SUMMER FRUIT: EAT PAPAYA FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Papaya, Paw Paw, Papaw, Tree Melon (botanical name Carica Papaya), has oblong shape, normally greenish yellow, yellow or orange color. It is a large tree plant fruit usually reaching 2.5kg. It has bitter sweet taste and comes from tropical places with higher humidity, native to Mexico, countries of Central America, Thailand, Africa and Asia and growing well in Australia.
Deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus.
Having the shape of a pear, the papaya is a tropical fruit whose length can vary from seven to 20 inches. Though you will find the papaya being sold in the market the whole year round, it grows abundantly during the summer time. People all over the globe love eating the sweet-tasting papaya. But apart from being very tasty, papaya also nurtures several health benefits.
Papaya is not only a delicious fruit to eat; it also contains abundant health benefits and medicinal value. Papaya can be eaten as a fruit, a smoothie or even a milkshake. Papaya contains natural fiber, carotene, vitamin C and essential minerals. Papayas also contain enzymes like arginine and carpaine. Arginine is essential for male fertility and carpaine is considered to be good for the heart.
Nutritional Value of Papaya
Moisture 90.8 %
Protein 0.6%
Fat 0.1%
Fiber 0.8%
Minerals 0.5%
Minerals and Vitamins (per 100 g of Papaya)
Calcium 17 mg
Phosphorus 13 mg
Iron 0.5 mg
Vitamin C 57 mg
Health Benefits of Eating Papaya
Papaya contains ‘papain’, a digestive enzyme known for aiding digestion.
Papaya are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber.
When consumed ripe, this fruit being easily digestible assists in preventing constipation. Eating papaya after a meal makes for better digestion prevents bloating and chronic indigestion.
Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.
A study reveals that when this fruit is consumed alone for three days, it has a useful tonic effect in the stomach and intestines.
The juice of papaya assists in mitigating infections of the colon. It also helps in breaking down pus and mucus.
The consumption of ripe papaya is said to help in the prevention of cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue.
Papaya helps tremendously in preventing nausea, including morning sickness and motion sickness.
When mix with honey, the papaya seeds are known to be antihelminthic for expelling worms. So chew and swallow two teaspoonfuls of papaya seeds after the main meals during a day.
Being a good bleaching agent, papaya forms a vital ingredient in liquid and bar bath soaps, hand washes, astringents and even detergent bars.
The anti-oxidants in papaya has rejuvenating properties that help in controlling premature aging, which helps to give a young look.
Eating papaya fruit regularly is known to be refreshing and restore strength and health to the body.
Papaya is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients like carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin B, minerals, fiber, etc. All these nutrients boost the health of the cardiovascular system, apart from providing protection against colon cancer.
Papaya is a fruit high in fiber which lowers cholesterol levels. Papaya contains antioxidants which prevents the cholesterol from oxidizing.
Papaya makes the skin glow. Papaya contains the enzyme papain which helps to dissolve dead skin, thus imparting a fresh and clean glow to the face. This fruit can be directly applied to skin sores too.
A research conducted in Kansas State University suggest that if you or someone you love is a smoker, or if you are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, then making vitamin A-rich foods, such as papaya, part of your healthy way of eating may save your life. Therefore, papaya is good for the lungs.
Note: Eat your seasoned fruits; their abundance signals us to live a life in health and wellness!
Reference:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage
http://www.indiaparenting.com/health/324_3468/health-benefits-of-papaya.html
http://www.traditionaloven.com/articles/124/papaya-sweet-pawpaw-answer-to-well-being-and-health
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-papaya-1399.html
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