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Papaya Leaves And Seeds To Treat Fever And Other Ailments

You may not be a Papaya fan, but if you want to step into the fitness world, then this fruit can be your saviour. This soft, sweet, and vibrant coloured fruit is a warehouse of nutrients. It is the best fruit one can have daily to stay fit. The famous Christopher Columbus refers to papayas as the ‘Fruit of the angels’ because of its deliciousness.

The papaya plant is scientifically known as the Carica papaya plant. Currently, it is famous for the treatment of various types of fevers, especially dengue fever. Interestingly, not only papaya fruit but also papaya seeds and leaves have medicinal properties and have the power to cure fever and its dreadful complications. 

Nutritional Facts of Papaya Leaves and Seeds – 

Papaya fruit with its seeds and leaves are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fibres, and antioxidants. It contains an abundant amount of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and a potent antioxidant. Papaya leaves are rich in minerals such as phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Papaya seeds contain fatty acids and papaya oil. 

Did you know?

  • Papaya seeds have been traditionally used for their potential anti-parasitic properties. source: USDA
  • Papaya seeds may have potential anti-inflammatory effects. source: USDA
  • Papaya seeds contain compounds that may have anticancer properties. source: USDA
  • Papaya seeds may help support liver health and detoxification. source: USDA
  • Papaya seeds have been shown to have potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. source: USDA

Health Benefits of Papaya Leaves and Seeds

Papaya has various benefits I have observed that those people who are having papaya in between lunch and dinner were able to suppress there untimely hunger pangs between meals and this helped those people in losing weight more effectively.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD, CCEBDM

A whole Papaya tree is healthy from its fruit to the leaves. The entire tree has medicinal properties that make papaya a great option to include in your diet.

1: Treats dengue fever 

Papaya leaf juice is one of the effective treatments for dengue fever. Along with allopathic medicines, this traditional medicine works miraculously to taper off the body temperature. Dengue fever brings down the blood platelet count, and the papaya leaf extract is known to help to increase the platelet count. Malaysian studies proved that papaya leaf extract contributes to the production of platelets and increases the platelets count. It also prevents dengue complications such as rashes over the body, haemorrhages, etc. During dengue fever, a small glass of papaya juice twice a day can significantly increase the platelets count and reduce the fever. 

2: Prevents malarial infection

Papaya leaves work amazingly to treat dengue fever, it is also great to prevent malarial infection. Papaya leaf contains a compound named – acetogenin that prevents diseases like malaria or dengue. 

3: Aids digestion 

Papaya leaves and seeds contain water and fibres that ease digestion. The enzyme papain present in papaya helps for an easy digestion process by breaking down the proteins. A glass of papaya leaf juice daily can prevent many digestive problems such as constipation and indigestion. 

4: Prevents cancer 

Papaya leaves contain lycopene that has anti-cancer properties. It prevents cancer-cell development and further complications. As per studies, the papaya leaf extract is effective in colon and prostate cancer. Papaya leaf extract is also rich in antioxidants that neutralise the cancer-cell activity. 

5: Boosts immunity

Papaya leaves contain phenolic compounds, papain, and alkaloids that enhance the body’s immunity. They are a rich source of various vitamins and antioxidants that make you strong. Vitamin C in papaya increases your immunity and keeps you safe from several infections. It also acts on wound healing, growth of body tissue, damaged cell regeneration, etc. Daily a bowl of freshly cubed papaya helps you to stay healthy.

Also read: Allergies or Cold? Understanding if Allergies Can Cause a Sore Throat

6: Helps in diabetes 

Papaya leaves are beneficial for diabetic patients to reduce the sweet craving and the risk of getting diabetes. According to some research, the consumption of papaya leaf extract helps to maintain blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol levels due to the presence of dietary fibres in it.

7: Helps in weight loss 

Papaya leaf juice is low in calories and high in fibres that keep your tummy full for a long time. The dietary fibres naturally found in it detox your body and increase your metabolism that leads to weight loss. Also, papaya seeds have a specific role in the weight loss part to prevent fat absorption. 

8: Ease menstrual pain 

Every woman goes through painful menstrual cramps in her life. Papaya leaves and seeds help to ease these symptoms by reducing the contractions of the uterus. An enzyme present in papaya – papain helps in the smooth passing out of blood from the uterus. It also works great to alleviate polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) symptoms. 

9: Good for heart health

Various antioxidants and vitamins present in papaya leaf keep your heart healthy and reduces the risk of getting heart diseases. Vitamin C and potassium present in papaya leaves promotes healthy blood circulation and keeps your arteries clear. 

10: Great for skin 

One of the great benefits of papaya and its leaves is to the skin. Due to the presence of different nutrients in papaya leaf, it works as a combo pack on skin and keeps your skin clean and clear. It has a moisturising effect and can prevent dry and cracking skin when applied topically. The antioxidant properties present in papaya leaves can help you to slow down the ageing process. It also promotes wound healing and prevents infection. Papaya leaves are overall beneficial for skin health in all terms. 

Papaya is full of nutrients that can help your body in every way. Consuming papaya every day can heal you inside-out. So don’t forget to add fresh papaya to your daily diet to reap various health benefits of it. 

Read more about 10 Health Benefits of Giloy – The Ultimate Immunity Booster

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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