Papayas are used to aid digestion, because of the presence of papain—a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins and cleanses the digestive track. Papayas are also a good choice if you want to lose weight naturally. They kill intestinal worms, the presence of which could cause infections. There are some studies that show papayas are effective against some cancers. Lab tests have shown the extract obtained from dried papaya leaves to have anti-carcinogenic effects on tumor cells. Papayas also have revitalizing properties, which explains their use in a wide range of cosmetics and beauty products both commercial and homemade. The star enzymes in papayas, papain and chymopapain, are anti-inflammatory.