Health Benefits of Papaya

Author: vikas yadav
The papaya is a large, tree-like plant, with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50–70 cm (20–28 in) in diameter, deeply palmately lobed, with seven lobes. Unusually for such large plants, the trees are dioecious. The tree is usually unbranched, unless lopped. The flowers are similar in shape to the flowers of the Plumeria, but are much smaller and wax-like. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C as well as carotenoids and bioflavonoid, two classes of phytochemicals that scientists are studying extensively for their health-promoting potential. "Papaya" is recommended to be one such pick from the group of Yellow and orange fruits, which promises abundant health benefits of papaya. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins.
The papaya is an amazingly rich source of the proteolytic enzymes. These are the chemicals that enable the digestion of protein. Papain, which is the most important of these enzymes in the papaya, is extracted and dried as a powder for use to aid the digestion, and it is often used as a meat tenderizer, the enzyme partially breaking down the meat fibres – digesting them in fact.
Health Benefits of Papaya:

• Papaya is great for the skin and can be used as a face pack to get its benefits. It helps to get rid of acne and it helps to open clogged pores. The fermented flesh of papaya also called as papain helps to dissolve the dead cells, giving fresh and glowing skin as a result.
• Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and lowers cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heart-attacks.
• The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look.
• The seeds of papaya too possess medicinal properties. They are very good in treating intestinal worms in the body.
• Papaya helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion. The enzyme papain is a digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion.
• Papaya juice helps in curing infections of the colon by clearing the pus and mucus from it. You need to take it regularly to heal quickly.
• Papaya is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don't heal quickly.
• It is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is a good food for those who want to lose some weight.
• For pregnant ladies, regular consumption of a small slice of papaya helps to cure nausea and morning sickness.
• Papaya contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain for those who are suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis, and it also possesses anti-cancerous properties that can help preventing cancer.
• Papaya is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that helps in boosting the body's immunity and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.
• Shampoos that contain papaya are very good to control dandruff.
• Raw papaya helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/health-benefits-of-papaya-6582487.html
About the Author
Papaya helps prevent constipation and also aid in digestion. Regularly consuming papaya helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea.