Researchers have found that papaya leaf extract has dramatic tumor-fighting properties against breast and cervical cancer.

University of Florida researcher Nam Dang along with researchers at The University of Tokyo documented papaya’s anticancer effect in a report published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Dang used an extract made from dried papaya leaves, and the stronger the extract, the better the results.    This is exciting news because the papaya extract did not have any toxic effects on normal cells, avoiding a common and dangerous side effect of many cancer therapy regimens.

Dang and his colleagues in Tokyo showed that papaya leaf extract boosts the production of cytokines which help regulate the immune system.

Papaya has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments in many parts of the world for centuries.  This study focuses on the leaves, but the fruit is delicious and full of beta carotene and digestive enzymes.  Eat it while pregnant to avoid constipation.

It also makes a great first food for babies!