The papaya was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Papaya is a popular fruit. We all loves to eat papaya which is yellow in color and taste sweet. To eat papaya, first, remove its outer layer which is very thin and cut in long pieces. A little black salt on it makes it tastier. Papaya is produced almost in every part of the world. India is the biggest producer of papaya followed by Brazil and Indonesia. The papaya tree is a large plant, with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne.
Papaya has so many health benefits. Its GI index is 60 which is a little high but it contains natural sugar, minerals, and vitamin C. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums. Its nutritional info is as follow:-
Papaya Nutritional Value per 100 gm
Energy 179 kJ (43 kcal)
Carbohydrates 10.82 g
- Sugars 7.82 g
- Dietary fiber 1.7 g
Fat 0.26 g
Protein 0.47 g
Thiamine (B1) 0.023 mg
Riboflavin (B2) 0.027 mg
Niacin (B3) 0.357 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.191 mg
Folate (B9) 38 μg
Vitamin C 62 mg
Vitamin E 0.3 mg
Vitamin K 2.6 μg
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 0.25 mg
Magnesium 21 mg
Manganese 0.04 mg
Phosphorus 10 mg
Potassium 182 mg
Sodium 8 mg
Zinc 0.08 mg
As seen from the above, papaya is rich in vitamin C. It fulfill your daily need of vitamin C and give energy. Here are the health benefits of eating papaya regularly:-
Helps to reduce cholesterol
Papaya is rich in fibre, Vitamin C and antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries. Cholesterol builds up can lead to several heart diseases including heart attack and hypertension. Regular intake of papaya helps to reduce cholesterol level and reduces heart problems.
Helps in weight loss
Papaya is beneficial in your weight losing effort. Those looking to lose weight must include papaya in their diet as it is very low in calories and high in fiber. The fibre content in papaya leaves you feeling full and also improves your bowel movement making your weight loss regime easier.
Immunity booster
Papaya increases your immunity system which acts as a shield against various infections that can make you sick. Papaya contains more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it great for your immunity.
Helps to improve eyesight
Papaya contains vitamin A which helps protect your vision.
Protects against arthritis
While one study suggests that high doses of supplemental vitamin C make osteoarthritis, a type of degenerative arthritis that occurs with aging, worse in laboratory animals. Another indicates that vitamin C-rich foods, such as papaya, provide humans with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints.
Improves digestive health
The nutrients in papaya have also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Papaya's fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA. Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.
Helps to ease menstrual pain
Papaya helps to reduce menstrual pain in women. Women who are experiencing menstrual pain should help themselves to several servings of papaya as an enzyme called papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods.
Prevents signs of ageing
Papaya is rich in minerals and vitamins. It makes your skin glowing and helps to eliminates wrinkles. Healthy habits like eating a papaya daily will prolong the process and may make you look 5 years younger than you are. Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps prevent your skin from free radical damage keeping wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay.
Prevents cancer
Researchers show that eating papaya regularly helps to reduce the chances of prostate cancer compared to those consuming the least lycopene-rich foods.
Helps to reduce stress
Papay helps to reduce stress. It is rich in antioxidants and boosts energy. According to a study conducted at the University of Alabama, found that 200 mg of Vitamin C can help regulate the flow of stress hormones in rats.
source: internet, msn
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