Health is undoubtedly the most precious asset in our lives. In our quest for well-being, we often focus on popular fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, while overlooking the humble yet incredibly nutritious papaya leaves. While papaya as a fruit might not be everyone’s favourite, its leaves are a hidden treasure trove of health benefits waiting to be explored.
What are the health benefits of papaya leaves?
The eminent dietician in India, Avni Kaul, shares the health benefits of papaya leaves here in this blog. Some of them are:
1. Boosts Immunity
Papaya leaves contain phenolic compounds, papain, and alkaloids that greatly boost the immune system. They are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, aiding immunity and wound healing. Eating a bowl of freshly cubed papaya daily can help you stay healthy, as it is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and essential minerals like phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients and enzymes strengthen the body’s defences against infections.
2. Aids in Digestion
Papain, an enzyme abundant in papaya leaves, aids in digestion by breaking down big proteins into smaller proteins and amino acids thus improving gut health. Including papaya leaves in your diet can alleviate digestive issues, such as bloating, heartburn, constipation, and indigestion.
3. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Papaya leaf juice is thought to aid diabetes treatment by safeguarding insulin-producing pancreatic cells and lowering blood sugar, based on scientific studies. While it is promising, there is no proven effectiveness for humans yet. Further research is vital to confirm its potential in managing high blood sugar. Always consult a qualified dietician before using papaya leaves as a remedy for diabetes.
4. Enhances Your Beauty
Papaya leaves offer great skin benefits due to their rich nutrients. They keep the skin clear and moisturized and prevent dryness. The antioxidants in papaya leave to slow down ageing and aid wound healing.
Applying papaya leaf topically or consuming it can make the skin soft, clean, and clear. The enzyme papain in papaya leaves acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, combating acne and ingrown hairs.
5. Controls Menstrual Pain
Papaya, including its leaves and seeds, is thought to alleviate menstrual cramps by reducing uterine contractions and facilitating smooth blood flow due to an enzyme called papain. It may also help with Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) symptoms. In India, some households avoid papaya during menstruation, but it is believed to relieve PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) symptoms and regulate periods by enhancing blood flow and addressing hormonal imbalances. Papaya leaf tea is known to assist in managing menstrual cycles and easing discomfort, particularly for those with irregular periods or painful cramps.
6. Helps in Dengue Fever
Papaya leaves offer a notable health benefit by potentially boosting blood platelet levels. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, causes platelet count to drop. Research indicates that papaya leaf extract may assist in raising platelet counts, aiding in dengue recovery.
Typically, papaya leaf juice is used to address dengue symptoms, which include fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea, skin rashes, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to low platelet levels, increasing the risk of bleeding and potential fatality if left untreated. While there is no cure for dengue, papaya leaf juice is a common treatment method.
Papaya leaves are a hidden gem of health benefits offering immunity-boosting properties, digestive aid, potential blood sugar regulation, beauty enhancements, relief from menstrual pain, and aid in dengue fever recovery. Their rich nutrient profile makes them a valuable addition to your diet and skincare regimen. Consult a qualified dietician before you incorporate papaya leaves into your diet.
