Papaya is a Vitamin C-rich fruit and has various health benefits. For instance, papaya seeds can detoxify the liver efficiently and also helps in improving our immune system as well as digestion.
Keep reading this article to know the incredible benefits of papaya for your liver and overall health.
Is papaya good for fatty liver?
According to a report available on NIH: “papaya can help reduce liver inflammation by inhibiting the overproduction and activity of proinflammatory cytokines generated in high fat-induced hepatic inflammation tissue.
This study concluded that papaya could be used to prevent or treat Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Also read: Is fatty liver dangerous?- Symptoms, Effects, and Stages
Apart from this, papaya has numerous health benefits, as discussed below.
Various health benefits of papaya
1) Detoxification of liver
Papaya seeds can quickly detoxify the liver and increase the appetite in children, elderly and alcoholic patients. The seeds prevent free radical production in the liver cell and generate new cells.
The papain enzyme of papaya can dissolve and clean out dead tissues without affecting the activity of good cells.
2) Boosts your immune system
Since papaya is an excellent source of Vitamin C, papaya boosts your immune system and protects your body from various illnesses and infections.
3) Digestion and reduced inflammation
The papaya contains two enzymes: namely, papain and chymopapain. Both enzymes digest proteins; hence, they can help digestion and reduce inflammation.
They can also help with chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma and arthritis.
The high water content of papaya helps reduce bloating and ease constipation. And the fibre in papaya encourages regular bowel activity, helping lower the risk of colon cancer.
4) Protection of heart
Papaya has vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and fibre which promote blood flow and keeps your arteries healthy. The antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.
Additionally, the high-fibre content in papaya reduces the risk of heart disease.
5) Papaya may help protect the eyes as well.
In good amounts, papaya has nutrients such as lutein, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients protect the eyes. They also help prevent eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
6) Prevention of wrinkles & signs of ageing
Papaya can make you look younger. A great source of Vitamin C, it builds collagen in your body and binds your tissues together. Furthermore, if you eat a bowl of papaya every day, you will look at least five years younger than your actual age.
7) Anti-microbial activities
Papaya can help fight against microbes causing infections, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Papaya seeds may also fight intestinal parasites.
8) Ease in menstrual pain
Every woman will relate to the menstrual cramps they experience. Papaya helps flow menstrual blood. The papain helps in the smooth passing out of blood from the uterus.
Women who feel severe pain should eat papaya regularly.
How much papaya should I eat per day?
One medium papaya has approximately 120 calories – 30 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fibre and 18 grams of sugar.
Depending on several factors, including your age, overall health, and dietary requirements, the recommended daily intake of papaya may differ. However, as a general guideline, most healthy adults can safely enjoy one medium-sized papaya (about 300 grams) per day.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors to consider:
Age: Children and teenagers generally have lower needs for calories and nutrients compared to adults, they may only need smaller portions of papaya.
Overall health: Before increasing your papaya intake, it is important to consult a doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Dietary needs: You may need to adjust your papaya intake accordingly if you are following a specific diet, such as a low-carb or high-fiber diet.
However some may be beneficial at night, avoid eating fruits at least 4-5 hours after meals.
Can we eat papaya at night?
People often question, “Can we eat papaya at night?” The simple answer from us is, absolutely yes! You can plan your dinner and have papayas accordingly at night. It should be consumed at night because it can act as a laxative and clean the colon.
Our body primarily relies on the liver for filtration. Eating papaya can help protect the liver from diseases. Those who want to lose weight can eat papaya during breakfast and between lunch and dinner (as a snack).
A passed-by benefit: Papaya is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Having sufficient melatonin levels can promote better sleep quality and duration.
Please make a mental note if you choose to have papaya, eat at least an hour before sleep for better digestion.
You can consume papaya in the following recipe forms:
- papaya salsa
- papaya jam
- Fruit bowls with papaya
- papaya salads
- papaya relish
Bottom line
Papaya, with various antioxidants and enzymes, helps better the body in every possible way. Consumption of papayas regularly helps the body improve from the inside out, wherein the liver is detoxified, the skin starts looking younger, and the digestive tract improves.
For a liver test in Vadodara, visit us at Grace Laboratory.
