7 Surprising health benefits of papaya leaf

Papaya is a yellow-orange fruit grown in the tropical regions of the world.  The bright yellow-orange color comes naturally from the vitamin beta-carotene found in the fruit.  The fruit can be as long as 20 inches, however, they usually average 7 inches in length.

In fact it was Christopher Columbus who referred to papaya as the “fruit of the angels”.

The health benefits of papaya are from the polyphenols and natural enzymes found in the fruit and leaves.   Papaya

A recent study was published in the journal of Herbal Medicine on what phytochemicals are in papaya leaf extract.

Here are 7 health benefits of papaya leaf juice:

 

Papaya Treats Dengue Fever

Patients suffering from Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. This virus causes platelets in your blood stream to breakdown.  Patients infected with Dengue are advised to drink papaya leaf juice to help increase the platelet count.

 

Papaya promotes liver health

Papaya has liver cleansing effects and has been suggested to heal chronic liver diseases.

 

Papaya supports digestion

Papaya naturally contains the enzymes papain and chymonpapain. These enzymes in the papaya can help with digestion and prevent constipation. Papaya can help clean the colon too.  Another benefit of papaya is to heal and prevent stomach ulcers.

Papaya also contains proteases including amylase. These enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates and sugars.

The anti-inflammatory properties of papaya can reduce inflammation in the stomach and colon.

Papaya can lower blood sugar

Papaya leaf can help regulate insulin levels to help support normal blood sugar levels.  High blood sugar for long periods of time can result in kidney and liver damage.

 

Papaya can help with menstrual pain and cramps

Papaya is believed to ease the menstrual flow and reduce pain.  Another benefit of papaya is to lower PMS symptoms.

 

Papaya leaf is good for your skin.

Papaya is high in polyphenols and Vitamins A and C that are good for your skin.  These phytochemicals in papaya can reduce the damage of free radicals.

A compound found in papaya called karpain can help control bacteria growth on your skin to help cleanse protecting against pimples and acne.

 

Papaya has anti-cancer activity

Papaya contains anti-cancer compounds that may be helpful in reducing the risk of developing different cancers.

Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for reducing the risk of developing cancer.

 

 

Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD


Categories: Antioxidant, Diabetes, Digestion, Food, Plant Medicine