Many people are aware of the benefits of the papaya fruit, which include relieving indigestion, as well as being restorative, protective, and nourishing. But few people know about the papaya leaves benefits which far exceed the benefits of the fruits. Also known as the paw paw fruit, papaya comes from the tropical regions in the West Indies and South America. The botanical name is Carica Papaya. Although the fruit is tasty, the leaves are bitter because of its phytonutrients in high concentration.
Health Benefits of Papaya Leaves
1. Increase Blood Platelet Production
Some diseases, such as dengue, cause blood platelets to decrease. It is critical to maintain high levels of platelets following such illness. It has been proven that papaya leaf juice will significantly increase the platelet production.
2. Support the Liver
Papaya leaf juice is a potent cleanser of the liver. It can form the basis of healing for a number of chronic diseases, including liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and jaundice.
3. Prevent Various Diseases
Many dangerous diseases may be prevented by drinking papaya leaf juice as it contains acetogenin which supports the immune system, fighting bacterial and viral invaders in your body.
4. Improve Energy Levels
One of the papaya leaves benefits is that it can help boost your energy level by cleansing your body and healing it. It could possibly be an effective treatment for chronic fatigue. Consider adding papaya leaves to your arsenal of nutrients.
5. Regulate Digestive System
Papain, protease, amylase, and chymopapain enzymes are found in papaya leaves. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates, helping with digestion. Papaya leaf juice can help regulate your digestive system and alleviate digestive disorders. The juice is a very potent antimicrobial that lessens stomach-lining inflammation. It heals peptic ulcers by killing the H. pylori and other harmful bacteria. Colon inflammation caused by bowel diseases may be reduced by the healing properties of the juice too.
6. Reduce Inflammation
A common side effect of allergies and illness is inflammation. Papaya leaf juice contains anti-inflammatory properties that will aid in reducing inflammation. It could also possibly reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
7. Help with Menstruation Disorders
The healing properties in papaya leaves balance hormones, which in turn may reduce the symptoms of PMS and regulate the menstrual cycle.
8. Promote Cardiovascular Health
One of the papaya leaves benefits is promoting heart health. Powerful antioxidants in papaya leaves will improve the blood circulation, boost the immune system, dilate the blood vessels, and protect you from stroke.
9. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Papaya leaf juice naturally lowers and regulates blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. Complications of diabetes such as kidney damage and fatty liver are decreased thanks to the high content of antioxidants.
10. Fight Skin Problems
Papaya leaf juice contains high amounts of vitamins A and C which are beneficial for skin health. Papaya leaf juice can be used to cleanse your skin. Micro-organisms and other toxin-inhibiting karpain compounds are found in papaya leaf juice, making it an effective treatment for eczema. It also fights against blemishes, freckles, pimples, and other skin problems simply by applying papaya leaf juice to the affected site. It can treat open sores and wounds, too.
Caution
Papaya leaves contain the enzyme papain which has caused allergic reactions in some people. The September 2008 issue of the journal Ugeskrift for Laeger reported that nearly half of a research lab's employees developed allergic symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes after being exposed to papain dust.
How to Enjoy Papaya Leaf
1. Enjoy Papaya Leaf Juice
You may put washed papaya leaves into a juicer to make your own juice. If you don't have a juicer, try using your blender. Crush the leaves (about 10), put in the blender, and add a cup of water. Whiz, then strain through cheesecloth. Only make a small amount each time. Put it in a tight container and refrigerate it for up to four or five days. Because papaya leaf juice is bitter in taste, you may mix it with a fruit juice. Only use one tablespoon a day at first, then work up to no more than two tablespoons per day when using for healing purpose.
2. Make Papaya Leaf Tea
Place two quarts of water in a large pan and add about ten medium to large papaya leaves. Boil until the water is reduced to half of its original volume. Cool it completely. Discard the leaves and drink in small doses. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days, but it's best to drink it as fresh as possible to maximize papaya leaves benefits.
3. Consume Papaya Leaf Extract
You may choose to use the extract rather than juicing or making papaya leaf tea. The extract comes in capsules or tincture. Always choose a non-GMO organic extract, since most papayas are genetically modified nowadays. The fermented papaya extracts may be even more beneficial because of their enhanced immune-boosting and antioxidant effects.