Papaya’s Amazing Benefits For Your Skin, Health, And Hair

by Rajashree Seal · November 3, 2015

Papaya is one of the most exotic fruits, and Christopher Columbus even named it the “The Fruit of the Angels.” The fleshy golden yellow and orange-colored papaya with an uncountable number of seeds, tastes soft, sweet, and juicy, and is quite refreshing to beat the summer heat.

The scientific name of the fruit is Carica Papaya and it is one of the 22 accepted species in the genus of the Carica plant family. This exotic fruit, which is also known as pawpaw, was first cultivated in Mexico and is native to the tropics of America.

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This pear-shaped fruit tree is now grown all over the world for its fruits and latex. It is cultivated largely for its healthy fruit, which has several hidden benefits for health, skin, and hair. So, let us have a look at some of the amazing papaya facts and its various uses:

1. Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients such as carotenes, flavonoids, folate, and pantothenic acid as well as vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains natural fiber and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

2. Papaya helps detoxify the liver and exhibits strong antioxidant, anthelmintic, and antibacterial effects.

3. Papaya contains ‘Papain,’ which is commonly known as the papaya enzyme and is helpful in digesting proteins. Consuming papaya helps with digestion and gives relief from constipation.

4. Consumption or application of papaya also provides a shine and glow to your skin.

5. Papaya boosts the body’s immune system and also helps to get rid of many health ailments and diseases.

6. Consumption of papaya is a strict ‘no’ for people with latex allergies and also pregnant women as it might cause a miscarriage.

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7. Papaya is also a natural cure for irregular menstruation.

This tropical fruit is rich in Vitamins A, C and K, and has many antioxidant properties that are beneficial for your skin. The orange pulp of this luscious fruit is also used as a basic component in many facial products and shampoos. So, here are some of the benefits of papaya that can provide natural skin care:

1. Hydrates skin

This juicy fruit is high in water content and can keep your skin soft and hydrated. You can also apply blended papaya on your skin to increase smoothness because it acts as a natural moisturizer.

2. Anti-aging

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Papaya is rich in antioxidants and also contains Vitamin A, which helps remove dead skin cells and gives your skin a soft and supple look. Papaya also contains Vitamins C and E to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay and rejuvenates your skin to make you look younger.

3. Brightens your skin

Papaya contains natural bleaching properties and helps to lighten your complexion. The presence of Vitamin C in papaya also helps in protecting your skin cells from sun damage.

4. Reduces acne and pimples

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The natural skin-cleansing property of papaya helps you to get rid of clogged pores, which helps prevent acne.

5. Treats crows’ feet and wrinkles

The antioxidants in papaya also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and crows’ feet around the corners of the eyes.

6. Fades dark spots and scars

Papaya is rich in enzymes and is extremely beneficial for lightening skin spots and reducing scar marks. It also helps in removing your tan, black and brown skin spots, and can also lighten dark elbows and knees.

7. Heals cracked heels

The moisturizing properties of papaya can also treat cracked heels and also gives relief from red or flaky patches, peeling skin, itchiness, or bleeding from the cracks and pain.

8. Lightens unwanted facial hair

The papain enzyme present in papaya helps in weakening hair follicles on your face and prevents re-growth of facial hair. Therefore, to get rid of unwanted facial hair, it is advised to apply raw papaya on your face regularly.

9. Acts as a sunscreen

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Papaya acts as natural moisturizer and sunscreen for your skin and also protects your skin from the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet rays.

10. Treats ringworms

Rubbing slices of raw papaya on ringworm patches can help you treat ringworms and other skin diseases.

11. Acts as a natural cleanser

Application of papaya also helps in removing skin discoloration and also acts as a natural skin exfoliator. Rubbing the pulp of papaya on your face can help you get rid of blemishes and improve your skin tone.

12. Treats cuts and wounds

The pulp of papaya applied on any kind of cut or wound acts as a quick healer.

Suggested read: 6 easy home remedies for itchy skin

Papaya is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and healthy components and works well for facial skin care. It has healing enzymes and also helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities of the skin.

Here are some of the beneficial and amazing face packs made from papaya:

1. Make a thick paste of blended papaya, honey, sandalwood powder or fuller’s earth, and apply it all over your face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. This pack gives you soft and supple skin also makes your skin firm and prevents premature aging.

2. Make a mixture of papaya, honey, and raw whole milk and apply this pack on your face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. You can also add heavy milk cream (malai) to the mixture. This face pack will help you keep your skin moisturized and will help you get rid of dry skin.

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3. Make a face pack with blended raw papaya and fresh orange juice and apply it on your face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing with fresh water. This pack works best for removing blemishes, spot reduction, pigmentation, and dullness of skin.

4. To brighten your skin, you can make a mixture of blended papaya, honey, and lemon juice and apply on your face and neck and wash it off after 10 minutes. This face pack will act as natural bleach and will enhance your skin tone.

5. Make a thick paste of papaya pulp and tomato pulp and apply it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with normal water. This face pack will lighten your skin tone and will also help reduce scars and dark spots from your skin.

6. A paste made from papaya and banana can also be applied on your facial skin to get glowing, soft, and smooth skin. Mash both the fruits into a pulpy paste and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with normal water.

7. Make a smooth paste of avocado and papaya and apply on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes with fresh water. This pack will add an extra glow to your face.

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8. A mixture of papaya pulp and a teaspoonful of fresh aloe vera gel can be applied and massaged on your face to cure dryness and rough patches. Apply the pack on your face and rinse it off with cold water after 15 minutes.

9. Make a thick paste of almond, milk, and papaya pulp and apply this paste on your face and wash it after 20 minutes. This face pack will bring an instant glow to your skin.

10. Make a face pack by blending apple, banana, papaya, and yoghurt into a smooth paste and apply it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with plain water. This face pack is ideal for all skin types and brings a glow to your skin.

Papaya not only has essential skin benefits, but also contains nourishing hair benefits. So, let us have a look at the different benefits of papaya for your hair:

1. Papaya helps in treating and controlling dandruff. It contains several enzymes that prevent the buildup of oil and impurities on the scalp.

2. Papaya is very beneficial for the nourishment of your hair. The presence of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in papaya boosts hair growth and strengthens your hair. It also helps in increasing the volume of your hair and adds shine to your hair.

3. Adding papaya to your regular diet can also prevent hair thinning and hair loss.

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4. Papaya is rich in nutrients that can help prevent balding and also helps to remove dirt, oil, and chemical buildup on your scalp. You can also use papaya as a hair mask to get thick, strong, and healthy hair.

5. Papaya leaf extracts can also be used as a natural conditioner for adding shine to dull, unruly, and lifeless hair.

The benefits of papaya are not only limited to skin and hair care. Papayas also contain various important health benefits too. Papaya has a lot of medicinal properties that help treat and prevent many health related problems. Some of the most important benefits of papaya for your health are as follows:

1. Prevents cancer

The rich antioxidants in papaya, especially lycopene, beta-carotene, and a carotenoid known as beta-cryptoxanthin, are particularly beneficial in reducing cancer risk. This pear-shaped fruit also contains compounds called isothiocyanates that help prevent cancer by eliminating potential carcinogens from the body and enhancing the action of tumor-suppressing proteins. The important compounds in papaya help reduce the risk of various types of cancer cells.

2. Reduces constipation

Papaya is rich in enzymes and contains a high amount of fiber. Eating papaya makes the digestion process easier and helps get rid of constipation and irritated bowel syndrome.

3. Treats gastric problems and indigestion

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which gives relief from gastric problems and indigestion.

4. Treats irregular menstruation

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Papaya is very beneficial in curing irregular menstruation and it also helps in easing menstrual cramps. It also promotes regular flow during menstruation.

5. Cures tonsillitis

Raw papaya juice mixed with honey is great solution for getting rid of tonsillitis.

6. Helps maintain healthy body weight

Papayas are rich in Vitamin A and C, folate, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients are good for your overall health. They are also rich in fiber so you feel fuller for a longer period of time. It also contains papain, a unique natural enzyme that aids in digestion and helps you maintain a balanced body weight.

7. Cures respiratory inflammation

Regular intake of papaya juice can help reduce the inflammation of respiratory organs.

8. Prevents heart stroke

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Papayas are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E which are all very powerful antioxidants and help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, the main cause for heart attacks and strokes.

9. Good anthelmintic

Papaya juice has good anthelmintic properties and can help you get rid of intestinal worms.

10. Boosts immune system

Papaya contains a high amount of both vitamins A and E, which are immune-boosting antioxidants and are required for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system. Papaya is also rich in vitamin C, which helps increase white blood cells and protects cells from free radical damage. Papaya can also treat colds, coughs, or the flu.

11. Protects eyesight

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Due to the presence of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, papaya protects your eyesight. It also contains carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which prevents the damage of your retina. Papaya also protects against developing cataracts, glaucoma, and other chronic eye diseases.

12. Prevents arthritis

Papaya contains several anti-inflammatory enzymes and antioxidants that help relieve pain caused by arthritis. The presence of vitamins A, C, and E, and beta-carotene also helps to reduce inflammation.

Even though this fleshy and juicy yellow-orange colored fruit is highly beneficial for your health, it also has certain side-effects, so let us have a look at the side-effects of papaya:

1. Consumption of papaya during pregnancy might miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and abnormalities in the infant. Avoiding papaya, and especially raw ones, is the best option for pregnant women.

2. Excessive consumption of papaya might trigger various respiratory diseases like wheezing, asthma, obstructed breathing, congestion of the nasal passage, or hay fever.

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3. Eating too much papaya might upset your gastrointestinal system and might result in stomach ache, abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, or nausea.

4. Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, and too much of this vitamin might cause the formation of renal stones.

5. Lactating women are advised to avoid papaya as it might have negative effects on the infant.

6. If you are on any blood thinning medications or anticoagulants, you should avoid excess consumption of papaya because it contains an enzyme called papain, which has the potential to escalate blood thinning effects.

7. Certain people may experience an itchy, dry rash after consuming papaya, as it is rich in papain.

8. People allergic to papaya should avoid using it for any purpose. Papaya might cause allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face and mouth, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pains, rashes, and itching.

9. Papaya leaves, seeds, and flesh contain carpaine, the anthelmintic alkaloid. This chemical is effective in flushing out parasitic worms from your stomach, but too much might become a problem.

10. People suffering from cardiac disorders should avoid papaya. The high content of the papain enzyme present in this fruit is known to slow down the rate of heartbeat, which might result in serious cardiovascular conditions.

11. Papaya is rich in fiber, and therefore it is advised to avoid papaya if you are suffering from diarrhea.

Papaya, is in fact an ‘angel fruit’ with its many benefits and uses. It is highly beneficial for the human body when taken in moderation.

Hope you find the article useful and have a good read.

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