Papaya – The Fruit Of The Angels!
Papaya is a fruit that is eaten all over the world. Papaya was first known just for its taste as a fruit until later when its enzymes became known. Today throughout the world people eat this fruit for health benefits and for it’s delicious taste. Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and is available throughout the year. It is a rich source of threes powerful antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E; the minerals, magnesium and potassium; the B vitamins, Pantothenic Acid and Folate and fibre. In addition, it contains a digestive enzyme-papain that effectively treats causes of trauma, allergies and sports injuries.
Health Benefits of Papaya:
• Provides Vitamins and Nutrients
One of the main reasons that papayas are so healthy is due to the high amount of vitamins and nutrients that they contain; our immune system will be boosted if we frequently eat papaya.
• Helps with the Digestive Process
If you have digestive problems, you may want to consider eating papayas. The reason is because they contain an enzyme called papain, which is known to help with the digestive process. It can prevent you from becoming constipated and may also help end diarrhea. A little known fact about papain is that it has also been used as a way to treat stings from bees and jellyfish.
• Prevents or Relieves Nausea
If you often experience nausea, whether it is because you have morning sickness or you get sick when you are travelling, consider adding papaya to your diet. Papaya is known to preventlcure this type of nausea. To experience the best relief or prevention consider drinking pineapple juice with your papaya as both are known to be very effective.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects
Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes including papain and chymopapain. These enzymes have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. In addition, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya are also very good at reducing inflammation.
• Immune Support
Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both heeded for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.
• Improves Cardio Vascular System
All the nutrients of papaya as a whole improve cardiovascular system, protect against heart diseases, heart attacks, strokes and prevent colon cancer. It is reported that it helps in the prevention of diabetic heart disease. Papaya lowers high cholesterol levels as it is a good source of fiber.
Cosmetic Benefits of Papaya:
- Rubbing the white pulp of raw papaya improves pimples as well as wrinkles.
- The skin of papaya works as a best medicine for wounds.
- Papaya works as a good bleaching agent.
- It is an important ingredient in bath soaps, astringents, detergent bars and hand washes.
How to Select and Store: You can choose papayas that have reddish-orange skin if you want to eat them within a day. Those that have patches of yellow colour will take a few more days to ripen. Papayas that are totally green or very hard should not be purchased. unless you are planning to cook them. Papayas are available more during the summer and fall. However, you can purchase them throughout the year!
Deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus.
