Papaya is a plant whose leaves and fruit are beneficial for the body. Papaya leaves can be useful as medicine. While papaya can be used to prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal infections, sedatives, and diuretics. Papaya can also be used as a meat tenderizer because it contains papain.
What is the nutritional content of papaya?
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which breaks down protein chains in meat. One small papaya weighing 152 grams contains:
59 calories
15gram carbohydrates
3grams of fiber
1gram protein
Vitamin C: 157% of the total vitamin C the body needs in a day
Vitamin A: 33% of the total vitamin A the body needs in a day
Folate: 14% of the total folate the body needs in a day
Potassium: 11% of the total potassium the body needs in a day
There are several other ingredients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and vitamin K
Papaya also contains antioxidants called carotenoids. The highest type of carotenoid in papaya is lycopene.
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Papaya is a powerful antioxidant
The carotenoid antioxidants contained in papaya can help neutralize free radicals so that they can prevent damage.
Papaya has anticancer properties
According to research, the lycopene content in papaya can reduce the risk of cancer. The strong antioxidants in papaya have an important role in reducing free radicals that trigger cancer.
Papaya can improve heart health
Research shows that fruit high in lycopene and vitamin C can help prevent heart disease. The antioxidants in papaya can protect the heart and increase the production of HDL or good cholesterol. In one study, people who took a fermented papaya supplement for 14 weeks experienced reduced inflammation and better LDL and HDL levels than people who didn't take it. Good results obtained from research related to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Papaya can help reduce inflammation
The level of inflammation can be measured by blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In one study showed that a person who consumes fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids can experience a significant decrease in CRP.
Papaya can improve digestion
The papain enzyme in fruit can help protein digest more easily. In one study, it was shown that a person who took a papaya-based supplement for 40 days could significantly improve constipation and bloating. The seeds, leaves and roots are proven to be effective in treating boils.
Papaya can help repair damaged skin.
In addition to maintaining a healthy body, papaya can help skin look firmer and younger. Excessive free radical activity can trigger the skin to experience wrinkles, sagging and skin damage that occurs at the age of 30 years. The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya can protect the skin and help reduce signs of aging. In one study, a person who took lycopene for 10-12 weeks could relieve skin redness due to sun exposure. In another study, elderly women who took a combination of lycopene, vitamin C and antioxidants for 14 weeks experienced a reduction in lines and wrinkles.
Papaya can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics
In a study it was found that someone who consumed fermented papaya every day for 2 months could lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
sumber :
 1. https://www.alodokter.com/manfaat-pepaya-bagi-kesehatan
2. Healthline. (2017, 25 Juni). 8 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Papaya. Diperoleh 26 Februari 2018 dari: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-proven-papaya-benefits
3. WebMD. Find a Vitamin or Supplement: Papaya. Diperoleh 26 Februari 2018 dari: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-488-papaya.aspx?activeingredientid=488&activeingredientname=papaya
