20 Amazing
uses and benefits of papaya for beauty and health
Originally found
in Central America, it was the Spanish and Portuguese explorers who introduced
the fruit to many different sub-tropical countries around the world. It is now
grown mainly in The US, Puerto Rico and Mexico and is enjoyed all over the
globe. The pulp of papaya is used in many beauty products, such as face creams
and shampoos and the fruit is known to be a rich source of anti-oxidants,
fiber, vitamins and minerals. Here are just twenty of the amazing uses and
benefits of papaya, for both health and beauty:
1. Papaya
boosts your immune system
Papaya is a
fantastic source of beta-carotene, more than most other fruits, which the body
utilises to maintain a healthy immune system. Eating papaya regularly is
believed to boost the immune system and help you to fight off infections and
disease.
2. It tones
the skin and removes dark spots
Another one of
fabulous benefits of papaya is that it can help tone the skin and remove
dark spots. If you mash up the pulp of a papaya and rub it into your skin,
it acts as a fantastic skin toner and it will help to reduce the appearance of
dark marks and blemishes.
3. Eating
papaya can help to reduce cholesterol
Next one of
great benefits of papaya is that eating papaya can help to reduce
cholesterol. The high content of Vitamins A, E and C, all of which act as
powerful antioxidants, help to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the
body, which can be the cause of heart attacks and stroke. In addition to this,
papaya is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can also help to reduce
the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
4. Papaya can
help reduce high blood pressure
Health benefits
of papaya are very numerous. The high content of potassium found in papaya
works to help control your blood pressure. Many people eat papayas as a way of
reducing hypertension and the high potassium levels in the fruit are also
believed to help keep you alert during the day.
5. Helps to
protect eyesight
Results from
published studies suggest that eating three servings of papaya a day will lower
your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Papayas contain
carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide protection against high energy
light that can damage your eyes.
6. You can
use raw papaya as a skin moisturiser
Another one of
great beauty benefits of papaya is that you can use raw papaya as a skin
moisturiser. For an extremely simple skin moisturiser, just mash up a
skinned, ripe papaya and apply to your face. Leave it on for five
or ten minutes, before washing off with warm water, and you’ll feel
how much softer and smoother your skin feels.
7. It’s good
for the digestion
Improved digestion
is another one of fabulous health benefits of papaya. As well as its
high fiber content, papayas also contain and enzyme called papain, which helps
to break down protein in the stomach and aid the natural digestive process.
8. It can
ease the pain of arthritis
Amongst its many
wonderful properties, papaya is also has anti-inflammatory properties. The
papain and chymopapain found in the fruit are known to be effective in reducing
the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
9. Papaya can
help prevent cancer
Another one of
fantastic health benefits of papaya is that it can help prevent
cancer. The flavonoids and antioxidants that are contained in papaya can
also help to fight off the damage that can be caused by free radicals. It is
free radicals that are also linked to the early onset of the signs of aging.
10. Make your own papaya body scrub
Papaya fruit has
many benefits for your skin and you can make your own, homemade body scrub by
mashing raw papaya with a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of sugar and a
tablespoon of coconut oil. This will create a luxurious, exfoliating body scrub
that will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed, all over.
11. They can be
used as a part of a weight loss plan
Papaya is a
great fruit to eat, if you are trying to lose weight. The high fiber content
will fill you up, for very few calories and, even though it tastes sweet, it
contains very little sugar.
12. Papayas
can help reduce stress
One of health
benefits of papaya is that it can help reduce stress. Papayas are a great
source of Vitamin C, and Vitamin C is an important vitamin in the battle
against anxiety and stress. In a University study, researchers found that
Vitamin C regulates the flow of stress hormones in the body.
13.
They are good for the respiratory system
Eating papayas
can also help keep your respiratory system in good working order. The Vitamin A
that is found in papayas combats the effects of emphysema and the Vitamin C
fights of viral infections that can affect the chest.
14. Papaya can help your skin look younger
Youthful looks
for longer is another one of fabulous benefits of papaya. Whether eaten or
applied topically, papayas can help to delay the onset of the signs of ageing
on your skin. The Vitamins A and E, protect your skin from the effects of UV
rays and the Vitamin C helps fight free radicals and will improve your skin
tone.
15. Use it as a skin lightener
Another one of
fantastic beauty benefits of papaya is that papaya can be used as an effective
skin lightener. Just rub a slice of papaya over your face and leave it on for
five or ten minutes, before washing off. Repeat this regularly and, over a
period of time, your skin will take on a lighter, fresher look to it.
16. Helps ease menstrual pain
There is an
enzyme found in papaya, called papain, which regulates the menstrual flow and
can ease menstrual pain. If you do experience menstrual pain, try eating some
papaya and it should ease the discomfort.
17. Treat dry and cracked heels with papaya
Make a paste of
a papaya fruit and mix in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Massage into your
heels and leave on overnight and it will nourish and moisturise cracked and dry
heels.
18. Use it as an acne treatment
A finely mashed
papaya, mixed with a teaspoon of honey makes a great natural acne treatment.
Apply to your face and leave on for about ten minutes and the antibiotic
properties of the honey and the soothing, nourishing properties of the papaya
will soon clear up your skin.
19. Use papaya as a natural hair
conditioner
Benefits of
papaya for hair are also very numerous. Papaya has many vitamins, minerals and
enzymes that are very beneficial for the health, shine and beauty of your hair.
To make your own papaya hair conditioning mask: mix together half a papaya, one
banana, a tablespoon of coconut oil, two tablespoons of sweet almond oil and
half a cup of plain yoghurt. Massage the mixture into your hair and leave on
for thirty minutes, before washing out with warm water.
20. Use papaya vinegar as a dandruff
treatment
You can save a
fortune on expensive dandruff treatments by using this simple recipe. Dilute
some papaya vinegar with water and lemon juice and use this mixture as a final
rinse for your hair, after shampooing. Repeat this regularly and your dandruff
will soon disappear.
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