The papaya is a delicious fruit with many nutrients and health benefits. The common papaya found in American markets is about half a foot long and weighs about a pound. Although papaya seeds are edible, the most commonly consumed part of the fruit is the flesh.
Papaya Nutrients and Natural Acne Remedies
Full of antioxidants, papayas contain vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenes. The papaya is also rich in B vitamins pantothenic acid and folate, vitamin A and vitamin E.
Many of the vitamins in papayas are the very nutrients needed for promoting clear and healthy skin. Papaya enzymes can often be found in skin peels and natural skin treatment products. Individuals can also make their own papaya masks and skin exfoliants.
Papaya: Homemade Acne Treatment
The steps to making a papaya mask and exfoliant are simple. First, as with trying anything new on the skin, whether natural or chemical, testing it on a small part of the skin (away from the eyes) is a good idea in the event of an allergic reaction.
To exfoliate the skin, the papaya skin can be used after the fruit has been scooped out of it. For the papaya enzyme mask, simply mashing up the fruit and spreading it on the skin makes for a complete and cleansing skin mask. Plain yogurt may also be mixed with the fruit prior to application. Leaving the mixture on the face for 15 minutes is generally enough.
Papaya Enzymes and Healthy Digestion
Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which assists in digestion of proteins. Those with digestion issues can eat papayas with their meals or buy papaya enzymes, which often come in chewable form and are sweet to the taste. Regular incorporation of papaya into the diet also helps to maintain digestion and prevent constipation.
Other Health Benefits of Papaya
The various nutrients in papayas work together to maintain the immune system. The fiber in papayas lowers cholesterol. This fruit is also a healthy choice when dealing with the flu, colds or ear infections.
The enzyme chymopapain in papayas decreases inflammation and helps in burn recovery. Because of their antioxidant properties, the positive effects of papayas have also been observed in cancer prevention studies.
Overall, the papaya and its enzymes contain exceptional healing properties. When included in daily diets or consumed as digestive enzymes, they assist with digestion and a number of health conditions. As a natural skin remedy, they are a useful homemade or store bought option.
Source:
Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. California: North Atlantic Books, 2002.
Chitra Badii - Chitra Badii has a diverse background, having worked in the software, finance, education and performing arts industries. She is a ...
