Papaya
Papaya
Papaya, known as “Erandakarkati” in Ayurveda, is a low calorie juicy fruit rich in vitamin C and A. The fruit as well as other parts of the plant (such as seeds) are edible and known to have medicinal properties.
Papaya is beneficial for skin due to its antioxidant property. Antioxidants such as vitamin C help reduce inflammation and fight against various diseases by strengthening the immunity. Papaya pulp can be applied as a facial mask to help reduce pigmentation, acne and wrinkles on the skin.
In Ayurveda, the juice of Papaya leaves is known to inhibit the growth of dengue virus and increase platelet count. The daily intake of Papaya helps promote digestion and provide relief from constipation as well as hyperacidity due to its laxative property. Papaya also helps in healthy functioning of the heart due to the presence of potassium, fiber and vitamins which in turn helps in the management of high blood pressure. In the food industry, Papaya is used to tenderize meat as it contains an enzyme called papain that breaks down proteins.
Excessive consumption of Papaya must be avoided as it may cause flatulence and loose motions. Papaya latex might also cause irritation and blistering on skin, due to which hypersensitive people are generally advised to consult a doctor before taking it[2-4].
Papaya is beneficial for skin due to its antioxidant property. Antioxidants such as vitamin C help reduce inflammation and fight against various diseases by strengthening the immunity. Papaya pulp can be applied as a facial mask to help reduce pigmentation, acne and wrinkles on the skin.
In Ayurveda, the juice of Papaya leaves is known to inhibit the growth of dengue virus and increase platelet count. The daily intake of Papaya helps promote digestion and provide relief from constipation as well as hyperacidity due to its laxative property. Papaya also helps in healthy functioning of the heart due to the presence of potassium, fiber and vitamins which in turn helps in the management of high blood pressure. In the food industry, Papaya is used to tenderize meat as it contains an enzyme called papain that breaks down proteins.
Excessive consumption of Papaya must be avoided as it may cause flatulence and loose motions. Papaya latex might also cause irritation and blistering on skin, due to which hypersensitive people are generally advised to consult a doctor before taking it[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Papaya?
Carica papaya, Madhukarkati, Gopalakarkati, Papeyaa, Pappiyaa, Melon tree, Pawpaw, Erandakaakadi, Papaiyu, Papita, Papitaa, Pirangi, Pappaay, Karmaasu, Karumatti, Papaayaa, Papai, Erandakharbujaa, Pappali, Boppayi, Bobbaasi, Paringi[1]
What is the source of Papaya?
Plant Based
Benefits of Papaya
Modern Science View
Papaya might help in managing indigestion problems like constipation and bloating. This is due to the presence of chymopapain and papain in Papaya[13][26].
Ayurvedic View
Indigestion means a state of incomplete process of digestion and the main reason is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Papaya helps to correct Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Papaya also controls constipation if it is taken in the evening because of its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Eat Papaya raw fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably with lunch or dinner to maintain healthy digestion.
Tips:
a. Eat Papaya raw fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably with lunch or dinner to maintain healthy digestion.
Modern Science View
Papaya may be useful in managing parasitic infections due to its antiparasitic property. It inhibits the growth of parasitic worms and expels them from the gastrointestinal tract[13][14].
Ayurvedic View
Intestinal parasites known as krimi in Ayurveda is due to low Agni (weak digestive fire). Use of raw Papaya is useful for removing intestinal parasites because Papaya has Krimighna (anti-worm) property.
Tips:
a. Eat Papaya raw fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably with lunch or dinner.
Tips:
a. Eat Papaya raw fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably with lunch or dinner.
Modern Science View
Papaya may be useful in managing Diabetes due to its hypoglycemic and antioxidant property. The extract of Papaya leaves increases the uptake of glucose and controls blood sugar level. It also stimulates the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells[10][11].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Papaya helps remove Ama and controls aggravated Vata due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Modern Science View
Papaya may be useful in managing cancer due to the presence of papain, lycopene and isothiocyanate. Papain and Lycopene inhibits the formation of cancer cells. Isothiocyanate also inhibits the proliferation and development of cancer cells[9].
How effective is Papaya?
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Diabetes, Indigestion, Parasitic infections
Precautions when using Papaya
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Avoid eating Papaya if you have hypothyroidism[5].
2. Avoid taking Papaya if you are allergic to Papain[5].
2. Avoid taking Papaya if you are allergic to Papain[5].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Papaya during Breastfeeding[5].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Papaya may decrease blood clotting. So it generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Papaya with antiplatelet drugs.
Patients with diabetes
Important
Modern Science View
Papaya may lower your blood sugar. So it generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Papaya along with antidiabetic drugs[5].
Pregnancy
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid taking Papaya during Pregnancy[5].
Ayurvedic View
Unripe and semi-ripe Papaya should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause uterine contractions due to its Ushna (hot) and Rechana (laxative) properties. It is better to avoid eating Papaya during the early stages of pregnancy unless it is fully ripe. Women who have had a previous history of abortion and miscarriage are advised to avoid Papaya completely.
Recommended Dosage of Papaya
- Papaya Churna - ¼- ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Papaya Juice - 5-6 teaspoon once or twice a day.
- Papaya Tablet - 1-2 Papaya tablets, twice a day.
- Papaya Capsule - 1-2 Papaya capsules, twice a day.
- Papaya Candy - 4-5 candies a day, twice a day.
How to use Papaya
1. Papaya Ripe Fruit
a. Eat Papaya fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably after 4-5 hours before or after meals.
2. Papaya Leaf Churna
a. Take ¼- ½ teaspoon Papaya leaf churna.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Papaya (Leaf) Juice
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Papaya Juice.
b. Take it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning.
4. Papaya Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Papaya.
b. Swallow them with water preferably after meals.
5. Papaya Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Papaya.
b. Swallow them with water preferably after meals.
6. Papaya (Leaf) Juice
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Papaya juice.
b. Take it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning.
7. Papaya Candy
You can take Papaya candy as per your taste and requirement.
a. Eat Papaya fruit according to your taste and requirement.
b. Take it preferably after 4-5 hours before or after meals.
2. Papaya Leaf Churna
a. Take ¼- ½ teaspoon Papaya leaf churna.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Papaya (Leaf) Juice
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Papaya Juice.
b. Take it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning.
4. Papaya Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Papaya.
b. Swallow them with water preferably after meals.
5. Papaya Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Papaya.
b. Swallow them with water preferably after meals.
6. Papaya (Leaf) Juice
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Papaya juice.
b. Take it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning.
7. Papaya Candy
You can take Papaya candy as per your taste and requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Papaya can be eaten at night as it acts as a laxative and cleans the colon. However, fruits should be avoided at least 4-5 hours after meals. So if you want to have Papaya at night, plan your dinner accordingly.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can eat Papaya at night as it helps correct constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Papaya contains an enzyme papain which is responsible for skin rejuvenation and exfoliation. This enzyme helps in effective whitening of the skin and gives you a brighter and glowing skin.
Modern Science View
Although the skin of Papaya is non-toxic, it is not advisable to eat. However, Papaya skin is very useful in the cosmetic industry.
Modern Science View
There are various ways by which you can identify whether the Papaya is ripe or not.
1. Check the yellowish red color spots on the skin of Papaya.
2. Check for the tenderness by gently squeezing.
3. You can also smell the fruit to find if its fresh.
1. Check the yellowish red color spots on the skin of Papaya.
2. Check for the tenderness by gently squeezing.
3. You can also smell the fruit to find if its fresh.
Modern Science View
No, milk should be avoided immediately after eating Papaya as it may lead to diarrhea. However, in case of constipation taking a glass of milk after Papaya at night may help in relieving constipation.
Ayurvedic View
No, Papaya and milk cannot be consumed together because both of them have Rechana (laxative) property which might lead to loose motions and worsen the condition of chronic diarrhea. Rather, milk and Papaya can be mixed together and applied on hypersensitive skin due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Ushna (hot) properties to get relief from allergic conditions.
References
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.