The tropical fruit is a real Vitamin-C-bomb,

helps with gastrointestinal problems and stabilizes the immune system. It belongs to the genus of the melon tree family.

The Caribbean Indians called them "apapai", which means "tree of health". We Gambians call them: "Pappagaya" :-).

Their exact origin cannot be stated with any certainty. It first appeared in reports from Spanish sailors in the 16th century. The local natives of Central America awarded her special healing powers. After all, it was the Spaniards who laid the foundation for today's distribution with the settlement of papayas in the Antilles and the Philippines.

The papaya tree, also known as the melon tree, can grow up to 10 meters high. It finds optimal growth conditions at temperatures of 22 - 26 ° C and sufficient moisture, which should be distributed as evenly as possible over the year. In the second year the trees deliver the highest yields with 60 to 80 t / ha, in the second year around 50 t / ha are achieved. Then the yields decrease sharply, so the trees on plantations are only kept for 3 - 5 years.

The papaya has powerful health effects in two ways.

• On the one hand, it is the fruit itself. Here, a distinction is made again between ripe and unripe fruits.
• On the other hand, it is the kernels that are said to have a very special healing effect.

Please see below for details.

Christopher Columbus called it the "fruit of the angels". Indeed, it is a "higher power" fruit.

Papaya for gastrointestinal complaints

Whether enjoyed pure or prepared as a salad, as a smoothie or freshly squeezed juice, this fruit is good for your line and relieves gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, upset stomach and constipation. The nutrient-laden pulp of papaya contains papain, a protein-breaking enzyme that aids digestion. The still unripe, green papaya, which is used, for example, for Asian papaya salads, has the highest papain content.

This papain, which is also found in other parts of the papaya tree (also called paw paw tree) such as the leaves, sets a chemical reaction in motion in our digestive tract in which the protein from food is broken down into amino acids so that it can be used by humans be. At the same time, the enzyme internally protects against inflammation, which can otherwise be the cradle of many diseases (e.g. rheumatism).

If we look at the other ingredients of papaya, we find, in addition to the digestive enzyme papain, many other essential nutrients, some of which have an antioxidant and thus disease-preventing effect. Particularly noteworthy are the high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. In addition, papaya is a good source of magnesium, potassium and a number of B vitamins such as folic acid and pantothenic acid (B5). The dietary fiber, which is indispensable for a healthy intestine, should also not be neglected.

Papaya for stomach ulcers and intestinal parasites

Not only are papain and fiber in papaya useful in the digestive system, some animal studies also suggest alternative treatments for gastric ulcers. A 2009 study published in the Journals of Medicinal Food reported the effectiveness of unripe papaya against ulcers in laboratory rats. Concentrated papaya extract could therefore also be attractive as a chemical-free remedy for ulcers in humans.

As a protein-splitting enzyme, papain also declares war on intestinal parasites, which feed on undigested protein and put a strain on the immune system. Papain is also strong against viruses, allergens, yeasts and fungi in the intestines. Enjoy the papaya taste particularly good after antibiotic treatments, because it supports the restoration of a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, which in turn strengthens the immune system and removes the breeding ground for cancer cells.

Papaya inhibits the growth of cancer cells

Medicines in the western world are beginning to recognize the health value of papaya, which primitive peoples seem to have been aware of for generations. Over 600 studies deal with the healing powers of papaya against cancer alone. The Australian health service is even officially promoting the fruit as a cancer medicinal plant.

Scientists from American and Japanese universities have tested papaya's anti-cancer properties on a variety of laboratory-grown tumors including breast, cervical, pancreatic, liver and lung cancer. For their tests, the researchers used extract from dried papaya leaves. In all studies, the growth of cancer cells slowed down within 24 hours due to the action of papaya extract.

While Prof. Bharat B. Aggarwal from the University of Texas once again praises cancer research for the health-promoting active ingredients of the enzyme papain, other studies consider a chemical compound from the group of mustard oils. According to an issue of the Journal of Oncology (October 2008), animal experiments confirmed the effectiveness of so-called isothiocyanates against the above-mentioned forms of cancer as well as against colon cancer and leukemia.

Targeted prostate cancer studies at the University of Illinois, on the other hand, focused on the anti-carcinogenic potential of the antioxidant lycopene, which, as a representative of the carotenoids, is not only responsible for the orange pulp of papaya but also serves as a radical scavenger. Epidemiological studies ascribed a high bioavailability to lycopene, which makes it usable for our organism. Lycopene accumulations in human tissue such as prostate cells can thus protect against cancer. Australian research found that men with the highest consumption of lycopene-containing foods like papaya were 83 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Papaya against wrinkles

When we wander through the rows of cosmetics in drugstores and take a closer look at one or the other anti-aging article, one label always catches the eye: with valuable papaya extract! In fact, papaya has a whole squadron of natural anti-wrinkle ingredients up its sleeve, making it ideal for a fruity fountain of youth for internal and external use.

The already much vaunted digestive enzyme papain also has a positive effect on the wrinkle front. As its antioxidant abilities accelerate wound healing, papain is also said to strengthen the elasticity of the skin and thus be active against wrinkles. By helping to loosen dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores and cause acne, it smoothes the top layer of the skin and can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

The high vitamin C content of papayas also supports collagen production, which creates the basis for firm skin. The antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamins A and E can visibly improve the complexion and at the same time strengthen the structure of hair and nails. Applied externally as a cream or mask, papaya not only provides elasticity and suppleness, it should also be able to fade freckles and sunspots.

The kernels of papaya have a medicinal value - they can not only detoxify the organism, but also stimulate fat burning and digestion.

In the meantime, not only the fruit, but also its black kernels are traded as a superfood.

Active ingredients

In addition to valuable mustard oils, vital substances and fiber, papaya kernels also contain a high concentration of enzymes that break down both protein and fats. Above all, they have plenty of papain, a protein-splitting enzyme complex, which is assigned to the group of proteases. These enzymes in particular make them suitable for detoxifying the body. In detail, the following ingredients are contained in the kernels:

• Mustard oils have an antibacterial effect and a digestive effect. They also promote blood circulation and have a warming effect. They are also said to have an immune-stimulating effect.
• In addition to the kernels of papaya, carpain is also found in high doses in the leaves of the papaya. The alkaloid can act against thrombocytopenia (reduction in the number of blood platelets), as a study by Zunjar V and colleagues from 2016 showed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26812680).
• Oleic acid, also called oleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Palmitic acid is one of the saturated fatty acids. Both have a positive effect on the skin barrier and ensure a natural skin balance. Both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids are also of great importance as energy suppliers. The immune system is supported and the mood is positively influenced.
• Flavonoids, which are secondary plant substances, support the body's defenses by fighting against free radicals. So they are antioxidants.
• The enzyme papain occurs in considerable quantities, especially in papaya. It can be found in the whole papaya tree and in the fruits along with their seeds. It is obtained by tapping the tree, whereby a milk-like sap escapes, which is then dried. A pepsin-like (= protein-splitting) ferment, papayotin, is created. This has a digestive and slightly laxative effect. The famous pepsin wine is also made from papayotin. In the food industry, for example, it is used as a tenderizer for meat or - abroad - when brewing beer to prevent the beer from becoming cloudy. Generally speaking, enzymes act as biocatalysts and perform a wide range of tasks in the human organism. Among other things, they support digestion by breaking down food molecules and thus making them usable. Breathing, growth, the transmission of stimuli in the nerves and various chemical reactions in the body are also dependent on enzymes. We cannot function without it. From a health point of view, papain is particularly effective in digesting protein. It should also protect the inner walls of the blood vessels, have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect against thrombosis.

Areas of application papaya seeds

Papaya seeds against intestinal parasites

Roundworms, roundworms and pinworms are the intestinal parasites that can make life difficult. They are transmitted through body excretions and rarely through contaminated food. Most of all, they can spread through poor hygiene.

Above all, the carpain in papaya kernels is an excellent remedy against parasites and also against fungi in the intestines. This has been proven by various scientific studies.

The harmless and inexpensive cores are also suitable for children, as an Indian study was able to show as early as 1959 (Worm infestations in infants and children of pre-school age in indore, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, Indore. See http: // //link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02789279).

Prevention with papaya seeds for men

Many indigenous peoples have been using this method for contraception since time immemorial, for example in India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka. With a dose of a spoonful of seeds a day, infertility should be noted after about 30 days. The sperm formation and mobility is suppressed or minimized.

If the intake is stopped, fertility will return quickly.

The effect has already been confirmed in animal experiments. In 2002, Professor Lohiya and his team were able to induce complete azoospermia, i.e. sterility due to a lack of mature sperm cells in the ejaculate, in an experiment with Ligurian monkeys. Further research is now being carried out to develop a standardized contraceptive device for humans as well.

Protect the liver with papaya seeds

The black kernels are an excellent means of detoxifying the body.

Experience reports show that papaya seeds can play a special role in detoxifying and regenerating the liver. The liver, as our most important detoxification organ, filters pollutants and toxins from the blood.

If it is disturbed in its function, it can lead to acute and chronic health problems. Among other things, the enzymes in the papaya kernels are said to ensure cell renewal in the liver by supporting the production of somatropin. This growth hormone is known to help the liver regenerate.

Traditionally, five ground kernels are recommended along with lime juice, twice a day for at least four weeks. However, this process has not yet been scientifically proven. 

Defense against infection with papaya seeds

There is clear evidence that papaya seeds can also have a positive effect on the immune system, that they have an anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effect. Above all, they are supposed to increase the number of killer cells. Killer cells are an important part of our immune system and become active when viruses or bacteria are discovered in the organism.

The nuclei are said to inhibit the growth of E. coli, pus and staphylococci, which also include MRSA.

Face mask

How to make a papaya face mask yourself to revitalize your skin. To do this, mix 1/3 of pureed papaya with an egg yolk, half an advocado, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply the mask to cleansed skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes. You can then rinse off the mass with warm water..