If you think that papaya is only a warm-weather fruit, or to be enjoyed on vacation in a tropical paradise with a slice of mint, you re missing out on the amazing benefits the bright orange fruit has to offer. Studies show that papaya, with its lycopene-filled flesh, packs in more antioxidants and vitamins per 100 grams than almost any other fruit. Lycopene is known to reduce inflammation linked to major diseases, and eating a high-lycopene diet helps lower your risk of certain cancers and protects your skin from sun damage and early signs of aging.
Studies also suggest that eating lycopene helps fight inflammation, which contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Crohn s disease, and more. But, that s not the only reason to love papaya.