Carica papaya

General information:

Carica papaya, papaya is a giant herbaceous plant--resembling a tree but not woody--in the Caricaceae (papaya family) that originated in Central America and is now grown in tropical areas world-wide for its large, sweet, melon-like fruits. The name “papaya” also refers to the fruit of other Carica species, including C. pubescens and C. stipulata, and their various hybrids. India is the leading producer of papayas, responsible for 42% of the world’s crop.

Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and is available throughout the year. It is a rich source of threes powerful antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E; the minerals, magnesium and potassium; the B vitamin pantothenic acid and folateand fiber. In addition to all this, it contains a digestive enzyme papaintha effectively treats causes of trauma, allergies and sports injuries. All the nutrients of papaya as a whole improve cardiovascular system, protect against heart diseases, heart attacks, strokes and prevent colon cancer. The fruit is an excellent source of beta carotene that prevents damage caused by free radicals.

Constituents:

The extracts of C. papaya contain terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosidesa and saponins.

Proteolytic Enzymes
Papaya contains several unique protein digesting proteolytic enzymes including papain and chymopapain. Papain This enzyme is similar to pepsin, a digestive enzyme in our body.

Chymopapain
Both papain and chymopapain can help lower inflammation and improve healing from burns Carpaine The alkaloid, Carpaine, slows the heart rate in humans and thus reduces blood pressure. Its action is similar to the drug prescribed for heart patients, digitalis. The alkaloid is reported to be able to kill worms and amoebas.

Lycopene
Papaya has an abundance of cancer fighting lycopene. It is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many important carotenoids, such as betacarotene and xanthophylls.

Fibrin
Another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom isFibrin. It reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system. Fibrin is also important in preventing stoke

Benefits:

• Skin & Papaya - It 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 skin infections as 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. It is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly.
• Cholesterol & Papaya - As it is a fruit that is rich in fiber it lowers blood cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heart-attacks.
• Anti-ageing & Papaya - The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look.
• Intestinal Worms & Papaya - The seeds of papaya too possess medicinal properties. They are very good in treating intestinal worms in the body.
• Constipation & Papaya - Papaya helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion. The enzyme papain is a digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion.
• Colon & Papaya - Its 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.
• Weight Loss & Papaya - It is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is a good food for those who want to lose some weight.
• Morning Sickness & Papaya - In pregnant ladies, regular consumption of a small slice of papaya helps to cure nausea and morning sickness.
• Osteoporosis & Papaya - It 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 prevent cancer.
• Immunity & Papaya - It is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that help in boosting the body’s immunity and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.
• Shampoos & Papaya - Shampoos containing papaya are very good to control dandruff.
• Menstrual Irregularities & Papaya - It helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.
• Liver cancer & Papaya juice - As it has anti-proliferative effect on liver cancer cells it stops or slows down the growth of the cancer cells of liver and helps in its cure.
• Contraception & Papaya - Research with adult male langur monkeys has shown that it has contraceptive capability and maybe it has similar effect in adult males too.
• Kidney disorder & Papaya - In poison related kidney disorder it was found that the aqueous seed extract of the unripe mature fruits of papaya induces antioxidant and oxidative free radical scavenging and help kidney to recover.
• Dengue Treatment and Papaya - Researchers have found that the juice obtained from the papaya leaves helps in the dengue fever treatment. The extract obtained from the papaya leaf increases the platelet count also known as thrombocytes in patients with dengue fever.