Author: Myrene Dickinson

Did you know that your immune system starts in your gastrointestinal tract?

Fox News stated that about 74% of Americans suffer from a chronic digestive disease, that survey is five years old.[1]  It’s hard to imagine the current percentage and the havoc that a lack of beneficial flora creates in the organism.  Knowing that the lack of enzymes to break down food may be the culprit of insufficiency in essential nutrients is the premise to focus on supplementing what we eat.

Papayas

Papayas are native to Central and South America and a staple on the Latin American table. Most people’s grocery shopping list does not include papayas, little do they know the excellent benefits of this fruit.  Low in calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, folates, potassium, magnesium, and so much more, makes papaya the fruit of the angels, as Christopher Columbus called is.  Little did he know that this fruit is indeed a blessing to many people that lack the specific nutrition required for a healthy digestive system.  Hence, enzymes and bacteria play an essential role in our digestive health and supporting the immune system.[2]

Why do we need enzymes in our gut?

Enzymes are proteins that help create chemical reactions to breakdown food into molecules.  It all starts in our mouth with the saliva, which contains enzymes, then the breakdown process continues to our stomach, where other enzymes break down proteins.  This digested food moves on to the small intestines where vital components are absorbed with the help of the enzymes released by the pancreas.  Then the content travels to the large intestine where bacteria break down the material, even more absorbing vitamins, minerals, and water.

Wards off Alzheimer’s disease

Studies have shown that fermented papaya may counteract the effects of oxidate stress associated with Alzheimer’s disease and slow down its progression.[3]  Also, papayas are rich in fiber and vitamins C, both excellent preventative of cholesterol build-up.[4]

Keeps respiratory illnesses at bay

The stronger our immunity system, the less likely that we will get sick. Papaya’s richness in vitamin C makes it the ideal fruit to prevent and treat respiratory illnesses and even inflammation by creating a shield against free radicals.[5] [6]

Papayas assist in maintaining a healthy gut

Papaya improves digestion, contains the enzyme papain, which offers digestive support and fights parasites, and serves as an inflammatory.  The seeds, in particular, are high in antioxidants that fight free radicals known to cause numerous diseases, including cancer.[7]

  The fruit and seeds are effective in supporting the breakdown of food and the efficient use of its nutrients. 

Bottom line

A healthy gut significantly increases the strength of our immune system, helping us fight viruses, preventing cancer, protecting our kidneys, and so much more.  So, next time you make your shopping list, consider including the ‘fruit of the angels’ and papaya supplements in your cart.

Sources

1. (The) survey shows 74 percent of Americans living with GI discomfort. Written for Fox News. Updated on October 28, 2015. Retrieved on March 26, 2020. https://www.foxnews.com/health/survey-shows-74-percent-of-americans-living-with-gi-discomfort
2. The Gut: Where Bacteria and Immune System Meet. Written by Helen Fields for John Hopkins.November 2015. Retrieved on March 26, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet
3. Barbagallo M, Marotta F, Dominguez LJ. Oxidative stress in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: effect of extracts of fermented papaya powder. Mediators Inflamm. 2015;2015:624801. doi:10.1155/2015/624801, Retrieved from PubMed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25944987
4. Papayas raw Nutrition Facts & Calories. Written for Self NutritionData. Retrieved on March 26, 2020, from https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1985/2
5. Vitamin C and Immune Function Carr, A.C.; Maggini, S. Vitamin C. Nutrients Updated 2017. Retrieved on March 26, 2020, from PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
6. Melodie Anne 28 2018 Vitamin C for Chronic Inflammation. Written for Healthfully. Retrieved on March 26, 20020 from https://healthfully.com/vitamin-c-for-chronic-inflammation-6772359.html
7. Pham-Huy, L. A., He, H., & Pham-Huy, C. (2008). Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. International Journal of biomedical science: IJBS, 4(2), 89–96. Retrieved on March 26, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/

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