People in tropical and subtropical regions of the world grow the Carica papaya plant for its fruit. Papaya fruit is fiberless and sweet, and might be compared to apricot and melon, as noted by Floridata. Papaya is also used in traditional medicine treatments, and research supports some of these uses. Consult a qualified health care provider before drinking papaya juice for any medical conditions.
Antioxidant Effects
Papaya juice contains antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, waste products produced during the metabolism of food and in reaction to environmental toxins like tobacco smoke. Free radicals cause cell damage that can lead to cancer and other health problems. During an animal study published in the July 2006 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," rats received various doses of dried papaya juice for two weeks, and then the researchers analyzed their blood. All who received the doses of papaya juice showed significant protective effects against oxidative stress, and papaya was somewhat more effective than the antioxidant vitamin E.
Hypertension Benefits
Another study appearing in "Phytotherapy Research," this one in June 2000, found potential benefits of papaya for treating high blood pressure, as indicated by results with animals and in the laboratory. Papaya extract produced a significant reduction of the mean arterial pressure, or MAP, which is the average blood pressure of an individual. Papaya extract was more effective than the blood pressure medicine hydrallazine in rats with hypertension. In the laboratory, papaya extract was shown to relax vascular muscle tone, which helps reduce blood pressure.
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Papaya has benefits for patients with cystic fibrosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic and progressive genetic disease that causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. This results in mucus building up in the respiratory tract, leading to severe breathing difficulties. It also causes mucus buildup in the pancreas, leading to serious problems with food digestion. Unripe papaya is the primary source of papain, an enzyme that digests protein. Papain can help cystic fibrosis patients with their digestive issues. This enzyme is also available in supplement form. Floridata warns that unripe papaya is toxic and must be cooked before consumption.
References
- Floridata: Carica Papaya
- "International Journal of Radiation Biology"'; Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Papaya Juice; EJ Webman, et al.; Mar. 1989
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Antioxidant Potentials of Iranian Carica Papaya Juice; S. Mehdipour, et al; Jul. 2006
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Blood Pressure Depression by the Fruit Juice of Carica Papaya; AE Eno et al.; Jun 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cystic Fibrosis
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