Top 10 Health Benefits of Papaya and Papaya Seeds

4. Helps Treat Arthritis

Papaya contains several anti-inflammatory enzymes that help relieve pain caused by arthritis. The two most unique protein-digesting enzymes present in papaya are papain and chymopapain, which can greatly lower inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

The high content of vitamins A, C, and E, and beta-carotene  is also very good at reducing inflammation. According to a study in  the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, those who do not eat sufficient amounts of vitamin C-rich foods like papaya regularly are more likely to develop arthritis than those who consume such foods on regular basis.

5. Improves Complexion

Papaya has several healthy components that are great for your skin. Papaya can be used as a face pack to enjoy maximum skin benefits.

When ripe papaya is used as a face pack, it helps open clogged skin pores, which helps treat acne and prevent skin infections. The fermented flesh of papaya can also help dissolve dead skin cells and give you fresh and glowing skin because of papain. It also reduces signs of aging on the face.

6. Nourishes Hair

Papaya is also very beneficial for your hair. Rich in several minerals, vitamins and enzymes, papaya can boost hair growth and strength. It can also help increase your hair volume by nourishing the hair shaft. Papaya is also used for controlling dandruff.

According to hair experts, the hair benefits from papaya can be obtained by eating the tasty fruit regularly or through regular use of hair care products containing papaya (in the form of fruit extract) as a major ingredient. You can also use papaya leaf extracts as a conditioner to add extra shine to dull, unruly and lifeless hair.

7. Prevents Cancer

There are several important compounds in papaya that can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancers. The rich antioxidant content, especially lycopene, beta-carotene and carotenoid known as beta-cryptoxanthin, is particularly beneficial in reducing cancer risk.

The fruit also contains compounds called isothiocyanates that help prevent cancer by eliminating potential carcinogens from the body and enhancing the action of tumor-suppressing proteins. They help inhibit the formation as well as development of cancer cells.

Papaya seeds, too, help slow cancer growth because of their immunomodulatory compounds.

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