Papayas as a flavorful addition to any fruit salad and have a slightly "exotic" taste that many people find delicious. Papayas also contain an enzyme that is extremely useful for staying healthy, according to MedicinalHerbInfo.org. Papaya fruits and leaves are useful as medicinal treatments and the highest concentration of the papaya enzyme papain comes from papayas that are still green, or non-ripe. Be sure to discuss taking papaya enzymes with your health care provider in order to avoid possible interactions with medications you may be taking.
Papaya Enzyme Uses
The WHFoods.com website reports that papayas are considered useful in preventing colon cancer, promoting cardiovascular health and aiding digestion. It's the enzyme papain that is responsible for the benefits, says the site. Other medicinal uses for papaya enzymes are to help protect the body against heart disease, macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis as well as supporting the immune system, promoting lung health and acting as an anti-inflammatory. With all of these potential benefits, papayas can be a very healthy addition to your balanced diet.
Research
The website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine describes animal studies that have investigated papaya enzymes' effects when treating cancer and ulcers. The studies seem to suggest that the enzymes are promising for these uses. However, so far there is no supportive research in humans so more research needs to be done before papaya enzymes can be declared effective for these uses.
Potential Side Effects
HealthSquare.com describes papaya's potential side effects as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, slow heartbeat and drowsiness when taken in large quantities. But the most likely adverse effect of taking papaya enzymes or eating papayas is the potential for a severe allergic reaction in people with latex allergies. If you notice rashes, hives or swelling of the lips, face or tongue while eating or taking papaya, stop taking it and contact your health care provider at once.
Forms Available
MedicinalHerbInfo.org reports that aside from the raw papaya fruit which is available in most supermarket produce sections, the enzyme from papayas is also available in chewable tablets, dried papaya slices, frozen fruit, juice and papaya tea bags.
Nutritional Information
The WHFoods.com website says that papayas are also a rich source of vitamins C, E, A and K, as well as the nutrients folate, potassium and dietary fiber. So, in addition to helping the body's digestive processes, the fruit offers many nutritional benefits.
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