Add papaya to your plate: The humble fruit aids weight loss, prevents diabetes & reduces cholesterol

It's time to turn all your attention to the humble fruit from the berry family - the papaya.The succulent fruit gets its red-orange colour from lycopene, a natural pigment found in fruits like tomatoes and watermelon.

The fruit that belongs to the Caricaceae family is a powerhouse of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. It is a great source of vitamins C, E and A, including beta-carotene, antioxidants, fibre, folic acid, papain and chymopapain.

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While adding fresh papayas to your daily diet can keep you healthy, one should not forget the various benefits of edible papaya seeds and leaves.

Papaya Seeds & Leaves
Recently, diet enthusiasts on social media claimed that a sludge of papaya seeds can fight off parasites and can be the best detox option. Some studies have even found that the seeds are effective in fighting infections and promoting kidney and digestive health.

Papaya seeds are an amazing source of fibre, vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium and phosphorus. The seeds also contain antioxidants like flavonoids and monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and polyphenols.

Papaya seed extracts can also kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning. However, one must also know the possible health concerns of papaya seeds. Some animal studies have found that these seeds can also lead to fertility-related issues like reduced sperm count and low sperm motility. However, these were reported only after a higher dosage of papaya seeds.

On the other hand, papaya leaves are packed with medicinal properties. It is rich in papain, lycopene and other enzymes.

In India, papaya leaf juice is considered to be an effective treatment for dengue patients that helps bring the body temperature down. It is also believed that the juice can increase the blood platelet count which drops when one contracts dengue.

The leaves are also said to contain acetogenin which can keep diseases like dengue and malaria at bay and aid digestion. Furthermore, lycopene in papaya seeds and leaves is known for its anti-cancer properties. A few studies have found that papaya leaf extract can neutralise cancer-cell activity and is effective in treating colon and prostate cancer.

Papaya leaves can boost immunity, maintains blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol levels, prevent inflammation, helps with weight loss, and improves gut health.

Hair & Skincare
Besides the amazing health benefits, papaya and its leaves are great for the skin and hair. The fruit and its leaves can moisturise the skin, preventing it from drying and cracking. It is believed that the antioxidant in its leaves can slow down the ageing process.

The papain enzyme can help remove dead cells, keeping the skin soft, clear and youthful. The enzymes can also speed up the healing process of an open wound. As far as hair care is concerned, papaya leaves take pride in promoting hair growth and improving scalp health.

Antioxidant-rich foods are known for their beneficial qualities, alleviating stress and improving hair growth. Papaya and its leaves are packed with antioxidant properties. One can apply it as a mask or consume it in the form of juice.