Top 10 Benefits Of Consuming Papaya: How To Use Papaya Leaf Juice To Fight Dengue

Rajiv D of Bangalore has several papaya trees near his home.   Last year when he fell ill and tested positive for dengue, his family members panicked, except him. He just asked them to get him papaya leaves from the trees and make juice out of these leaves. Like many, his family members were ignorant that papaya leaves are often used as a cure for dengue.

When Padmaja Kaushik was diagnosed with diabetes, the first thing she did was remove sweet papaya juice from her breakfast because her doctors advised her to avoid sweet foods. What she didn't realize was that sweet papaya is actually full of fiber and is, in fact, very beneficial for diabetics.

Here are 10 benefits of consuming papaya:

1. Treats dengue

Priya Kathpal, a leading nutrition consultant says, "Papaya is a very popular fruit for its easy availability, affordability and for its great taste. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It also has anti-ageing and skin-healing properties.

Traditionally, papaya leaves are used as a cure for dengue. Dengue is an infection where the blood platelet counts drop dangerously. Dengue patients are given the extract or juice from the leaves of papaya to increase their platelet count.

Case studies have indicated that the extract or juice of papaya leaves contains some enzymes named chymopapain and papain which help boost platelet count in dengue patients and relieve symptoms. Papaya leaf extract preparations are available in the form of capsules and liquid formulas. About 20-25 ml of papaya leaf juice is recommended twice a day for a week for a quick increase in platelet count. However, papaya leaf juice may lead to stomach upset in some cases, it's better to start it in small quantities and increase it gradually."

2. Improves digestion

The enzyme papain in papaya is helpful in breaking down protein, which in turn helps in digestion. For a long time, papaya has been used as a solution for constipation. Because of its protein-breaking powers, papaya is also used as a meat tenderizer.

3. Fights inflammation

Papaya has many healthy antioxidants which are easily absorbed by our body. These beneficial antioxidants fight and reduce inflammation in the body. It has also been used to treat ulcers as it helps in healing wounds and burns.

4. Protects the skin

Papayas are widely used in beauty regimes for their ability to keep our skin looking toned and radiant. The beneficial antioxidants in papaya help our skin fight sun damage. It is a good protection against wrinkles too. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene, papaya prevents your skin from free radical damage and thereby delays signs of ageing.

5. Good for diabetes

Even though papaya is sweet, it has a low glycemic index. Studies found that eating raw papaya helps maintain blood sugar levels because of its high fibre content.

6. Helps in weight loss

Those who are watching their weight can have papaya without any worry as it is low in calories and therefore proves to be a superfood for weight loss. A serving of 140 grams of papaya contains only 60 calories, with a total fat of 0.4 grams and no cholesterol, 15.7 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of dietary fibre.

The considerable amount of dietary fibre makes one feel full for a long time, ideal for weight-watchers. It helps in good bowel movement too.

7. Lowers cholesterol levels

The dietary fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants present in papaya together prevent cholesterol build-up in arteries. Thereby preventing serious diseases like heart attack and hypertension.

8. Protects against arthritis

It is said that papayas are good for bone health as they have anti-inflammatory properties along with Vitamin C. These properties help in reducing the risk of developing various forms of arthritis at a later stage.

9. Protects the eyes

Vitamin A, which is present in papaya, is required to protect our vision from age-related degeneration.

10. Eases menstrual pain:

If you suffer from period pain, have a large serving of papaya. Papaya is a good remedy for menstrual pain and cramps. Papain, an enzyme found in papaya, assists in regulating and easing the flow during menstruation, thereby reducing pain and cramps