Although fruits contain the sugar fructose, a monitored consumption of fruits will help maintain a balance in the diet. Papaya is one such nutrient-dense fruit that is helpful to the human body. papaya is a great source of vitamin A, B, C and K which also helps build body’s immunity. It also helps in maintaining collagen in the body which is the structural protein of connective tissues.
One important aspect of having papaya and the reason why even bodybuilders prefer papaya as a fruit is the digestive enzyme content of the fruit. The enzyme papain present in papaya is known to aid digestion by breaking down proteins. Bodybuilders have a lot of protein, the enzymes in papaya help break them and hence it helps the digestion when you are on high protein diets.
Another added benefit of Papaya is the presence of antioxidants which help fight free radical attack, which is one of the major reasons why diseases occur. So having a bowl of the fruit in measures quantities of your total macro and micronutrient intake is a great way to have papaya in your diets.
Another beneficial ability of papaya is the leaves of the plant are used to treat people with dengue. It is a condition where the blood platelets start coming down tremendously. Papaya leaves are great for helping build the patients replenish blood platelets by giving them papaya leaves juice.
Papaya also benefits relating to the skin. The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya protect your skin and may help reduce these signs of ageing.
According to a study lycopene supplementation for 10-12 weeks helped reduce skin redness after being exposed to the sun for long which is also a type of skin injury. So for people who have direct exposure to the sun for long hours may consider having a juice or bowl of the fruit.