, C, and E, means papayas are helpful in preventing problems such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart diseases. The presence of pro-carotenoid phytonutrients helps prevent oxidation of cholesterol in the body. When oxidation of cholesterol takes place, it sticks to the walls of the blood vessels and forming plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin E and vitamin C contained in papayas help in preventing the cholesterol from sticking to the walls, thereby keeping your heart healthy. As a good source of fiber, papayas also help reduce the LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Include papayas in your daily diet as a snack to keep your heart young.
Reduces Acne & Burns :The latex obtained from papayas is used to treat the areas on the skin affected by acne. The fleshy side of the papaya skin can be used as a mask to cure acne. A diet which includes papayas will help cure the condition internally, making the skin clear. Got a burn? Use papaya. When the latex from the fruit is applied to a burnt area, it helps in reducing the marks caused due to the burn, making it effective in helping in treating sores, wounds, and ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory Effects :The enzymes present in papayas, especially the papain and chymopapain, reduce the inflammation in different parts of the body, according to research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
Helps Prevent Macular Degeneration : Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder in which the ocular cells degenerate, resulting in blurred vision and can cause blindness. An antioxidant named beta-carotene gives papaya its orange color. Just as carrots help improve the eyesight due to the presence of beta-carotene, papayas are also known to be effective in reducing the effect of macular degeneration. Consumption of 3 or more servings of this fruit on a daily basis may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
Relieves Constipation :The presence of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E in papayas may reduce motion sickness by producing a tonic effect in the stomach and in the intestines. Papaya juice and the ripened form of papaya also aid in digestion. The fiber obtained from the fruit helps to increase bowel movements,improved bowel movements help ease the passage of stool, thereby reducing the effects of constipation.
Regulates Menstruation : Papaya juice can be of great help for women with irregular menses. Consumption of green, unripe papayas can normalize the irregularity in one’s periodic cycle. Papayas are considered as a “hot food”, meaning that they produce heat in the body. This excessive production of heat in the body is thought to stimulate the estrogen hormone, inducing periods in the females. Hence, papayas can be beneficial in handling difficult menses.
Prevents Arthritis : Papayas have been known to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties discussed above, one of the enzymes found in papayas, called chymopapain, has a significant effect on controlling rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
USES of the leaves
Treats Dengue Fever : A common remedy that is advised by all to dengue patients is papaya leaf juice. Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Sheela Krishnaswamy says, "Studies have proved that papaya leaf juice contributes significantly in the production of platelets and increase the platelet count.
Anti Malaria : have strong anti-malarial properties. A compound found in papaya leaf is acetogenin, which can help prevent dangerous disease like malaria and dengue.
Good for Liver : papaya leaf juice also acts as a potent cleansing agent for the liver.
Lowers blood sugar : Papaya leaf juice can work wonders for diabetics as well, as it regulates the production of insulin, which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidant nature also helps to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver.
Cure Menstrual Pain : Papaya leaf juice works wonders to ease the menstrual flow and reduce the pain. Drinking this juice also brings down PMS symptoms. Its potent healing properties balance hormones, and regulate menstruation cycles. You can try this concoction to treat your menstrual pain: take one papaya leaf, a pinch of salt and tamarind, mix them all in a glass of water and bring it to boil. This juice should ease your pain greatly.
Uses of the seeds
Increase Fertility : Papaya seeds improve fertility, especially in case of men. It increases sperm production in men. As for women, papaya seeds are known for maintaining egg fertility for women.
Cure Liver Disease : Papaya seeds bring health benefits to internal organs, especially liver. The nutrients in them help in curing cirrhosis in our liver. Blend the seeds, combine with water or yogurt and have regularly to get its health benefits.