Papaya...The New Superfood That Could Help Fight Cancer

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Could the papaya fruit one day be used to treat cancer? University of Florida researchers hope so. According to a recent study, this tasty tropical fruit packs a punch against cancer in the laboratory - and could soon be tested in animals and humans.

Health Benefits of Papaya Extract: The Study
Scientists at the University of Florida created a papaya extract out of dried papaya leaves and tested it on ten different types of cancer cells using four different strengths of papaya extract. The results? After twenty-four hours, the papaya treated cancer cells had slowed down their growth - and the more papaya extract they received, the more their growth and replication was halted. Even better, the papaya extract slowed down cancer cell growth without harming normal, non-cancerous ones.

The Health Benefits of Papaya for Cancer: How Does It Work?
Papaya extract boosts levels of proteins called cytokines which affect the way the immune system functions. Because the immune system is so important for stopping the growth of cancer, it isn't surprising that papaya extract would slow down the proliferation of cancer cells. It also seems to directly stop tumor growth by causing cancer cells to die.

The Health Benefits of Papaya: Can It Treat Other Diseases?
Researchers are hopeful that papaya extract could also be used to treat other diseases. Because it increases production of cytokines, it may be useful for fighting the inflammation associated with some automimmune and inflammatory diseases. The papaya is truly a versatile fruit when it comes to health.

Papaya Extract for Treating Disease: The Bottom Line?
Papaya extract looks promising, but animal and human studies need to be completed before firm conclusions can be drawn. For now, the best way to eat papaya is to enjoy it fresh from the produce stand. It's a good source of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E and the B-vitamin folate. It also contains two enzymes called papain and chymopapain which play a role in reducing inflammation in the body.

All in all, eating papaya is a good thing whether you have cancer or not. The next time you're at the grocery store, pick up some of this luscious fruit and enjoy its many health benefits.

by Dr. Kristie

[Elissa Bentsen]

Would eating dried Papaya produce the same benefits?