In clinical studies papain, found in the papaya leaf, has proven to be a cancer fighting enzyme. The papain enzyme, which is found in both the papaya fruit and its leaves, is known for breaking up proteins. Enzymes are essential for health and longevity. The papaya leaf is also a source of riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is required for various cellular processes and plays a key role in energy metabolism. It is contains beta carotene, vitamin E, and potassium. In order for enzymes to work, they require good nutrition and vitamins. Sugar and alcohol can actually slow down or stop enzymes from working. Papain has also been used to improve digestion and to treat less serious digestion disorders such as bloating and chronic indigestion. Papaya also noted to be one of the world’s healthiest fruits, are great for the skin and are ideal to create a tasty juice first thing in the morning or you can even add them to your favorite recipe.The papaya is full of vitamins. They have A, C, potassium in high amounts and also calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. The papaya is low in calories as well, making it a great snack for just about anytime and a perfect morning fruit to get your day started.I felt it was almost like it was a great tasting colon cleanser and afterwards I had this feeling of clarity and just healthiness.Papaya is an excellent source of folate, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin C, E and A. It contains small amounts of iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and calcium.
It is also rich in antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes and flavonoids.
Papaya is high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Vitamin A. It is low in calories and sodium and high in potassium.
Papaya seeds contain glucoside and Caricin.
Constituents and properties
• Leaf, fruit, stem and root: Papain; phytokinase; malic acid; calcium maleate.
• Fresh latex: chymopapain.
• Leaves: Carpaine (alkaloid); carposide (glucoside); saccharose, 0.85%; dextrose, 2.6%; levulose, 2.1%; citrates.
• Seeds: Volatile oil.
• Seeds are considered antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, analgesic, stomachic and antifungal.
• Leaves are used as tonic, stomachic and analgesic.
• Roots are analgesic.
One warning I might suggest is that if you choose to eat papayas first thing, as sometimes suggested by others, before any other foods, or as a snack in between meals, be forewarned; this fruit can sometimes be a ‘body cleanser’ and you may find yourself in the need to stay close to a restroom for the first hour or two after eating this fruit.
Medicinal Uses:
Papaya promotes cardiovascular health and protects against colon cancer.
It contains the digestive enzyme, papain and chymopapain and is commonly used to aid digestion, and to lower inflammation and improve healing from burns, sports injuries, trauma and allergies.
Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and helps alleviate the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Carpaine obtained from papaya leaves has the same effect on the heart as digitalis.
Because of its high antioxidant content, papaya helps prevent cholesterol oxidation and is therefore helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, heart attacks or strokes.
Papaya improves the immune system and is a good choice for preventing illnesses such as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.
Having three servings of papaya helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and improves eye-sight.
Due to its high vitamin A content it can play an important role in saving the lives of smokers or passive smokers and lowering the risk of emphysema.
Regular consumption of both green tea and lycopene-rich fruits such as papaya can protect against prostate cancer.
Papain is also employed to treat ulcers, dissolve membranes in diphtheria, and reduce swelling, fever and adhesions after surgery.
Chemopapain is sometimes injected in cases of slipped spinal discs or pinched nerves.
The fresh latex is commonly used to improve the healing process in boils, warts and freckles; it also works as a vermifuge.
The unripe fruit or seeds are sometimes used as a uterus irritant to cause abortion.
Smoking the dried leaves help relieve asthma.
An infusion of dried papaya leaves aids in gastrointestinal and genitourinary ailments.
Papaya extract has anti-gram-positive bacteria properties and in high doses is effective against gram-negative bacteria.
Papaya is believed to have rejuvenating properties and controls premature aging.
Papaya contains arginine which is essential for male fertility and also carpain, an enzyme thought to be good for the heart.
After treatment with antibiotics the use of papaya juice will quickly help restore normal intestinal bacteria destroyed by treatment.
Papaya peel is a good external treatment for skin wounds that do not heal quickly. The pulp can be used as a poultice.
Papaya helps prevent constipation.
It lowers cholesterol levels, prevents urinary stones formation and parasite related intestinal infections.
Papaya also helps stimulate milk production.
Papaya prevents nausea, morning sickness and motion sickness.
Papaya also helps prevent cataract formation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diverticulosis, and possibly hypertension.
