To keep the body healthy and nutritious, and to avoid diseases, it is considered most important to take care of the nutrition of the diet. Health experts say, for this, it is necessary to ensure plenty of fruits and vegetables in the diet. Seasonal fruits and vegetables contain many types of nutrients along with essential antioxidants and anti-cancer properties which help protect you from serious and chronic diseases.
Papaya is one such very beneficial fruit, whose regular consumption can be beneficial for you. Researchers said papaya contains a series of powerful compounds and nutrients that can help keep you safe from serious diseases.
What can be the benefits of this fruit, which is easily available in the market and at a low price, let us know about this in detail.
Beneficial properties of papaya
Papaya contains nutrients like antioxidants and potassium, and essential enzymes like papain, which are considered beneficial for the body in many ways. Consumption of this fruit is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Many studies suggest that regular consumption of papaya can provide protective benefits against many types of cancer.
Fruit rich in anti-cancer properties
Cancer is one of the diseases from which papaya is considered most beneficial for prevention. This fruit with anti-cancer properties like lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein can help keep you safe from serious types of cancer.
A review of studies conducted in the year 2022 found that papaya is rich in lycopene which is believed to have very beneficial effects against prostate cancer. However, the researchers noted that more research is needed to determine its recommended dosage.
Beneficial in gastric and prostate cancer
Other studies done on papaya have also discussed its anti-cancer properties. A 2020 study suggests that papaya contains a compound called zeaxanthin that may be beneficial in preventing gastric cancer cells from growing and reducing cancer cells. Its benefits have also been seen in slowing the growth of breast cancer cells.
Apart from cancer, regular consumption of papaya can also be beneficial in reducing the factors of heart disease.
Heart health also gets benefits
Eating papaya is also beneficial for your heart health. Antioxidants such as lycopene present in papaya can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Papaya also contains fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol. Apart from this, it is also rich in potassium, which can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
Studies show that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium intake is the most important dietary change that is beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease.
(PC: ISTOCK)
