The best part about adding fruits and vegetables in your diet is the fact that almost every one of them has health benefits that are synonymous with the family of fruits that they have their origins in, and even distinctive ones that set them apart from the rest.

The fruit “papaya” is no different from the rest, and so, here is a list of benefits that one can enjoy in eating the papaya regularly:

Benefit #1: Digestion

Since the papaya contains the digestive enzyme papain, one of the biggest benefits of eating papaya regularly is that it aids digestion. If one eats the “ripe” version, this is not only digestible but also aids in relieving constipation. In some studies, it has been found that if this fruit is only eaten for two to three days, it has a beneficial effect on one’s stomach and the intestines.

Benefit #2: Reduces inflammation and improves healing

Another big benefit to eating papaya regularly is the fact that nutrients such as the protein-digesting enzymes apart from the antioxidants that are present in papaya not only reduce inflammation but also improves healing. These nutrients also aid in digesting proteins as well.

Benefit #3: Prevention of Cancer and the lowering of cholesterol levels

The fiber that is present in ripe papaya can prevent cancer in the organs and glands, especially the ones which has epithelial tissue. In the case of colon cancer, the fiber in papaya binds to cancer-causing toxins and keeps them away from healthy colon cells. Another benefit is that the juice of papaya has been known to reduce infections of the colon. The fiber present in the papaya also has been observed to lower high (bad) cholesterol levels.

Benefit #4: Prevention of Diabetic Heart disease and Atherosclerosis

Since papaya is packed with powerful healing antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E, these nutrients will prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.