Papaya (Papita) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Papaya is loaded with vitamins, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that make it highly beneficial for the skin. 

First, the antioxidants present in papaya plant help fight free radical damage, which, may, in turn, aid in delaying skin ageing. Free radicals are singlet oxygen or hydroxyl molecules that are formed in the body as a result of normal metabolism. However, factors like poor diet, lifestyle and ageing may increase the accumulation of free radicals in the body. 

(Read more: Anti-ageing treatments)

Second, the anti-inflammatory effect of papaya may be helpful in the management of redness and swelling associated with acne.

Then, papaya contains a good amount of vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C is needed for the formation of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are responsible for providing shape and elasticity to the skin. So, consumption of papaya or application of papaya mask may aid in skin tightening.  

A research study showed that the consumption of a mixture of lycopene, vitamin C, and other antioxidants can help reduce wrinkles. Another study indicated that the use of lycopene supplement for 10-12 weeks showed a remarkable reduction in skin redness caused by overexposure to the sun.

(Read more: Age spots prevention)

Papaya is also indicated to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. A study conducted on papaya showed that papaya seeds have the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and can be used to effectively treat chronic skin ulcers.

(Read more: Skincare routine for a flawless skin)

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment that is essential to prevent asthma. This pigment is abundantly present in certain vegetables and fruits. One among those fruits is papaya. Togo, a place in West Africa continues to use plant-based medicine to treat many conditions. A study was conducted to see if this plant-based medicine of Togo can be used to treat asthma. Out of the 98 plants that were used for the study, one of the most important plants was papaya. Through this study, researchers were able to see initial evidence of using these plants to treat asthma.

(Read more: Exercises for asthma control)

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year. Antimalarial drug resistance is a big problem that keeps on recurring, posing a threat to the control and elimination of this disease. To avoid this, researchers keep on looking for new antimalarial drugs. In one such study, a group of researchers used a few traditional plants that people from southwest India use to treat malaria. Among these plants was papaya. Specific plant parts of these plants have shown a significant effect in preventing malaria.

In an animal based study done on mice, administration of papaya was found to be helpful in reducing the parasite load. Another preclinical study done on mice showed the antimalarial effects of the solvent extracts of papaya fruit and roots. 

(Read more: 10 most frequently asked questions about malaria)

Dengue fever is a viral disease that spreads mainly through mosquito bites. This disease affects many people in the world and in some cases, leads to death. Papaya leaves are one of the most popular herbal remedies used for the management of dengue fever and is believed to improve platelet count. Reduction in platelet count is one of the symptoms of dengue fever.

(Read more: Ayurvedic treatment for dengue fever)

Researchers have been trying to check if this belief holds true. Several studies have been done to assess the effects of papaya administration on dengue fever. A study shows that the juice of the papaya plant can help increase the platelet count of the affected patient. Another study shows that extract from the leaves of papaya can help reduce the fever.

A meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggested that therapy with papaya may help reduce hospital stay and improve platelet count but due to the absence of good quality evidence, nothing could be said for sure as of yet.  

(Read more: What to eat and avoid in Dengue)

Too much cholesterol build up can lead to a number of heart diseases such as heart attack, hypertension etc. The fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C present in papaya can help prevent the accumulation and oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries. So the chances of all these conditions are considerably reduced by adding more papaya to your diet.

(Read more: Best cardio exercises for heart health)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in the elderly. Patients with AD suffer a gradual deterioration of memory and other cognitive functions, which eventually leads to complete incapacity and death. Research shows that being rich in antioxidants, papaya (especially fermented papaya powder) may help in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Free radical (reactive oxygen species) accumulation is one of the causes of Alzheimer's.

(Read more: Exercises and activities to prevent dementia)

Diabetes can be controlled by making a few changes to your diet. This includes increased intake of fiber, weight reducing strategies, and adding fruits, vegetables, and legumes that have a greater effect on forcing the action of insulin. Recent studies indicate that intake of fermented papaya preparation (FPP) supplements may cater to this problem. It has been inferred that the oral administration of FPP has the ability to produce a considerable decline in the level of plasma sugar in healthy persons as well as in patients with type-II diabetes.

However, if you are a diabetes patient, it is best that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

(Read more: What not to eat in diabetes)

Inflammation is our body's natural response to injury. However, chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases. Unhealthy foods and lifestyle can further aggravate it. Papaya is a rich source of beta-carotene and other antioxidants. A research study found that a high intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits in healthy, nonsmoking men may lead to a decrease in inflammation.

Both in vitro (lab) and in vivo (animal) studies indicate that papaya contains active compounds that can help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. However, there is no clinical evidence so far to prove the same.

(Read more: Inflammatory disease symptoms)

An enzyme called papain is present in Papaya aids in digestion. From a therapeutic point of view, papain is held in high esteem for its digestive properties, which help to digest the proteins in the food. Being rich in water and loaded with dietary fiber, papaya helps prevent conditions like constipation, bloating, heartburn, painful bowel movements, and promotes overall digestive health.

(Read more: How to improve digestion)