It is certain that most of us are aware of the benefits of papaya fruit (paw-paw fruit), which contains high amounts of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals as well as fibre to control appetite and promote a healthy digestion, but not all of us are familiar with the health benefits of paw-paw (papaya) leaves.
Just like its name suggests, papaya leaves are the leaves of the papaya plants, meanwhile many people don’t even consider eating paw-paw leaves due to its bitter flavor, despite being a common type of vegetable in Indonesia.
The Nutrients inside Paw-Paw (Papaya) Leaves
Do you know that Papaya leaves contain wealthy reserves of wonderful nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, calcium, flavonoids, which are antioxidants useful to repel cancer and cardiovascular illnesses, tannins as well as betacarotene to boost the immune system?
The vitamins above are sources of powerful antioxidants, vitality and enhanced mood, bone strength improver, and to maintain sexual and cardiovascular functions respectively.
How Do Papaya Leaves Cure Cancer?
Papaya leaves contain a kind of sap that is effective in preventing killing cancer cells known as acetogenin. Various research and studies that have taken place in various leading research countries such as Japan and the United States have also proven that papaya leaves are indeed effective in doing so.
For example, a study done by the University of Illinois concluded that papaya leaves’ high antioxidant content makes it, whereas a similar study done by the University of Florida validated that papaya leaves possess agents that kill various types of cancer, such as cervix cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and the lung cancer.
Researchers prove papaya leaves’ ability to cure cancer by doing the “tea experiment.” The tea experiment works by placing tea made of papaya leaf extracts into petri dishes filled with cancerous cells.
The scientists observe that the papaya leaf extract accelerates the production of substances that help regulate the immune system and the death of cancerous cells.
Here are some other ways papaya leaves can potentially help to cure cancer.
1. Chemotherapy: This is the first health benefit of papaya leaves for cancer. Papaya leaves can enhance chemotherapy effectiveness whilst reducing its risky side effects.
2. Immune Improvement: Papaya leaves contain lots of powerful antioxidants that are great immune boosters. One anti-cancer compound produced by papaya is the cytokine.
3. Platelets: Papaya leaf teas can counter thrombocytopenia, which is a common condition treated for cancer that keeps blood clotting due to low platelet counts.
4. Appetite: The papaya leaves can also cure cancer by increasing appetite on cancer patients, a common trait of people suffering from cancer.
5. Provides Antioxidant: The final health benefit of papaya leaves for cancer is that it provides antioxidant that guards you from any possible growth of cancer.
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Other Uses of Papaya Leaves
Apart from its ability to prevent and cure cancer gradually, here are the other known advantages of papaya leaves for your health.
1. Prevents Indigestion: Just like the papaya fruit itself, papaya leaves can also maintain a healthy digestion. The maintenance of digestion using papaya leaves is all-throughout from the mouth to the colon. Papaya leaves (paw-paw leaves) help the natural breakdown of protein and carbohydrates and relieves the forming of intestinal acids. In the end, infections can be avoided at best.
2. Gradually Stabilizes a Dengue Patient’s Condition: Papaya leaves (paw-paw leaves) can stabilize the health conditions of a dengue patient by containing enzymes that have the ability to reduce swelling. Swelling on dengue fever itself is a continual symptom that appears four to five days after high fever starts. The swelling itself mostly comes in the form of series of rashes.
3. Helps Alleviate Gluten-Intolerance: Gluten intolerance is an immune condition that arises after consuming gluten products such as wheat, barley or rye. Papaya leaves can help break the gluten proteins for a better digestion.
4. Reduces One’s Glucose and Carbohydrate Intake: Glucose and carbohydrate affect our eating habits in a great way, by dramatically increasing our appetite. This is obviously unhealthy and speeds up obesity. Tea made of papaya leaf extracts can reduce our appetite on glucose as well as carbohydrate.
5. Diminishes Acne: Acne is a hormonal issue commonly found in adolescents and young adults. It alters our skin appearance and cause insecurities in most people. Not to mention that it is hereditary and a life-long condition. Should all acne control efforts fail, perhaps you should check out papaya leaves. Papaya leaves help acne by making a facial mask out of it.
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6. Minimizes Prostate-related Diseases:
One prostate disease that can be helped with the help of papaya leaves is enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostate is characterized by burning feeling when urinating, nonstop urge to go to the toilet, fever as well as fatigue. Consuming papaya leaves can help cure these symptoms eventually.
7. Supports Hair Growth: Papaya leaves may be a common skincare ingredient, but not many are aware that it is indeed also a good supporter of hair growth. Papaya shampoos strengthens and shines the hair, If you do not have papaya shampoo, you could try mixing shampoo with papaya extracts to get the best benefits for your hair.
8. Relieves Menstrual Cramps: Tea made out of papaya leaves can relieve menstrual cramps. Drink a few cups per day and see how it works. It is regarded as an organic way to relieve menstruation without the help of medicines.
9. Defies Aging: Papaya and the leaves contain amino acids that make the skin young and healthy. Papaya tea can also lead to a firmer and tighter skin and avoid wrinkles and such from appearing.
Those are the health benefits of papaya leaves for cancer and for the overall health. Apart from consuming the papaya fruit, you should also think about eating the leaves as well. Hope it works
Scientific Evidence and Case Studies on Health Benefits of Paw-Paw (Papaya) Leaves for Cancer and Others
1. Anticancer effects in lab-grown tumors: Papaya leaf extract demonstrates dramatic anticancer effects against lab-grown tumors including cervix, breast, liver, lung, and pancreas cancers, with stronger effects at higher doses and no toxicity to normal cells.
2. Boosting immune signaling against cancer: Papaya leaf extract boosts production of Th1-type cytokines, which are key signaling molecules in regulating the immune system to fight cancer cells.
3. In vitro activity against colon cancer: Black seed extract from papaya shows cytotoxicity against human colon cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through up-regulation of p53 and caspase-3 genes and down-regulation of Bcl-2.
4. Cytotoxic effects on breast and lung cancer: Ethyl acetate extract of papaya leaves exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against breast and lung cancer cell lines in vitro.
5. Platelet recovery in chemotherapy patients: Papaya leaf extract accelerates platelet count recovery in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, a common issue in cancer treatment.
Nutritional Value Of Health Benefits of Paw-Paw (Papaya) Leaves for Cancer and Others
1. Vitamins A, C, and E: Act as powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals, support immune function, and protect against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Vitamin B complex: Provides vitality, enhances mood, and supports energy metabolism, contributing to overall health and immune boosting.
3. Vitamin D: Improves bone strength and supports immune system regulation, aiding in the prevention of illnesses.
4. Calcium: Essential for bone health and cellular functions, helping maintain structural integrity and supporting cardiovascular functions.
5. Flavonoids: Antioxidants that repel cancer and heart diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
6. Beta-carotene: Boosts the immune system and acts as a precursor to vitamin A, promoting eye health and antioxidant protection.
7. Tannins: Offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, supporting digestion and protecting against infections.
Summary of Health Benefits of Paw-Paw (Papaya) Leaves for Cancer and Others
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Papaya leaves offer health benefits beyond the fruit, rich in nutrients, used traditionally despite bitter taste. |
| Nutrients | Vitamins A, B, C, D, E; calcium; flavonoids; tannins; beta-carotene for antioxidants, immune boost, bone health. |
| Cancer Benefits | Contains acetogenin to kill cancer cells; enhances chemotherapy; improves immunity, platelets, appetite; provides antioxidants. |
| Other Benefits | Prevents indigestion; stabilizes dengue; alleviates gluten intolerance; reduces glucose intake; diminishes acne; minimizes prostate issues; supports hair growth; relieves menstrual cramps; defies aging. |
| Usage and Conclusion | Consume as tea, extracts, or masks; encourages including leaves with fruit for overall health. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key nutrients in papaya leaves?
Papaya leaves are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, calcium, flavonoids, tannins, and beta-carotene, which support antioxidant activity and immune health.
2. How do papaya leaves help with cancer?
They contain acetogenin, which may kill cancer cells, enhance chemotherapy, boost immunity via cytokines, improve platelet counts, increase appetite, and provide antioxidants to prevent cancer growth.
3. Can papaya leaves improve digestion?
Yes, they aid in breaking down proteins and carbohydrates, relieve intestinal acids, and prevent infections for better overall digestion.
4. Are papaya leaves useful for dengue fever?
Papaya leaves can help stabilize dengue patients by reducing swelling and rashes through their enzyme content.
5. How do papaya leaves benefit skin health?
They diminish acne when used as a facial mask, defy aging with amino acids for firmer skin, and support hair growth when mixed in shampoos.
6. Can papaya leaves help with menstrual cramps?
Tea from papaya leaves is an organic remedy to relieve menstrual cramps when consumed in a few cups daily.
7. What role do papaya leaves play in prostate health?
They minimize symptoms of enlarged prostate, such as burning urination, frequent urges, fever, and fatigue.
8. Do papaya leaves reduce appetite for glucose and carbs?
Yes, tea from papaya leaf extracts can lower appetite for glucose and carbohydrates, helping prevent obesity.
9. How can papaya leaves alleviate gluten intolerance?
They assist in breaking down gluten proteins, improving digestion for those with gluten intolerance.
10. Are there scientific studies supporting papaya leaves for cancer?
Lab studies show anticancer effects against various cancers like breast, lung, and colon, with immune-boosting and cytotoxic properties.
Do you have any questions, suggestions, or contributions? If so, please feel free to use the comment box below to share your thoughts. We also encourage you to kindly share this information with others who might benefit from it. Since we can’t reach everyone at once, we truly appreciate your help in spreading the word. Thank you very much for your support and for sharing!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The health benefits described are based on scientific research and traditional knowledge. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb or natural remedy for medical purposes.
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How should papaya leaves be taken? I mean in which form or how to prepare.
Okay, Read this carefully “Researchers prove papaya leaves’ ability to cure cancer by doing the “tea experiment.” The tea experiment works by placing tea made of papaya leaf extracts into petri dishes” which means you have to squeeze out the juice from the leaves like the way of processing bitter leaf to get its water.
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