Written by Maryam Abdurrahman
Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is one of the most common fruits from the herbaceous plants belonging to the papaya family. Papaya contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C. A small fruit of papaya provides about 95.6 milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C which meets or exceed the daily recommended intake for adult males (90mg) and females (75mg). One medium of the papaya fruit has approximately 120 calories, 30g of carbohydrate including 5g of fiber and 18g of sugar.
Papaya have many health benefits, below are some of it benefits;
1• DIGESTION
Papaya leaf tea are often used to alleviate common uncomfortable digestive complaints such as heartburn, bloating, gas because of its high fiber and water content which is a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function. It also contains papain which is well known for its ability to breakdown large proteins into smaller pieces and ease to digest protein and amino acids, carbohydrate and fats in the digestive system.
2• IT SUPPORT HAIR GROWTH
Applying papaya leaf tea to the hair scalp often improve hair growth because papaya leaf contains several compounds with antioxidant properties such as flavonoids and Vitamin E though stress may contribute to hair loss but eating food which are rich in antioxidants helps to alleviate oxidative stress and therefore improve hair growth.
3• IT HELPS MAINTAIN THE SKIN
Papaya leaf tea contains high level of Vitamin A and Vitamin C which are very good for the skin. Vitamin C particularly plays a vital role on the skinas it serves as an antioxidant, helping the body to fight against skin damage, acne, dark spots, wrinkle and many more skin symptoms. Therefore taking at least a cup of papaya tea or applying it on the hair scalp can help maintain soft, bright and youthful-looking skin. Papain which can be use as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
4• REGULATE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND RELIEF MENSTRUAL PAIN
Papaya leaf tea can help regulate the menstrual cycle of women with irregular menstrual cycle caused by hormonal disorders in the body, it balances the hormones and minimize the risk of serious gynecological diseases. Abdominal pain is common during menstruation which is common in many women die to the discomfort of lower abdominal cramps. A tea of papaya with a teaspoon full of honey can quickly help lessen the abdominal pain.
5• HEART DISEASE
Papaya contain antioxidants in papaya such as lycopene may reduce the risk of disease and stroke also it contains fiber which helps lower cholesterol. Papaya is rich in potassium which can be beneficial to those with high blood pressure.
Additionally, due to high fiber in papaya, it helps improve blood sugar, lipid and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
