50 amazing papaya benefits for beauty and health

Like all fruits, papaya (or papaya) is rich in macro and micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, and carbohydrates, and is even considered a medicinal plant, as it contains therapeutic bioactive substances studied and used for a long time as treatment for various organic conditions.

Among its many benefits, we can point out the fact that it is a rich source of vitamin C – papaya has 10 times more vitamin C than oranges. Also, it is rich in vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and potassium, as well as containing beta-carotene, serotonin, carpain and papain, a digestive enzyme that helps to regulate digestive disorders, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties.

Carpain, also present in papaya, is an alkaloid that facilitates the digestion of meat and other heavy foods. At the same time, the large amount of soluble fiber present in papaya helps to lower cholesterol, while beta-carotene fights free radicals – slowing down the aging process. And, best of all, all this with only 39 calories per 100 grams!

In addition to being used in food, papaya is also widely used in aesthetics, in creams, masks, shampoos, etc. Next, find out in what ways it can be a great ally of beauty.

Papaya benefits for hair and skin

Putting papaya in the daily diet is, in itself, very healthy for hair and skin, because, according to functional nutritionist Thaianna Costa, from Clínica Helena Costa, in Rio de Janeiro, “the beauty and health of the skin, hair and and nails is directly linked to a diet rich in vitamins and minerals”. Barbara Rodriguez, nutritionist at Nutri Import, also points out that the fact that papaya helps in the functioning of the intestine “ends up reflecting in a more vibrant skin and hair”.

The beauty and health of the skin, hair and nails is directly linked to a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

Barbara also comments that the vitamin A present in the fruit prevents hair loss, and Thaianna points out that vitamin C “is important in the production and maintenance of collagen, responsible for the firmness and support of the skin”, noting especially that “collagen is protein”. , also a fundamental part for the health of the hair, helping to rebuild the capillary structure.”

However, in addition to generating great benefits from its consumption, it can also be used directly on the place you want to affect, achieving varied benefits according to the use and combination of ingredients. Here are some of the possible uses:

1. Papaya has healing and healing properties, which help in the reconstitution of skin cells, and can be applied over scratches, wounds and scars.
2. It serves as a natural anti-aging cream, due to its antioxidant action, and can be used throughout the body.
3. Crushed and mixed with granulated sugar, it works as a nourishing exfoliator.
4. It helps to open clogged pores, as well as fight acne and pimples.
5. Accelerates the healing of burns.
6. Shampoos with papaya or papain in their composition are great in controlling dandruff.
7. Due to its low sodium concentration, it prevents fluid retention, improving skin hydration (and the body as a whole).
8. Applying mashed papaya on the face reduces pimples and blemishes, as well as evens out the skin tone (of the face and body).
9. Crushed papaya is also useful for moisturizing cracked or dry heels.
10. It is also an aid in the treatment of skin mycoses.
11. Making a papaya and honey paste, you have a fantastic moisturizer for your face.
12. If the paste is made with honey and rice flour, the cream will provide a great firming effect for the skin (which should be applied three times a week for 20 minutes).
13. Papaya is also a great helper to lighten dark circles. Just mix it with milk and apply it on the spot, leaving it on for a few minutes.
14. Mixed with yogurt, honey, lemon juice and egg white, papaya transforms into a whitening mask, which must be kept on the face for 20 minutes, followed by a sunscreen.
15. The daily intake of papaya prevents hair loss and thinning of the strands, strengthening the hair from the root and stimulating growth.
16. Applied to the hair, it helps to clean the scalp, as well as giving more shine and life to the hair.

To use papaya as a hair mask, just hit the blender:

• 1/2 cup chopped papaya
• 1/2 cup chopped banana
• 1 cup of natural yogurt
• 1 spoon of honey
• 1 spoon of coconut oil
• Optionally, a conditioner of your choice can be added.

Check that there are no pieces of fruit left in the cream. Apply through hair and cover with a shower cap. After half an hour, wrap with a towel or put on a thermal cap, wait another half hour and wash as usual.

Papaya benefits for health as a whole

Both nutritionists consulted list several health benefits from the consumption of papaya. In this sense, Thaianna Costa comments that “papaya is a very nutritious fruit, it contains vitamins A, C and the B complex, fiber and mineral salts such as potassium and phosphorus. It also has an enzyme called papain that helps in the digestion of food and consequently in the absorption of nutrients by the body. It has laxative power that helps people with constipation. Vitamin C together with vitamin A will give strength to immunity, in addition to fighting the action of free radicals, responsible for the aging of the body. Papaya is still a source of carotenoids that act in the prevention of retinal diseases.”

Barbara Rodriguez, in turn, explains that the fruit “has antioxidant action from carotenoids, which are the pigments widely spread in nature that are characterized by displaying colors in food. This antioxidant action involves strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, among others” and also says that the soluble fibers of papaya “help in reducing cholesterol when associated with a healthy diet and exercise practice.”

In addition, papaya is popularly indicated to alleviate various gastrointestinal imbalances, diabetes, coughs and respiratory problems, degenerative and heart diseases, kidney problems, eczema, swelling, ulcers and even dark circles. Of course, in many of these conditions, papaya cannot be used as the only form of treatment – ​​it is always important to consult a specialist doctor. But the fruit certainly helps a lot in alleviating symptoms.

In addition, papaya is an extremely versatile fruit: everything can be used for something, and the preparation of each part of the fruit can be prepared in several different ways:

Pulp

The pulp, the inner part of the fruit, is the most commonly used part and the one that offers the most health benefits. It can be consumed raw – in pieces, or as juice or cream. It is also possible to consume papaya in the form of jam or compote (most often made from green papaya), boiled, fermented or in syrup. Check now the thousands of benefits brought by the papaya pulp.

1. Papaya has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nourishing, emollient, laxative and diuretic properties.
2. It has a large amount of beta-carotene, which is supposed to help prevent cardiovascular disease.
3. Rich in fiber, it helps to reduce and control cholesterol levels.
4. Due to its large amount of antioxidants, it helps to prevent premature aging of the body.
5. Intake of papaya helps to regulate blood pressure, being an aid in the treatment of hypertension due to the large amount of potassium in the fruit.
6. The beta-carotenes and vitamin C present in papaya strengthen the immune system, helping the body to prevent infections, flu and colds.
7. When applied to wounds, it accelerates the healing process.
8. Papaya helps in controlling diabetes.
9. The papain present in the fruit helps in digestion, alleviating constipation.
10. Regular consumption helps to prevent colon infections.
11. It is an aid in the weight loss process, as it is a sweet and tasty fruit, but with lots of fiber and few calories.
12. Daily consumption of a slice of ripe papaya (it cannot be green or semi-ripe) by pregnant women helps to avoid nausea and morning sickness.
13. It has mild anti-inflammatory properties that minimize the pain of those who suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis and edema.
14. Helps control menstrual irregularities and cramps.

latex (sap)

Latex is the whitish liquid that comes out of the papaya skin when it is still green. To obtain it, the fruit must still be on the plant. Small cuts should be made in the papaya skin, during the morning, and let the liquid drain into a dark glass container. The latex needs to dry in the sun, and the removal can be done every 4 days. Once ready, some of its uses include:

1. Diluted in water, softens corns and warts.
2. It has a healing and slightly antibacterial effect.
3. When ingested, it is useful for controlling respiratory problems such as cough, bronchitis and shortness of breath.

Despite these benefits, it is necessary to be alert because latex can cause dermatitis and allergies, which are usually severe.

male papaya flowers

Papaya trees are generally identified as male, female or hermaphrodite, the latter being the most commercially valuable, as they have a fleshier pulp and fewer seeds. The male papaya tree is recognized by its flowers and fruits, which are more elongated, and by the long handle that connects the fruit to the tree – which makes the male papaya popularly known as “ropa papaya” or “cabinho papaya”. This is the type whose flowers are most useful for health, and after drying in the sun, they can be used to make an infusion or syrup with an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.

seeds

To be used, papaya seeds must be dried and ground. Among the medicinal properties of its consumption, we have:

1. Help against constipation.
2. Liver protection.
3. Body detox.

Popularly, it is said that the consumption of papaya seeds would also have an effect against intestinal worms, but this use was discarded by scientific research, which proved that papaya has very little effect on such worms.

Sheets

Like everything in papaya, the leaves also have a light therapeutic function. The tea made with such leaves is digestive, and has a mild anti-inflammatory action.

Care to be taken with papaya

Although papaya has numerous qualities, it is necessary to pay attention to some risk situations. Some people may be allergic to papain, as well as latex, which can even cause gastritis if ingested by people with a weaker gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, latex, present in greater amounts in green papaya, can be harmful during pregnancy, as it suppresses the effects of…