The papaya fruit and it benefits are well known however not many people know that the leaves of this fruit can also be used. The papaya leaves are rich in nutrients that provide many health benefits and can also help treat health conditions from cancer to dengue fever.
According to several studies papaya leaves are rich in antioxidants as well as in phytonutrients that speed up the metabolism and also improve the blood flow. What makes these leaves so powerful is papain, which is an alkaloid that is phenolic by nature.
Papain and chymopapain, two compounds found in papaya leaves, improve the protein digestion and help treat digestive issues such as bloating. Carpaine which is another compound in papaya leaves has strong anti-cancer properties and can provide protection from this disease as well as from the side-effects of chemotherapy.
Benefits of papaya leaves
- Increases the number of blood platelets
Keeping the levels of blood platelets high is essential for serious illnesses. You can achieve this by using papaya juice.
- Healthy liver
The nutrients in papaya leaf juice can strengthen the liver thus cure jaundice, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Less diseases
Papaya leaves contain acetogenin, a compound that can stop dengue fever, malaria and even cancer. It can help your body fight bacteria and viruses by strengthening the immune system.
- More energy
Consuming papaya leaf juice will give your more energy and stamina as well as stop fatigue
- Improved digestion
Papaya leaf juice contains papain, chymopapain and enzymes such as protease and amylase which significantly improve the digestion of fats, carbs and proteins. This juice can also provide a relief from many digestive issues, it can reduce belly inflammation and remove bacteria such as helicobacter pylori.
- Reduces inflammation
The juice can soothe inflammation in the body due to the anti-inflammatory properties
- Levels inflammation
Papaya leaf juice can control PMS symptoms and problems and can regulate periods
- Healthy heart and cardiovascular system
The juice can strengthen the immunity, heart and blood vessels because of the many antioxidants it contains.
- Low blood sugar
You can regulate the insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, as well as prevent diabetes and fatty liver disease with the help of these leaves.
Homemade juice:
Blend well a handful of papaya leaves. Transfer the juice in a bottle and keep it refrigerated for 5 days. You can mix it with fruit if you don’t like the taste and sip it slowly.
Papaya leaf tea:
Boil 10 medium sized leafs in 2 liters of water until the water is reduced to one half. Let the tea cool and then strain it. Always consume the tea freshly made, however if you can’t you can refrigerate it for maximum of 5 days.
Papaya leaf extract:
In case you have trouble finding fresh papaya leaves you can take papaya leaf supplement in the form of pills or tincture, but always make sure they are organic.
