Papaya Nutrition and Health Benefits

Papaya contains more than 200 essential amino acids and several enzymes including, the proteolytic enzyme, papain. Papain is an effective anti-inflammatory molecule, which prevents inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract. It helps in rapid digestion of proteins, thereby reducing the incidence of acid reflux. Moreover, it is very effective against stomach ulcers and even provides relief for people suffering from IBS.

Papaya is rich in Vitamin A and other flavonoids like zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein and cyptoxanthins, that keep the mucous membranes in the eyes healthy and prevents damage. Vitamin A also prevents age-related macular degeneration. 

High concentration of antioxidants like Vitamin A and C in papaya prevents cholesterol oxidation. Oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to the blood vessels and form plaques. Papaya is also rich in dietary fiber, that has lot of benefits such as help lower cholesterol levels. In addition, Folate present in Papaya, converts homocysteine, a compound to amino acids like methionine and cysteine. If homocysteine is not converted to its harmless products, it can cause significant damage to the blood vessels in the heart, leading to stroke.