The sweltering heat of summer can be overwhelming, but enjoying a refreshing slice of papaya, also known as paw paw, can offer a delicious respite and nourish your health. Known as the “Fruit of Longevity,” every part of the plant, including its fruit, leaves, seeds, and latex, has medicinal properties. However, experts caution that there are four groups of people who should avoid consuming papaya.
The many treasures of the papaya tree
Belonging to the Caricaceae family, every part of the tree — its seeds, branches, leaves, skin, and roots — is medically beneficial. the fruit is rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin B, flavonoids, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and a variety of minerals including potassium and magnesium. These properties contribute to its protective effect on the eyes, antioxidant capability, cancer-fighting potential, and ability to lower blood pressure.
Western medical research has confirmed the medicinal benefits of papaya. A study published in Acta Informatica Medica in September 2012 showed that the fruit, leaves, seeds, and latex of the plant are all medically valuable. Especially, the delicious and juicy fruit has antioxidant and immune-stimulating effects. Animal experiments have confirmed that water extracts of papaya can have antioxidant and immune-stimulating effects on rats poisoned with acrylamide.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), papaya seeds are edible and have a bitter, peppery taste, which can treat cholera; drinking water boiled with its branches, leaves, skin, and roots can stop vomiting and diarrhea and relieve muscle spasms; papaya slices can treat athlete’s foot and similar conditions.
Nutritional components and health benefits of papaya
Papaya’s carotenoids protect the eyes
The fruit is rich in carotenoids. According to the nutrition data released by Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration, the carotenoid content in papayas that ripen in May is seven times higher than those that ripen in August. Carotenoids can combine with singlet oxygen or free radicals, giving them antioxidant effects, which are inhibitory to cancer, hardening or narrowing of the arteries, and heart attacks.
Additionally, flavonoids present in the fruit, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, offer even more health benefits. Thus, consuming this fruit can prevent dry eye disease, protect the eye’s mucous membranes, and boost immunity.
Folic acid in papaya has preventive effects on colorectal cancer
Japanese cancer prevention expert and director of the Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Dr. Keitaro Matsuo, suggested as early as 2018 that supplementing with folic acid can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, as it can repair cellular genes and inhibit the occurrence of colorectal polyps and cancer.
Magnesium and potassium in papaya can lower blood pressure
Magnesium has the effect of lowering blood pressure and can improve symptoms of inflammation and insomnia. Potassium can regulate the sodium content in the body and improve high blood pressure symptoms through enhanced urination. Both magnesium and potassium have blood pressure-lowering effects.
The fruit’s lycopene offers anti-cancer properties
In addition to antioxidant carotenoids, the fruit also contains lycopene, whose antioxidant effect is 100 times that of vitamin E and can detoxify reactive oxygen. An article published in 2014 in Poland’s Annals of the National Institute of Hygiene pointed out that lycopene is an antioxidant with radiation protection and anti-cancer properties. Tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruit, apricots, pink pomegranates, and papayas all contain lycopene. Regular consumption can reduce the risk of cancer in many organs and slow the growth of tumors.
Vitamin C in papaya is a powerful antioxidant for skin health
Vitamin C has a significant antioxidant effect. It helps to protect the skin against harmful free radicals, which can cause premature aging. It also contributes to collagen production, a protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Regular intake of Vitamin C can lead to healthier, more radiant skin.
Who should avoid papaya?
Despite the excellent health benefits of papaya, it’s important to note that the following groups of people should avoid consuming it:
- Pregnant women: The fruit contains natural latex components that may cause uterine contractions.
- Those allergic to latex.
- Kidney disease patients: Especially those on dialysis or those with high blood levels of potassium.
- Those with high stomach acid levels.
Whether served in a fruit salad, combined with milk to make a nourishing papaya milk drink, or consuming the seeds directly with a spoon for a bitter, peppery taste, this is more than just a delightful tropical fruit — it is a treasure trove of health benefits.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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