PAPAYA

      Papaya grows in the tropics and is also called papaws or pawpaws. It is a popular fruit due to its sweet taste, bright color and many health benefits. Papaya is a sweet, fleshy fruit that can be used in a variety of cooking methods. Here you will learn about the health benefits, uses, how to include it in your diet, and the nutritional value of papaya.

 

Description :
     Although the papaya is a tree, its palm-like trunk up to 8 meters high is not a tree as commonly

described. The plant has a deep-leaved canopy that sometimes appears on hollow petioles (stems) 60 cm long and 60 cm wide. This species is usually biphasic, in which the female and female flowers are born on separate plants, but hermaphrodites are known and sexual irregularities are common. Male flowers are on stems up to 90 cm long. Flowers are funnel-shaped, about 2.5mm long, white, and have 10 corollas in the throat. The female flower is very large and the stem is very short and often separated from the bottom of the leaf. They have large cylindrical or onion ovaries with 5 fleshy petals and 5 fan-shaped stigmas attached to their base. Fruits are usually spherical to cylindrical, 75-500 mm (3-20 inches) or more, sometimes 9-11.5 kg (20-25.5 pounds).

 

Nutrition :

A Medium Size Papaya Contain (275gm) :

• Calories : 119
• Protein : 1.3gm
• Carbs : 30gm
• Fiber : 4.7gm
• Sugar : 21.58gm

Vitamin & Minerals :

• Folate
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Pantothenic Acid
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Zinc

 

Benefits :

Prevents Heart Disease :
     Papaya is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. A diet rich in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease. Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol is oxidized, it becomes clogged and is more likely to cause heart disease. Additionally, the high fiber content of papaya may reduce the risk of heart disease. A high-fiber diet lowers cholesterol because papaya contains folic acid, which is less needed to convert the amino acid homocysteine ??into a harmful amino acid. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found primarily in meat products, is a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, adding papaya to your diet can help lower homocysteine levels and reduce this risk factor.

Digestive System & Anti-Inflammatory :
     Papaya contains two enzymes: papain and chymopapain. Both enzymes digest proteins. In other words, it helps digest food and reduces inflammation. Papain is a substance found in over-the-counter digestive supplements that can help relieve mild stomach pain. Papain and chymopapine also help reduce inflammation. It can relieve acute pain like burns and bruises and chronic inflammation like osteoarthritis and asthma.

 

 

Immune System :
     Eating foods rich in vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight bacterial and viral diseases. Papaya contains many antioxidants and is part of a healthy diet for the immune system. Papaya is also a great source of vitamin A, another essential vitamin for a healthy and functional immune system.

Potential Protection Against Prostate Cancer :
     Lycopene is a natural pigment found in red or orange foods. Tomatoes, watermelons, and papayas are good sources of lycopene. While some experts believe that a high intake of lycopene reduces the risk of prostate cancer, there is no definitive study, but other studies have shown that a lycopene-rich diet with green tea significantly increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Vision :
     The zeaxanthin in papaya pulp is a powerful antioxidant that contributes to natural vision. These filters filter out UV rays and protect retinal cells from damage, particularly age-related macular degeneration.

Bone Health :
     Vitamin K is important for maintaining healthy bones and requires proper intake to improve calcium absorption and reduce urinary calcium loss. Eating papaya strengthens the bones

Control Glucose :
     Diabetics suffer from eating papaya because the fruit is deficient in sugar and fiber. It can alter a patient's blood sugar and lipid profile, insulin secretion, and renormalize the metabolic profile.