What Is Raw Papaya Milk?
Image Credit: Papaya | Image Credit: Freepik.com

Papaya is consumed as a fruit and vegetable. Raw papaya is often consumed as a vegetable, while ripe papaya is consumed as fruit. Payapa contributes an array of health benefits and is mainly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.    

When pricking or slicing raw papaya, have you ever witnessed a white sap that oozes from the surface of the fruit? This white extract from raw papaya is basically known as latex, which has proteolytic enzymes known as papain, which can stimulate contractions, according to The British Journal of Nutrients. This enzyme is used for medical purposes as it is known for treating several ailments like sore throats, pain, inflammation, and others.   

How Is This White Milk Collected?   

The latex from raw papaya is collected in aluminium trays, which is achieved by making vertical cuts on raw papaya hanging from the tree. This white milk is collected, processed, and used for treating several ailments in humans.   

Nutrient Value Of Papaya  

According to research titled Nutritional and Medicinal Values of Papaya, papaya is loaded with Vitamin C and A. It is an excellent source of dietary fibre. It also contains vitamins E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and folate in small amounts.    

The presence of dietary fibre in papaya helps with digestive health; potassium helps with fluid balance; and enzymes like papain help with digestion and promote overall well-being. It also improves gut and metabolic health.    

Benefits Of Raw Papaya Milk  

Raw papaya milk contains enzymes called papain, which benefit the health of individuals in many ways. Take a look at some of them:   

  • It Helps Ease A Sore Throat  

According to the Fortschr Med Journal in a study named ‘Clinical studies on Frubienzyme in a controlled double-blind trial’, people suffering from pharyngitis or tonsillitis get cured with the consumption of papain extracts from raw papaya. The enzymes have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that alleviate discomfort associated with sore throats.   

  • Aids Digestion    

The Neuro Endocrinology Letters in the study, ‘Papaya preparation in digestive disorders,’ state that symptoms like constipation and bloating can be eased by papain. It significantly improves bloating and constipation in people with chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction.    

  • Helps Heal Wounds  

‘Efficacy of papain-based wound cleanser in promoting wound regeneration’ by PJBS  notes that papain in raw papaya can be used as a natural remedy for skin ulcers, wounds, and other skin problems. The anti-inflammatory property of papain helps reduce swelling and redness around the wound area.  

  

  • Eases Muscle Soreness   

As per the Journal of Sports Sciences, papain helps relieve muscle soreness in people. The powerful inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and inflammation in the muscle after intense physical activity or exercise.  

Relieve Shingle Symptoms   

The Fortschr Med Journal in ‘Enzyme therapy--an alternative in treatment of herpes zoster. A controlled study of 192 patients’ states papain may help relieve shingle symptoms such as pain, skin lesions, and neuralgia. This is due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties that ease inflammation in the body.