The Papain Enzyme – The Secret to Papayas Digestive Health Benefits

The Papain Enzyme seems to be a hot topic at the moment in the health industry. A lot of people want to know more about this amazing natural property of Papaya. 

In this blog post we will take a closer look at Papain, and also the Papaya fruit from which it is extracted….

What is Papaya Fruit?

Papayas are a delicious and nutritious fruit that originates from tropical climates.

Also known as papaws or pawpaws, Papayas have a sweet taste, vibrant colour, and In addition to being a tasty treat, they contain a wealth of health benefits which make them a very popular fruit.

For example, Papayas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, and they also contain high levels of potassium, fibre, and antioxidants, which helps to boost the immune system. 

Papayas also contain an enzyme that aids in digestion (which we will talk about a bit later), making them a perfect choice for those prone to indigestion or heartburn. 

Studies have also shown that papayas can not only help to lower blood pressure, but protect against arthritis and other ageing issues that arise later in life. 

On top of that, the antioxidants present in papayas can help to protect against some types of cancer!

With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that papayas are such a popular fruit!

In addition to being eaten fresh, papayas can also be used in smoothies, juices, salads, and desserts. Thanks to their many health benefits and delicious taste, papayas are a fruit that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

So next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, reach for a papaya!

Benefits of Papaya:

Adding Papaya to your diet can have numerous positive effects on your health. Here we look at some of the more impressive benefits which come from consuming Papaya:

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but there are steps that everyone can take to reduce their risk. 

One simple change is to add Papaya to your diet. This tropical fruit is an excellent source of fibre, potassium, and vitamins, all of which have been shown to help protect against heart disease. 

Fibre helps to lower cholesterol levels, potassium helps to reduce blood pressure, and vitamins help to keep the arteries clear. As a result, incorporating papaya into your diet is a delicious way to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Papaya is not only a delicious fruit, but it is also good for your heart. In particular, the potassium in papaya helps to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems. 

While many people think of high sodium when they think of heart disease, it is actually potassium that is more important. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease!

Inflammation

Choline is an essential nutrient found in papayas. 

Choline aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, making it imperative for good brain health. 

It also assists in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation throughout the body. It is a massively important ingredient to better health!

Choline is also an important nutrient for pregnant women and their developing babies. Choline helps to prevent birth defects in new-born babies within the brain and spine. 

Important for normal brain development in infants and children, Choline plays a role in memory, learning, and behaviour. It is also involved in muscle movement, nervous system function, and energy metabolism. 

In adults, choline is important for liver function and lipid metabolism. Choline aids in the absorption of fat and cholesterol and reduces chronic inflammation. It is also involved in DNA repair and methylation processes. 

Choline is found naturally in food sources such as beef liver, egg yolks, shrimp, salmon, milk, peanuts, beans, and wheat germ. 

Papayas are a great source of choline. One cup of papaya provides about 20% of the daily recommended intake for choline!

Cancer

The beta-carotene found in papayas has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which means it may help to protect cells from damage. 

This, in turn, may reduce the risk of cancer. 

Some studies have found that diets rich in beta-carotene are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, particularly among younger men.

While more research is needed to confirm these findings, consuming foods like papayas that are high in beta-carotene is a good way to ensure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient. 

Diabetes

A diet rich in fibre has many health benefits, and new research suggests that it may be particularly helpful for people with diabetes. 

Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fibre diets have lower blood glucose levels. And people with type 2 diabetes may experience improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels. 

One small papaya provides about 3 grams of fibre, and just 17 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it an ideal snack for people with diabetes who need to carefully regulate their intake of carbohydrates. 

In addition to its role in regulating blood sugar levels, fibre is also beneficial for gut health and weight management. As a result, incorporating more high-fibre foods into your diet is a smart choice for everyone, but it may be especially helpful for people with diabetes.

What is the Papain Enzyme?

Now onto The Papain Enzyme, one of the secret health giving properties of Papaya:

Many people don’t realise that enzymes are already present within our bodies to help break down food and release nutrients. 

The unripe fruit of the papaya tree contains a natural source for this type of protein-digesting enzyme, known as “papain.”

This papaya enzyme helps the body break down proteins, which are essential for building and maintaining healthy cells. Papain helps our digestive system function correctly and allows the food we consume to release important nutrients into our bloodstream.

The Papain Enzyme can also be beneficial to people with digestive issues or food allergies because it comes from a natural source. Meaning there are less potential side effects like over-the-counter medications created to remedy a bad stomach.

What type of Enzyme is Papain?

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme. 

 

The main function for this chemical is to break down proteins into smaller protein fragments called peptides and amino acids which allows the body to extract and use all the important nutrients inside.

 

Due to its ability to break down protein, Papain can be found in many meat tenderizers!

What is Papain Enzyme good for?

The body needs a little help from time to time when it comes to digesting protein. 

Papain enzymes can break down complex proteins into simple peptides and amino acids so your digestive system isn’t overworked, and can help prevent any issues we might experience along the way, like discomfort or pain in your stomach region!

Proteins make up 20% of our weight; if you’re feeling undercooked in the mornings then maybe adding some extra enzymes would do wonders for helping with digestion!

Papain has also been linked to easing the pain from sports injuries due its anti-inflammatory properties. In some early research it significantly reduced injury and recovery time for athletes!

There is some evidence that suggests the use of this anti-inflammatory action can help those living with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Those who took oral supplements containing papain noticed relief from their symptoms, proving it works similarly in humans to over-the-counter medications.

Helping avoid Atherosclerosis is very important, especially later in life. It poses risks not only on your heart but all parts of our bodies, and could lead to serious complications like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Warning!

If you are allergic to latex or papaya, then this product may not be for you. 

 

Topical applications of Papain have been known to cause blisters and skin irritation in those with sensitive skins!

Conclusion

For those struggling with digestive issues, or wanting to improve general wellbeing,  supplementing with papaya extract may be the perfect natural addition to their diet.

The powerful Papain Enzyme and other health benefits are derived directly from one of our planet’s most commonly grown fruit and can provide amazing results.

For many it may also provide relief for many types of heartburn or indigestion enabling them to finally enjoy their favourite foods again!

For more, please follow our blog, our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

And please feel free to leave a comment!