For centuries, papaya (پپیتا), also known as the pawpaw (Carica papaya), has been a crucial ingredient in natural healing. It has also been part of the staple diet of many indigenous peoples.

Papayas are known for their long list of health benefits. They have a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are especially known for how they help with digestion.

What is not commonly known is that unripe (or green) papayas also have health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why green papayas are good for your health.

1. Potassium Content:

Green papayas have a higher amount of potassium than ripe papayas. Potassium is one of the major electrolytes in the blood (the others are sodium and chloride), carrying a positive electrical charge. 

2. Better Digestion:

Green papayas have higher papain, a protein-digesting enzyme, concentration than ripe ones. The papain and chymopapain along with other enzymes and phytonutrients help improve digestion.

Because of their high fiber content, the enzymes present in raw papaya, and the latex, green papayas are perfect for naturally cleansing the digestive system. They help move waste more efficiently and green papaya juice helps to cleanse the colon naturally.

3. Metabolism:

Green papaya contains more active enzymes than the ripe papaya. It contains papain and chymopapain, two very potent enzymes which help in the breakdown of fat, proteins, and carbohydrates, and supports a healthy metabolism.

In fact, papain has been found to be more efficient in the breakdown of fats than pepsin which is produced by the stomach.

4. Carotenoids Content:

A study in relation to nutritions raw papaya was found to have the greatest amount of carotenoids compared to tomatoes and carrots. The carotenoids present in raw papaya were also found to be more easily usable by the human body when compared to those found in other fruits.

Carotenoids act as health nutrients for the body. They help give the immune system a natural boost.

Some carotenoids are converted by the body to vitamin A, which is essential for vision, growth, and development.

5. Helps Increase Milk Production:

Green papaya has a compound that helps improve lactation in new mothers. It is well known for this purpose in traditional alternative medicine.

6. Skin Care:

Green papaya has high protease enzyme content, giving it desloughing properties that help keep skin fresh and healthy.

Dosage:

1 teaspoon per day between a meal and on an empty stomach.