Papaya was called ‘fruit of angels ‘by Italian explorer and navigator, Christopher Columbus. The fruit not just tastes good, but it’s daily consumption can boost immunity and save you from life-threatening diseases like heart attack, stroke, colon and prostate cancer.
It is rich in vitamin B, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon afflictions. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple to treat sports injuries. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, is needed for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing illnesses such as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu. Papaya is one of the fruits that can be consumed for detoxification. Other fruits whose juice can be useful for detoxification are apple, grape, watermelon, lime, mango, and orange Elimination of stored toxins in body is called detoxification. Hence papaya is not only delicious, but has many health benefits. Papaya further as already mentioned above , contains Vitamin C and fiber and this prevents accumulation of cholesterol. Papaya also helps digestion of proteins and hence recommended for diabetic patients. Papaya due to its Vitamin A is also good for eye health.
Papaya also has cosmetic benefits and is also used to make facial mask to reduce skin pigmentation. To prepare a mask make a paste with 1 teaspoon of tomato pulp with a half tea spoon of each papaya pulp and almond oil. Apply on face, allow to dry for ten minutes before washing with luke warm water. Using this mask twice a month reduces skin pigmentation
Papaya can also be used to treat split ends. Take one fourth of cut papaya, remove its skin and then blend it until it becomes pulpy. To this add half a cup of plain yogurt and massage this mixture into your hair, keep it for thirty minutes before rinsing it.
Further it is good to control obesity since a medium size papaya contains 120 calories. Its consumption controls hunger spasms.