Papaya is a fruit with a green skin and soft pink inner flesh that grows primarily in tropical regions, particularly South and Central America. The fruit contains a high percentage of papain, a naturally occurring chemical that is thought to have a variety of health benefits. For people who do not have ready access to papayas but want to consume papain, papaya supplements can be substituted. Papaya supplements are made by mechanically extracting the papain, which can then be processed into a liquid or powder. In its loose form, the supplement can be added to water to drink, added to a capsule to be swallowed, or processed into chewable wafers.
One of the most common uses of papaya supplements is for aiding the digestive process. The chemical enzyme papain is thought to help the organs in the digestive system more effectively break down food and pass it through the body. People who tend to have heartburn, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive health problems may be encouraged to try the supplements to lessen pain or discomfort after eating. The supplement is generally taken after meal times for the best results. Some supporters of the supplement also believe it can help prevent cancer in the colon, the middle portion of the large intestine that leads to the rectum.
The papain found in papaya supplements is also considered by advocates to be a means to promote the treatment of wounds, as well as insect stings and bites. Those who use the supplements typically believe the papain works in wound healing due to the power of the antioxidants in the chemical. Antioxidants are substances in the body that fight against cell changes and damages, such as from injuries or illnesses. These substances may help speed up the body’s natural healing process for wounds, stings, and bites, although it is not conclusively proven by medical professionals.
Papaya supplements may also contain other ingredients besides papain that are beneficial to a person’s health, such as vitamin C and folic acid. These nutrients are thought to keep cholesterol in the body from reacting with oxygen. Cholesterol is a substance with a waxy texture that is found in the blood and can thicken when in comes into contact with oxygen. If cholesterol thickens too much, it can clog blood vessels and prevent the blood from pumping properly and reaching the heart, which could result in a heart attack or stroke.