You may have used papaya enzyme for medicinal purposes without knowing it. Protease enzymes such as papain, found in abundance in papaya fruit, are used as key ingredients in meat tenderizer. Papaya enzymes are responsible for the digestive and anti-inflammatory properties traditionally attributed to meat tenderizer products. Raw papaya fruit offers a natural source of papain, along with other health-boosting compounds. Studies of papaya's medicinal benefits are limited, so many of its uses remain ultimately unproven. Consult your health care provider before using papaya supplements for any medicinal purpose.
Fiber
Papaya fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber. According to Nutrition Data, one cup of raw papaya offers one-tenth of a person's total daily need for dietary fiber. Papaya fruit may help to speed digestion, increase feelings of fullness and relieve constipation.
Antioxidants
All natural fruits contain antioxidant compounds, which help to protect the body against damage from reactive oxygen molecules. According to the National Institutes of Health, antioxidants in fresh foods may help to prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in papaya fruit include selenium, beta carotene and vitamin C.
Protein Digestion
Papain is a common ingredient in meat tenderizer because it helps to break proteins into simpler amino acids. As a result, papaya fruit and papain supplements may improve digestion in people who have difficulty eating high-protein foods. Consider eating papaya alongside nuts and meats to ease digestion and relieve symptoms such as gas and bloating.
Anti-Inflammatory
No well-designed studies have investigated papain's ability to reduce inflammation, but some evidence suggests that it may help people with inflammatory conditions. The National Institutes of Health note that there is "good scientific evidence" to support the use of bromelain--a pineapple-derived enzyme similar to papain--as a treatment for inflammation. The University of Michigan Health System notes papain's popularity as a treatment for sprains, strains and lower back pain.
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