We are all aware of the health benefits of papaya. However, not many of us know that both the flowers and leaves of the papaya are equally beneficial and are known for their miraculous health effects. Male papaya flowers are consumed due to their high nutritional value. The following article helps you understand more about the benefits of eating male papaya flowers.
Male papaya flowers contain many valuable nutrients. Although they have a bitter taste, there are still many different recipes that make them delicious, and they are often eaten as vegetables or side dishes. These flowers have been used to control several diseases by our ancestors. After consuming the flowers, significant changes in insulin levels have been observed in diabetic patients. These flowers can help stabilize high blood pressure, prevent heart diseases, and many other illnesses. After using the flowers, patients noticed significant improvements in their condition. Occasionally adding papaya flowers to your diet can be beneficial, especially for those with health problems.
1. Characteristics of Male Papaya Flowers
- Scientific Name: The male papaya plant is scientifically named Carica papaya, and belongs to the papaya family Papayaceae. In traditional medicine, the papaya plant is also known as: Cà là, Phan qua thụ…
- Characteristics of the plant: It grows from 1-3 meters tall and usually grows vertically with a single main stem. If the main stem breaks, 2-3 new stems may grow. The leaves are long, with 5-7 lobes shaped like paddles, and have long petioles. Papaya plants typically have few or no fruits, and if they do, they are usually very small. The seeds are light in color and float when soaked in water.
- Characteristics of male papaya flowers: The flowers are white, with small sepals, yellow stamens, and five petals. The flower stalks are long and usually grow in clusters, emitting a pleasant fragrance. Of the plant’s parts that can be used for medicinal purposes—including the fruit, flowers, leaves, and branches—the male papaya flowers are the most commonly used.
- Nutritional components of male papaya flowers include: Gallic acid, beta carotene, calcium, protein, carbohydrates, phenols, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, and tannins.
2. Benefits of Male Papaya Flowers
- Control blood sugar in diabetic patients: This is the primary and most important benefit of male papaya flowers. Drinking the infusion of male papaya flowers helps increase insulin levels, thereby stabilizing blood sugar in diabetic patients. Patients themselves will notice the change when using the flowers.
- Antioxidant properties, cholesterol prevention: Male papaya flowers contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate (vitamin B9), which have antioxidant properties, prevent cholesterol buildup, and prevent oxidation. Additionally, antioxidant compounds such as beta carotene, phenols, and gallic acid contribute to limiting the growth of cancer cells in the body. Beta carotene in the flowers also helps with blood enrichment, improves circulation, and contributes to cardiovascular health, aiding in heart protection.
- Weight loss aid: In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, male papaya flowers are rich in fiber, which helps reduce hunger and cravings for overweight individuals. However, a proper and scientific diet and exercise regime is necessary to achieve optimal weight loss results.
- Treat respiratory issues: Extracts from the flowers mixed with honey are used to treat respiratory problems such as cough, sore throat, and hoarseness, as an alternative to using antibiotics. For a long time, traditional medicine has used male papaya flowers to treat coughs in both adults and children. The most common remedy involves steaming male papaya flowers with honey or rock sugar, then straining the liquid to be taken 3-4 times a day. Fresh leek leaves and lime seeds can also be added to this remedy for the same method of preparation and use.
- Pain relief: Similar to pain-relieving remedies, a mixture of male papaya flowers and a tablespoon of honey in a cup of hot water can provide immediate relief from pain when taken 3-4 times a day.
3.How to Prepare Male Papaya Flowers
Some ways to prepare male papaya flowers include:
- Stir-fried male papaya flowers with garlic: Ingredients include minced garlic and an appropriate amount of male papaya flowers. First, bring water to a boil and cook the flowers for about 30-35 minutes, then remove them and rinse with cold water to reduce the bitterness. Mash the flowers, mix them with spices, and let them soak for 3 minutes. Then, stir-fry the flowers with oil and garlic until cooked.
- Papaya flower salad: This dish is often made by people from the Northwest region and is particularly popular. Ingredients include male papaya flowers, young papaya leaves, lemongrass, chili, mac Khen, garlic, and wild eggplant. Wash all ingredients, then boil the flowers, leaves, and wild eggplant for about 5 minutes. After boiling, rinse the ingredients several times with clean water. To reduce the bitterness, squeeze out excess water after rinsing. Then, mix with salt, lemongrass, chili, garlic, cilantro, and mashed mac Khen. After mixing, the dish is ready to serve.
4. Some Notes When Using Male Papaya Flowers
If used in moderation, there should be no side effects. However, one should avoid eating excessive amounts, even of ripe papaya, as the pigments can cause yellowing of the skin, although it is not dangerous. Some animal studies have shown that papaya extracts may cause temporary infertility and disrupt the estrous cycle. Pregnant women should absolutely avoid using papaya, as the enzyme papain in papaya can induce miscarriage in animals by disrupting the necessary proteins for fertilized eggs. High doses of papain may be toxic to the fetus.
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