Health Benefits - Papaya
Every part of the papaya tree and its fruit lend great therapeutic value in maintaining health and correcting bodily imbalances. Indigenous people have known of the health promoting benefits of papaya for centuries, and now the knowledge has entered into the spotlight of modern medicine.
Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The ripe fruit provides a bounty of vitamin C, E, and A along with folate and potassium. The shining star of papaya nutrition is papain, a formidable enzyme that helps digest protein and reduce inflammation. Papain is 3 times more abundant in green papaya than fully ripened fruit.
The Carica papaya, known as Pawpaw in Australia and New Zealand, is the most famous species for promoting excellent health and wellness. All parts of the plant and fruit have benefit. Fruit and seed extracts are found to be effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri.
The seeds are also rich in highly digestible protein and contain the alkaloid carpaine. Carpaine has a calming effect on the heart, bronchus, and muscles, making it ideal for lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. Natives of the south sea islands have long used papaya seeds for birth control and as an effective anti-parasitic.
Papaya tree bark helps with toothache while the root can be cooked as a tea for jaundice, intestinal parasites, and bleeding disorders.
The leaves are considered the most powerful element of the plant, yet the skin of both unripe and ripe fruit is also remarkably bioactive. The leaves contain 15 times the digestible protein of fully ripened fruit and include high levels of papain. The skin of mature green papaya is also an abundant source of this potent enzyme.
Papaya has been shown to prevent and heal many health issues. Conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and arthritis are alleviated by papaya consumption. Digestive health is enhanced by the enzymes and fiber present in papaya. The fiber binds to cancer causing toxins which are then removed from the system, safeguarding healthy colon cells in the process. The enzymes found in papaya also remove the thick fibrin coating on tumors which allows the killer T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Of the many health virtues of papaya, the ability to dissolve cancerous tumors has caught the attention of modern science. Believed to have been discovered by the Aboriginal tribes of Australia, papaya leaf tea is an effective remedy for cancer.
A study at the University of Florida found that papaya slowed the growth of a wide variety of tumors, including those of the breast, lung, pancreas, cervix, and liver. Researchers used a concentrated tea made from dried papaya leaf. It was found that the larger the dose of papaya leaf tea used the more it reduced the tumor.
The dramatic healing properties of the tea were attributed to increased production of Th1-type cytokines, which are regulators of the immune system. With an increase of cytokines, the immune system is able to dissolve cancer cells. As an added benefit, consumption of papaya leaf tea is void of the harmful side effects of traditional therapies. However, those with a known latex allergy should not consume any part of the papaya tree including the fruit.
As a delicious food or potent medicine, the extraordinary papaya tree provides a wealth of healthy benefit.
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/031844_papaya_health_benefits.html#ixzz2AXg7rzqR
Papaya offers luscious taste and super nutrition. Papaya adds the sunlight of the tropics to summer drinks while flooding the body with high class antioxidants such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids. It is rich in several B vitamins including folate and pantothenic acid. It contains ample amounts of potassium, and plenty of magnesium, the mineral most deficient in Americans. It is also a good source of fiber.
Papaya can be eaten for its digestive health and heart health properties. Externally, it is used in anti-aging products and both the skin and pulp are valuable as healing agents. After a course of antibiotic therapy, papaya juice will rapidly return the intestinal bacteria count to normal. It is especially rich in Vitamin C and carotene.
More unusual, but very valuable is its high arginine, papain and carpain contents. Arginine is known to be good for male fertility, while papain is a proteolytic enzyme. This means papain can break down protein, making it valuable as a meat tenderizer. Carpain is an enzyme considered to be good for the heart. Papaya also contains fibrin, a rarity in the plant world. In humans, fibrin is an essential part of the blood clotting process.
Although further study needs to be done, early findings lead to the belief that papaya may prevent diabetic heart disease. It is high in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol. A very special ability of the fiber contained in papaya is that it can bind cancer causing toxins to it, preventing them from binding to cells in the colon. For individuals with a family history of colon cancer, papaya may be an important dietary addition.
Another promising finding is that men who ate lycopene-rich foods are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Papaya is one of the high lycopene fruits, easy to eat and easy to obtain in today's markets.
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/025846_papaya_fruit_health.html#ixzz2AXYFP9oK
Anti-Microbial - Anti-Viral - Proteolytic Enzymes - Papaya
Proteolytic enzymes are able to digest and destroy the defense shields of viruses, tumors, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus. Once the shield is destroyed, tumors and invading organisms are extremely vulnerable and easily taken care of by the immune system.
Undigested proteins can penetrate the gut and wind up in the bloodstream where they are treated by the immune system as invaders. If too many undigested proteins are floating around, the immune system becomes overburdened and unable to attend to the other tasks it was meant to do. Proteolytic enzymes can digest these rogue proteins, freeing up the immune system.
Cancer - Anti-Oxidants - Lycopene - Papaya
Papaya is a store-house of cancer fighting lycopene. The intense orangey-pink color of papaya means it is chock full of cancer fighting carotenoids. Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance. The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive toward oxygen and free radicals.
Scientists at the University of Illinois think this anti-oxidant activity contributes to its effectiveness as a cancer fighting agent. Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. They showed that oral lycopene is highly bioavailable, accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localized in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells.
In addition to antioxidant activity, other experiments have indicated that lycopene induces cancer cell death, anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes. Phase I and II studies have established the safety of lycopene supplementation. (Cancer Letter, October 8, 2008)
Cancer - Breast Cancer - Papaya
Papaya is a potent cancer fighter that is highly effective against hormone related cancers as well as other cancers. New research shows papaya can stop the growth of breast cancer cells, halt metastasis, and normalize the cell cycle.
Scientists studied 14 plant foods commonly consumed in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth ... Papaya was the only studied food found to halt breast cancer.
The 14 foods included avocado, black sapote, guava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. They found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer cell growth. (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May).
Cancer - Breast - Cervix - Liver - Lung - Pancreas - Papaya
University of Florida (UF) researcher Dr. Nam Dang and his colleagues in Japan have announced new evidence that the papaya fights cancer cells. In fact, they discovered that an extract made from dried papaya leaves produced a dramatic anti-cancer effect against a broad range of tumors grown in the laboratory -- including cancers of the cervix, breast, liver, lung and pancreas.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, not only showed that papaya has a direct anti-tumor effect on a variety of malignancies, but it also documented for the first time that papaya leaf extract increases the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines. That's important because this regulation of the immune system raises the strong possibility that the use of papaya could help the body's own immune system to overcome cancers. In addition, it suggests papaya could be helpful in treating or preventing other health problems such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
The research team found that papaya's anti-cancer effects were strongest when cancer cells received larger doses of the papaya leaf extract - yet, unlike many mainstream cancer therapies, there were no toxic effects at all on normal cells. In a statement to the media, Dr. Dang pointed out that the ability of papaya extract to stop cancer without toxicity is consistent with reports from indigenous populations in Australia and in his native Vietnam.
"Based on what I have seen and heard in a clinical setting, nobody who takes this extract experiences demonstrable toxicity; it seems like you could take it for a long time - as long as it is effective," stated Dr. Dang, who is a professor of medicine and the medical director of the UF Shands Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office.
In all, the UF scientists exposed 10 different types of cancer cell cultures to four strengths of papaya leaf extract. When they measured the effect of the extract after 24 hours, the papaya had slowed the growth of tumors in all the cultures.
What exactly does papaya do to halt malignancies? To find out, the researchers focused on a T-lymphoma cancer cell line. They discovered that at least one of the mechanisms that makes papaya extract a potent anti-cancer weapon is the natural compound's ability to cause malignant cells - but not normal ones - to die.
The researchers hope to follow up these experiments by eventually testing the papaya cancer treatment in animal and human studies. Up next for Dr. Dang and his colleagues: they've applied to patent a process to distill the papaya extract through the University of Tokyo and they are working to identify all the specific compounds in the papaya extract that are active against cancer cells.
To this end, Dr. Dang has partnered with Hendrik Luesch, a UF Shands Cancer Center professor of medicinal chemistry who is an expert in the identification and use of natural products for medical purposes. Dr. Luesch recently discovered yet another natural cancer fighter - a coral reef compound that blocks cancer cell growth in cell lines.
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/028472_papaya_breast_cancer.html#ixzz2AXeGU1KM
Cancer - Breast - Colon - Lung - Prostate - Isothiocyanates - Papaya
Isothiocyanates found in papaya restore the cell cycle to eliminate cancer. Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanates are found in papaya. In animal experiments, isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon pancreas, and prostate, as well as leukemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms. (International Journal of Oncology), October, 2008)
Researchers in Japan clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of isothiocyanate found in papaya known as BITC, that underlies the relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell death. When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no longer a problem. The researchers established that BITC exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Cancer cells that are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells that are in a state of dormancy. (Forum of Nutrition, 2009)
Cancer - Prostate Cancer - Lycopene - Papaya
Prostate cancer was the subject of a study in Australia that looked at 130 prostate cancer patients and 274 hospitalized controls. The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer. In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect. When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy. (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007)
Digestive Health - Proteolytic Enzymes - Papaya
Enzymes from papaya digest proteins including those that protect tumors. The fruit and other parts of the papaya tree, also known as the paw paw tree, contain papain and chymopapain, powerful proteolytic enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. They promote digestion by helping to break down proteins from food into amino acids that can be recombined to produce protein useable by humans. Proteolytic enzymes protect the body from inflammation and help heal burns. They do a good job of digesting unwanted scar tissue both on the skin and under its surface.
Papayas contain soft, easily digestible flesh with a good amount of soluble dietary fiber that helps to have normal bowel movements; thereby reducing constipation.
Digestive Health - Bacteria - Proteolytic Enzymes - Papaya
Research has shown that the physical and mental health of people is highly dependent on their ability to produce proteins they can use effectively. However, as people age, they produce less of the enzymes needed to effectively digest proteins from food and free needed amino acids. They are left with excessive amounts of undigested protein which can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the intestinal tract, and a lack of available amino acids.
Eating papaya after a meal promotes digestion, and helps prevent bloating, gas production, and indigestion. It is quite helpful after antibiotic use to replenish friendly intestinal bacteria that were the casualties in the war against the unwanted bacteria. When the intestinal tract is well populated with friendly bacteria, the immune system is strengthened, and can better protect against flu and cancer.
Being a proteolytic enzyme, papain is able to destroy intestinal parasites, which are composed mostly of protein. To rid the body of intestinal parasites, half a cup of papaya juice can be alternated each hour for twelve consecutive hours with the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice.
Heart Health - Stroke - Blood Clots - Fibrin - Papaya
Papaya contains fibrin, another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom. Fibrin reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system.
Fibrin is also important in preventing stokes. Proteolytic enzymes containing fibrin are a good idea for long plane rides to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs. People who sit at a desk all day might want to use proteolytic enzymes too.
Papaya may reduce the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Papaya prevents oxidation of cholesterol, preventing cholesterol from building up on blood vessel walls.
Skin Health - Papain - Vitamin C - Papaya
Papaya can cleanse extremely effectively internally, and therefore helps clear up skin ailments. Rubbing partially ripe papayas on the skin softens and dissolves dead skin, repairs skin damage and wrinkles, lightens freckles, and clears the complexion. Avoid the eyes.
Papaya Fruit Pulp can Help Reduce Wrinkles - Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that is known as a digestive enzyme that can also help repair wrinkles. The skin is made of tissues that stretch with age. Elastin and collagen are two fibers in the skin that contribute to skin firmness and help to restore skin elasticity. Papayas help rebuild the elastin thereby rebuilding healthy skin and preventing wrinkling
Papain in Papayas Restores Skin - Papain helps digest protein foods (and is used in both dietary supplements and chewing gum). The enzyme, papain, is found in all papayas, but especially when they are not yet ripe. Research in Japan demonstrated that a papaya preparation had antioxidant activity and healed mucus membranes. The research indicated that papaincan improves wound healing and is therefore beneficial to the skin.
Vitamin C in Papayas Prevents Wrinkles - Papayas also contain vitamin C, which is known to help restore skin elasticity. Vitamin C helps the manufacture of collagen, which then firms theskin.
Papaya Facial Mask - To make a papaya facial mask, select a green papaya, one that is not yet fully ripe. Mash one half of the papaya and combine with a tablespoon of honey. Cleanse the face with warm water and apply the papaya mask. Leave on for a half hour and then rinse off. This can be repeated twice a week to help rebuild skin and prevent wrinkles.
Papaya Ringworm Remedy - Juice of raw papayas is regarded as one of the best remedies for ringworm. Rub the skin patches with papaya slices. Also, prepare a paste from dry papaya seeds and apply it on ringworm patches.
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/028515_papaya_skin_wrinkles.html#ixzz2AXcZsdZ7
Source: http://www.healthmango.com/skinbeauty/home-remedies-for-ringworm/
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