The fermented papaya is used in supplements with an antioxidant action, to counteract free radicals, oxidative stress and aging.

What is papaya

The papaya ( Carica papaya ) is a tree native to Central America that belongs to the Caricaceae family. The papaya tree can grow up to ten meters, has a bearing that resembles that of a palm tree and produces rounded and oval fruits that can even weigh five kilos .

The fruit of the papaya at maturity is green on the outside and orange on the inside and contains numerous black seeds rich in mucilage . Papaya is consumed fresh or used to prepare juices and drinks and is rich in vitamins.

However, the papaya drug is not represented by the fruit but by the latex, present in all the lactiferous tissues of the plant and extracted from the immature fruits.

The latex is extracted by making incisions on the fruits and scraping it once it has coagulated in contact with the air . Subsequently the latex is dried and purified to obtain papain. Papain is used in gastric and duodenal insufficiencies for its proteolytic action, as well as for healing.

The fermented fruit, known as fermented papaya, is instead used in the production of natural preparations for its antioxidant properties as there is no lack of clinical evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects against oxidative stress and immune decline.

Still, the assumption for a circumstantial period of the fermented papaya was found to have led to a significant improvement in the clinical conditions of patients suffering from diabetes .

Fermented papaya and antioxidant action

The fermented papaya is obtained by subjecting the papaya fruit to microbial fermentation.

After fermentation, the papaya is dried, pulverized and used for the preparation of food supplements. The fermented papaya is recommended for its antioxidant action, useful to counteract the action of free radicals, oxidative stress, aging and the diseases associated with it.

The supplements based on fermented papaya are therefore taken when it is desired to counteract the aging of the organism.

It should be remembered, however, that antioxidant supplements, as well as supplements in general, are not intended as a substitute for a healthy, varied and balanced diet.

A diet rich in raw and cooked vegetable foods, which includes five daily portions of fruit and vegetables and which includes a good variety of foods, already provides the body with the antioxidant substances it needs to counteract the action of free radicals, slow down the aging process and stay healthy for as long as possible.