Benefits of Eating Papaya and the Papain Enzyme

Eating fresh papaya fruit first thing in the morning or between meals can offer benefits as a natural digestive aid. This is because papaya contains the enzyme known as PAPAIN.

Papain is a proteolytic or protease enzyme that helps us break down proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids that the body can more easily utilize.

This is similar to other protein-digesting fruit enzymes like the bromelain in pineapple and the actinidin in kiwi. Adding papaya to this fruit basket might be a good idea if your diet is full of heavy protein-rich meals that are carnivor-based.

The papain enzyme is in fact, extracted from the latex of unripe papaya and is commercially available in supplement form to aid digestive processes. This version may also be helpful for periodic intake. Papain is commonly found on the list of ingredients in most digestive enzyme supplements.

While papain is significantly higher in unripe green papaya, ripe fruits also contain good (trace) amounts and are much more palatable.

If you happen to enjoy making cultural cuisine in the kitchen, there is of course, the option of making green papaya salad, a spicy shredded side salad prepared in Laos and Thailand.

In addition to papain, papaya fruit is also a good source of FIBER which promotes bowel regularity and offers a prebiotic influence to beneficial gut microbiota.

Papaya pulp is likewise about 88% WATER, which helps to hydrate and soothe the stomach and gastrointestinal functions.

Eating papaya is considered in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Herbalism to support SPLEEN organ functioning by improving digestive fire (agni) and enhancing energy levels.

Another one of the benefits of eating papaya is that it has an alkalizing effect on the body. This can assist in neutralizing acidic conditions and inflammation that contribute to related health issues.

Some of the fruit's anti-inflammatory properties come from its papain as well as chymopapain enzyme, which both help digest inflammatory proteins.

In some research, the fruit, and especially the leaves of the papaya tree (Carica papaya), have been considered useful dietary adjuncts for joint pain and arthritis. Again, this anti-inflammatory and analgesic influence is due mostly to the PAPAIN compound. Therefore, papaya leaf extracts are commonly used for such purposes, but eating fresh papaya can also be a good nutritional protocol.

Moreover, the fruit contains ANTIOXIDANTS in the form of phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric, gallic acids) and flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, luteolin, apigenin). These compounds are absorbed in the small intestine and distributed to neutralize free radicals and subsequently help to inhibit inflammation in the body.

Papaya is also a source of other antioxidants like VITAMIN C and CAROTENOIDS which also work to lower oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory markers.

According to nutritional data, one ripe papaya has approximately 201 mg VITAMIN C or 223% of the Daily Value.

It goes without saying that consuming more fibrous fruit on a regular basis can be a good dietary practice for maintaining a healthy heart and assisting to reduce LDL cholesterol.

Papaya can be a nice option to add to the list because its also higher in the mineral POTASSIUM, which can help to improve blood flow, balance sodium levels and regulate blood pressure.

The antioxidant content in papayas also protects against the oxidation of cholesterol and the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.

When consumed in moderation, it has a low-to-moderate glycemic index compared to other common fruits. This means it gradually increases blood sugar instead of spiking it, which can potentially make it a better choice for diabetics who also have an increased risk for cardiovascular issues.

In addition, the papain in papaya fruit and its leaf extracts, likewise help the body assimilate meat proteins, which can help to guard against conditions like atherosclerosis.

According to nutritional data, one ripe papaya (330 grams) has approximately 122 mcg of FOLATE or 31% of the Daily Value. Folate, an important B vitamin, helps to support heart health by regulating homocysteine levels.

Papaya fruit is full of CAROTENOIDS. This is what gives the flesh its orange-yellow color. This includes like lycopene, cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, as well as smaller amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Along with Vitamin C, these are dietary nutrients known to promote healthy eyes and vision, potentially reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Papaya and its papain extracts are commonly utilized in the beauty industry for their benefits to the skin. They are extensively used in face masks, soaps, cleansers and anti-aging serums.

Higher in folate content also promotes nutrients for healthy skin and hair.

Papaya fruit can be cut in a few different ways. One is to simply slice it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon. This is our favorite way.

Another popular way is to cut papaya in chunks or cubes after peeling off the skin. This is a great method if you want to freeze it for later use.

While papaya is native to Mexico and Central America, there are many different cultivars grown in many tropical climate zones worldwide.

Typically, India, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia are the leading papaya-producing countries.

Each type of papaya can vary in color range (from red to yellow), size and level of sweetness.

While it is hard to find Organically Certified papaya here in the U.S., non-GMO selections are available.

This is important as some Hawaiian cultivars like "Rainbow" and "SunUp" are genetically modified to prevent the papaya ringspot virus.

Most here are imported from Mexico, which are typically non-GMO producers. Even the larger Maradol papaya is considered an heirloom species and non-GMO.

The papaya tree is a highly versatile plant when it comes to therapeutic applications.

In many regions in which it grows, both the leaves and seeds are utilized along with the ripe and unripe fruit itself.

Young leaves can be steamed like spinach and mature ones can be used to make traditional medicines due to its higher papain content.

You may be thinking, are papaya seeds edible? Yes, in small amounts, usually one or two seeds. Not everyone enjoys them however, as they can have a strong peppery flavor and rough texture.

There is some evidence that papaya seeds may be useful against intestinal parasites, which has been one of their traditional folk uses.