Detox never tasted so good! When you think of the ingredients in detox products, you might automatically think of some bitter herbs or some nasty tasting detox drink.  I’ll bet the sweet taste of papaya never crossed your mind.

Papaya contains an element called papain which has been used medicinally for centuries to reduce swelling and to relieve fluid retention, particularly after surgical procedures or trauma.

Papain also is very helpful for people with digestive problems.  It can be used to treat shingles, diarrhea, hay fever, runny nose, throat inflammation and to combat parasitic worms.  Used as a topical ointment, papain can be applied directly to the skin to treat burns, infected wounds, ulcers and psoriasis.

Papain contains enzymes that help break down proteins so it is used in a wide range of products from toothpaste to meat tenderizers. Undigested proteins in the stomach may reach the lower abdomen where everything can become compacted and lead to unprocessed food becoming breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus.  The enzymes in papain help to break down undigested proteins, thereby reducing the risk of developing parasites.

There have been some claims that using a tea extract made from papaya leaves has helped cure cancer in some individuals.  Although there has been no absolute scientific research to substantiate these claims, there has been some research done in the United States that suggests there is a chemical compound in the pawpaw tree where papaya comes from that is found to be much stronger than the strongest anti-cancer drug.

As with any dietary supplement, it is always best to check with your physician before taking papaya leaf extract to see if it is the right supplement for your needs.