What are Papaya Extracts Good For? | Herbal Goodness
Papaya has been a staple for many centuries in South America due to its rich taste and immense usefulness.
It would be safe to assume that at the time, the indigenous peoples could not have been privy to the nutritional value of this tropical fruit that Christopher Columbus christened the “fruit of the angels”.
Today, however, we are well aware of papaya’s rich nutritional content and this why the fruit has become wildly popular in the West.
The modern name we have given it is “superfood”.
And that’s because papaya is crammed with nutritional goodness.
Another way of enjoying the incredible benefits of this versatile fruit is through the various extracts obtained from the leaves or even the seeds.
The extracts obtained from papaya brim with as many benefits as can be found in the papaya fruit itself. And not always having access to the fruit itself, does not mean that you cannot enjoy these amazing health benefits. To get a clear picture, here are some health benefits of papaya extracts.
What Papaya Extract is Good for
Papaya extracts, both leaf and seed are brimming with nutritional benefits that can enhance the well-being of everyone, from babies to women (especially women!), men and the elderly.
- Aids Digestion
Papaya leaf and seed are great sources of papain and chromopapain, two enzymes which aid digestion. They are particularly good at breaking down protein from the food we eat. These two proteins are also the reason papaya is popularly used as a meat tenderizer the world over.
- Healthy Heart
Papaya extracts are a rich source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants which together play a role in preventing cholesterol buildup. This is why regular consumption of papaya extract is good for your overall health.
- Antibacterial Properties
One of the earliest uses of papaya was as an antibacterial agent.
The enzyme papain present in papaya has a stifling effect on many harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli and Staph, bacteria that cause food poisoning and a host of other intestinal and stomach issues.
- Helps Ease Menstrual Discomfort
Women dealing with menstrual pains can find some comfort from servings of papaya extracts.
Again, this can be attributed to papain which aids in regulating and easing flow during that time of the month.
- Boosts Immunity
What else papaya extracts are good for is boosting immunity function.
Regular consumption, therefore, bolsters your immunity system, fending off common infections that can make us sick.
- Good for the Eyes
High amounts of vitamin A and carotenoids present in papaya and papaya extracts make it a great food to boost your eye health – yup, just like carrots!
- Good for the Skin
Papaya extracts make for a great natural skin conditioner, thanks to its abundance of vitamin A and the enzyme papain which helps nourish the skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties of papaya make it one of the most effective remedies for the skin.
A homemade remedy comprising papaya seed powder and castor oil (in equal parts) applied on the face and skin has been found to reverse these skin conditions when they strike.
Papaya-honey mask is also a good natural skin treatment that rejuvenates the skin.
Conclusion
Papaya is called a superfood for a reason. The fruit and its extracts is a treasure trove of valuable nutrients whose benefits to our bodies extend far beyond the benefits we have listed above.
The nutritional and health benefits aside, what else you will love about papaya is its versatility in recipes. There are dozen-and-one ways to enjoy papaya, either by itself or as an extract.
Delicious, nutritious, and versatile, natural delights don’t come any better.
Related: Update from CEO
