You become aware that you are constipated if you have difficulty passing motion or take a few days to do one purge. For fruit, have you considered having papaya as a constipation remedy or including it as part of your regular diet?

Papaya, a natural remedy for Constipation :

As a natural remedy, papaya not only aids digestion but also helps prevent constipation.  It provides relief from piles and also has anti-cancer properties.  Papaya has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of urinary stones, prevent intestinal infection by parasites, and aid in the proper functioning of the body’s immune system.  For lactating mothers, according to traditional beliefs, papaya also helps to stimulate milk production. 

Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins (especially food with gluten).  Concentrated amounts can especially be found in unripe papaya. This enzyme helps prevent the accumulation of mucoprotein (partially digested protein) in the body and lymphatic system.  Papain has been extracted to make dietary supplements for digestion. Thus, the unripe papaya is considered to have more healing powers for constipation than the ripe one.

Papayas are a good source of fiber.  Its fiber can keep cancer-causing toxins in the colon away from the healthy colon cells.  Those who are experiencing constipation or at risk of colon cancer should consider taking more papaya. Papaya’s folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have been linked with a reduced risk of colon cancer.  

Raw papaya contains a lot of fiber, which absorbs water and softens stool, making it an excellent home remedy for constipation. The latex in raw papaya also helps in moving waste along the colon into the bowels and cleaning out the stomach.

Additionally, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya have also been proven to reduce muscle inflammation and the healing of burns and wounds. 

The papaya fruit is slightly sweet, with a musky smell to it.   It is now mainly cultivated in the warm tropical parts of the world but can easily be found in many supermarkets.

To prevent constipation and for all stated health benefits, here are three simple papaya recipes:

1. Papaya Milk Energy drink: Cut papaya and blend with milk in a 50/50 mix.  Add honey if desired. Papaya milk is a good energy drink for growing children.

2. Papaya Salad (Thai Style): Shred green papaya and cut some tomatoes. For the dressing, add chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, Thai basil, 1 teaspoon chopped mint, chili padi (optional), and sugar to taste.

3. Unripe papaya juice:  Peel off the skin and put it in a blender.  This recipe is especially good for the lymphatic system and after a meal that is heavy in gluten.

Including papaya as part of your regular diet is a great idea for a healthy functioning body. This article is intended for awareness purposes only. Please consult your physician if your constipation doesn't reduce with any natural remedies.