Raw papaya: enzymes, uses, and health benefits

Everyone would have tasted and consumed ripe papaya. It is a delicious and nutritious fruit.

But its raw form is used as a vegetable in South East Asia and carries a lot of health benefits. What are the uses and benefits of raw papaya?

Raw papaya

Ripe papaya is a great fruit with a lot of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is sweet and delicious and comes packed with a host of useful nutrients for the body.

But the raw form of this tropical fruit is also rich in amazing nutrients that can serve as a food as well as a beauty product. Dietitians too advocate incorporating raw papaya into the daily diet.

They state that it is nature’s most wonderful gift to humans. It serves as a fruit, vegetable as well as a medicine.

Unlike the ripe papaya, the raw one has green peel with white pulp inside and white-colored seeds. It has all the beneficial enzymes in it such as papain and chymopapain.

These enzymes assist the digestive system to break down fats, proteins, and carbs. Moreover, it has a lot of fiber. This helps to flush toxins out of the body and also controls blood cholesterol and sugar.

Additionally, this raw form of papaya can also clear acne, skin blemishes, and pigmentation. It improves overall health and well-being.

Assists digestion

Raw papaya has enzymes that can stimulate the production of gastric juice and help in the digestive process.

It keeps the stomach free of toxins and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. All of this reduces inflammation of the body and can overcome various chronic diseases.

Loaded with powerful minerals and vitamins

We all know that colored fruits and vegetables have a lot of vitamin A. This helps in eyesight and the maintenance of a good respiratory system.

Furthermore, this papaya also is rich in vitamins C, B, and E. It prevents the ill-effect of sun rays on the skin. The immune system improves, blood pressure control is possible and heart diseases are kept in check.

Cell repair

The raw form of papaya also has ingredients in it that can help repair the damaged cells of the body. They reduce body inflammation and help in the building of cells.

The phytonutrients of papaya also aid in weight loss and keeping the skin healthy and blemish-free.

Prevents constipation

The raw papaya has a lot of fiber in it. This helps to keep the bowels moving and prevents the hardening of stools and constipation.

The gut remains healthy due to eating this form of papaya and toxins are also removed from the body. It has antimicrobial action and prevents the formation of unhealthy gases in the intestines.

Anti-inflammatory properties

The raw form of this fruit is also good in decreasing body inflammation. The swellings in the body and the consequent pain reduce. Therefore, it helps in joint movements, throat infections, and also in overcoming menstrual pains.

Also, read: How to make Green Papaya Salad? (Healthy Vegetarian Meal)

One can cook it into a vegetable in dry form or as a curry. Make a juice of it or add it to sweets or pies. This papaya can tenderize the meat and it can also be fermented. One can add the pieces to salad to boost digestion.