The Benefits of Papaya Leaves – Papaya is one of the easiest fruits we can find every day. For some people, eating papaya can help facilitate bowel movements. Papaya fruit can also be used as a face mask to brighten and moisturize the skin, to overcome wrinkles. However, apart from the fruit, papaya leaves also have many benefits, you know.
Many preparations of papaya leaves, such as tea, extracts, tablets, and juices, are often used to treat various ailments and promote health. However, maybe not many people know about the details of the benefits of papaya leaves for health. At least, there are seven benefits of papaya leaves that you need to know:
Overcoming the symptoms associated with dengue fever
Contents
Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms are similar to flu, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.
Severe cases also show that this disease can cause a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood. Low platelet levels can increase the risk of bleeding and can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Medicines for dengue fever may not be available, but there are a number of treatments that can be tried to treat the symptoms, one of which is papaya leaves.
According to Healthline, three studies involving several hundred people with dengue fever found that papaya leaf extract significantly increased blood platelet levels. Not only that, papaya leaf therapy has few side effects and is far more cost-effective than conventional treatments.
Balance blood sugar
Papaya leaves are used in traditional medicinal practices to treat diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Animal studies have shown that papaya leaves have strong antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering effects. However, human studies are needed that support the use of papaya leaves for this purpose.
Supports digestive function
Papaya tea and leaf extract are often used as alternative therapies to relieve symptoms of digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn. Papaya leaves contain fiber and a unique compound called papain.
Papain is known for its ability to break down large proteins into smaller proteins and amino acids, making them easier to digest. A study found that additional use of papain powder sourced from papayas reduced digestive problems, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Papaya leaves are also rich in protease and amylase. These two enzymes help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals that aid digestion. Its high anti-inflammatory properties are also believed to reduce inflammation of the stomach and colon. Not only that, but papaya leaf juice is also said to cure stomach ulcers by killing H. pylori bacteria because of its antimicrobial properties.
Nourishes hair
The topical application of papaya leaves as a mask is also often used to nourish hair and maintain scalp health. However, the evidence supporting its efficacy for this purpose is still very limited. Several studies have shown that high levels of oxidative stress in the body can lead to hair loss.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and thus promote hair growth. While papaya leaves contain several compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and vitamin E. Even so, there is no significant evidence to suggest that topical application of papaya leaves can trigger hair fertility.
Makes skin healthier
Papaya leaves are often taken orally or applied topically to maintain healthy skin and make it look cleaner and look younger. Papaya, a protein-dissolving enzyme in papaya leaves, can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and has the potential to reduce the incidence of clogged pores, ingrown hair, and acne.
In addition, papaya leaf enzymes are also widely used to improve wound healing. One study found that the enzyme minimized the appearance of scar tissue in the rabbits studied.
Indonesia’s Essential Oil Becomes the Primadona in the World
Reducing the risk of cancer
Papaya leaf extract has excellent anti-cancer properties, especially because of the acetogenin compound contained in it. According to research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the enzymes in papaya leaves can fight liver cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.
The anti-inflammatory properties of papaya leaves can also help reduce inflammation and chemotherapy side effects. If the bitter taste of papaya leaves bothers you, you can also mix papaya leaf juice with other juices or fruits, such as coconut.
Relieves pain during menstruation
Cramps and lower abdominal pain during menstruation are very disturbing and excruciating. Well, papaya leaf juice can help improve menstrual flow and reduce pain. Eating papaya leaf juice is also believed to reduce menstrual symptoms.
Its healing properties can balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. To consume it, you can take one papaya leaf, a pinch of salt, and tamarind, then mix it all in a glass of water and bring it to a boil.
