Papaya (also known as paw paw)

Papaya is a tropical fruit grown in warmer climates. Papayas are rich in vitamins, minerals and compounds which boosts the immune system and increase resistance against disease

There are many traditional and medicinal uses of papaya

Acne and skin infections

Due to their antibacterial effects, studies suggest that papaya can be beneficial for treating chronic skin ulcers

Papaya contains retinoid (preformed vitamin A) which can help improve acne and skin infections

Retinoid benefits:

- Helps regenerate skin cells
- Protects skin from infections
- Reduces the amount of oil production
- Prevents clogged pores of oil, dirt and dead skin cell build up
- Suppress androgen formation
- Reduces inflammation by protecting fats from oxidation

 (Topical application is recommended)

Wound healing

Papaya contains proteolytic enzymes , such as papain, that have wound healing properties

A clinical human trial compared hydrogen peroxide and Carica papaya dressings for patients with postoperative wound gapes.  They found that papaya dressings were more efficacious and just as safe as hydrogen peroxide dressings.  Patients with papaya dressings showed faster healing which resulted in shorter hospitalization

Topical application is recommended for wounds, cuts, scars, rashes, burns and bug stings

Anti-aging effects

Papaya contains antioxidants and many essential nutrients which promote anti-aging by help fighting
against free radicals and preventing disease and illness . apaya is also alkalizing for the body which prevents
acidity / acceleration of aging process .

Papaya is commonly applied topically and used in skin care products to increase skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, reduce pigmentations and aging spots to promote youthfulness and prevent premature ageing

Macular degeneration

Papaya contains vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants and carotenoids

Vitamin C combats free radicals to support healthy vision and acts as a ultra violet fighter within the eye

Vitamin A helps improve conditions such as night blindness, macular degeneration, dry eyes, glaucoma and cataract conditions

Antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, protects the eyes against UV radiation and prevents macular degeneration

Carotenoids, beta carotene, alpha carotene and cryptoxanthin, play a similar role to vitamin A by preventing macular degeneration and supporting eye health

Anthelmintic effects

Human studies have shown papaya to have very effective anthelmintic and anti-amoebic properties

According to a study of 60 children with intestinal parasitosis, 20ml of a mixture of crushed dried papaya seeds and honey every day for 7 days cleared intestinal parasites by 71.4% with some showing up to 100% improvement

Comparing to the placebo group (20ml of just honey), showed only 0-15.4% improvement

Papaya proves to be the most natural, cheap, harmless and safe way to prevent and treat intestinal parasites.

Constipation

Papaya naturally contains a digestive enzyme called papain which helps break down proteins as well as toxins. This helps assist in digestion and bowel movement. 

A human study showed that Caricol (a powder supplementation made from predominantly organic papaya fruits with organic fruit juice concentrate of mango and plum) significantly improved and relieved symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as constipation, bloating and painful bowel movement after 2-9 days

Papaya also contains high fiber which helps soften bowel movement and promote bowel movement

Digestive Support

Carica papaya fruit natural enzyme supplement can help reduce the occurrence of symptoms of medially-diagnosed gluten sensitivity cause by inadvertent gljuten ingestion. There is some evidence that caraca papaya enzyme can support a gluten free diet, where for example cross-contamination may occure when food preparation is out of your control or if ingredient labelling is uncertain.

Anti-cancer effect

Research has found that papaya fruit can prevent and improve various cancers including cervix, breast, liver, lung and pancreas cancer

Dried papaya leaves were made into tea and put into dishes with cancerous cells for a study. This showed dramatic anti-tumour and anticancer effects due to increased Th1-type cytokines production which suggests increased immune activity to fight cancerous cells