Papaya Enzyme Information

Papaya is a nutritional fruit that is packed with vitamins. Papayas are full of fiber, vitamins A, C and E, as well as foliate, calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin and carotene. For extra health benefits from papaya enzymes choose papayas that are still a little green as opposed to overripe.

Origin

• Papaya is native to tropical regions of the world including Mexico and Central America. The indigenous people of these areas have used the pulp, leaves, seeds and latex portions of this plant for years.

Papaya Benefits

• Charles W. Fetrwo and Juan R. Avila in their book "The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines," note that papaya is used to treat several conditions. Papaya has been used to treat "athletic injuries, herniated disks, inflammation, pinworm, tapeworm, swelling and bruising after surgery, as well as to remove dead tissue."

Dosage

• Papaya fruit can be found in many grocery stores. To reap the best benefits from papaya, a papaya supplement should be used. It is important to follow the specific recommendations listed on packaging for the pills. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Lycopene

• In an article titled "The New Superfruits," Prevention magazine lists papaya as a cancer fighting food. In this article David Grott, author of "101 Foods That Could Save Your Life," notes that papaya is full of lycopene. He writes that, "Although there is currently no recommendation for how much lycopene you should consume in a day, research shows that the nutrient may protect against several different types of cancer, including stomach, endometrial and prostate."

  "The Natural Pharmacy," edited and compiled by Dr. Alan R. Gaby, and the Healthnotes Medical Team, concur with Grott's findings. The medical team writes that "lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in test tube research." Gaby affirms that people with higher blood levels of lycopene had a much higher protection from cancer in 57 out of 72 studies.

Side Effects

• Eating papaya or taking papaya supplements have been linked to several side effects, including abdominal pain and discomfort, paralysis, skin rash, slow pulse, difficulty breathing, and yellow skin.

  It is recommended that people pregnant or nursing should refrain from eating papaya. People with an allergy to latex should also abstain from eating the papaya plant, or taking papaya supplements.