10 benefits of papaya for your body health
KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. It’s no secret that papaya fruit is useful for smoothing the body’s digestive system. Here are 10 benefits of papaya fruit for your health.
Launching Healhline, the fruit which originally came from Central America and South Mexico contains the enzyme papain. This enzyme can break down the hard protein chains found in meat muscles.
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Thus, plural papaya is used to soften the flesh. In one small papaya weighing 152 grams, there are 59 kcal of calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and one gram of protein.
Papaya fruit is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals for the body. In the same amount, papaya can provide:
157% need for vitamin C per day, 55% need for vitamin A per day, 14% need for folate per day, and 11% for potassium per day.
In addition, papaya also contains calcim, magnesium, vitamins B1, B3, B5, E, K, carotenoid antioxidants, lycopene types.
With a series of nutritional content, the benefits of papaya fruit for health are quite diverse. Here are some of them:
1. Reducing the risk of cancer
Studies show that lycopene in papaya can reduce cancer risk.
The antioxidant content in papaya can reduce free radicals that contribute to the growth of cancer cells.
More specifically, among the 14 fruits and vegetables that have antioxidant properties, only papayas show anticancer activity.
In a small study involving adults with inflammation and precancerous stomach conditions, consumption of papayas was shown to be effective at reducing oxidative damage.
2. Improve heart health
Regular consumption of papaya can improve heart health. Studies show that fruits with lycopene and vitamin C can help prevent heart disease.
The antioxidants in papaya can protect the heart and increase the protective effect of good cholesterol (HDL).
3. Combats inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the source of many diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Consumption of unhealthy foods and lifestyles can trigger inflammation.
Studies show that antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya can help reduce symptoms of inflammation.
4. Smooth digestion
The papain enzyme in papaya makes protein easier to digest. Studies show that people who regularly consume papaya for 40 days are proven to be safer from attacks of constipation and bloating.
In addition, consumption of papaya which is rich in fiber and water can also prevent constipation and increase the regularity of bowel movements.
5. Protects skin health
Apart from maintaining a healthy body, the benefits of papaya for face and beauty have also been proven by experts.
Papaya can help facial skin and the whole body look firmer and more youthful.
Excessive free radical activity can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other damage as you age.
Vitamin C and lycopene in papaya are proven to protect the skin from these signs of aging.
6. Prevent visual disturbances in the elderly
Launching Medical News Today, the zeaxanthin antioxidant in papaya can filter out harmful blue light rays.
Regular consumption of fruits including papaya can protect the eyes from damage due to exposure to blue light rays.
Exposure to blue light rays can trigger macular degeneration or visual disturbances in old age which can lead to nearsightedness to blindness.
7. Prevent asthma
Regular intake of beta carotene nutrition can reduce the risk of developing asthma. Some foods that contain beta carotene include papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots.
8. Maintain bone health
The content of vitamin K in papaya can help maintain bone health. Lack of vitamin K intake is prone to causing the body to experience fractures.
Vitamin K is important for helping calcium absorption, reducing calcium excretion, so it can make bones stronger.
9. Maintain blood sugar stability
Studies show a high intake of fiber can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For information, one small papaya can provide three grams of fiber or the equivalent of 17 grams of carbohydrates.
10. Supports healthy hair
The benefits of eating papaya are also good for hair. Papaya contains vitamin A. This nutrient is needed for the production of sebum which keeps hair moisturized.
Vitamin A is also needed to help the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair.
With a series of benefits of papaya fruit for health, there is no longer any reason not to be reluctant to eat this fruit that is easy to find. (Mahardini Nur Afifah)
Also Read: 10 benefits of jicama for the health of your body
This article was published on Kompas.com with the title “10 Benefits of Papaya for Health”