The Papaya, papaw or pawpaw is native to the tropics of central and South America. Previously seen as an exotic fruit, the papaya is now common and available in our markets. With a delicious taste and butter-like consistency, the papaya was even referred to as the “fruit of the Angels” by Christopher Columbus. With enjoying the fruit, also comes several health benefits, including;
Immune system support.
The fruit contains the A and C vitamins made from the beta-carotene in the papaya. The vitamins are needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, helping the body fight off common colds, flu and recurring minor infections in our bodies.
Promoting Digestive Health.
The papaya includes in its nutrients folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E, these nutrients are together helpful in the prevention of colon cancer since they protect the colon cells from free radical change to their DNA. The fiber in papaya is also known to bind cancer-causing toxins keeping them from the healthy colon cells, hence the fruit is especially to individuals at a high risk of colon cancer.
Protection against Heart Disease.
The vitamin C and A (through their concentration of pro-vitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients), contained in the papaya are helpful in the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart diseases. These nutrients help the oxidation of cholesterol since when cholesterol is oxidized it can stick and build up in the blood vessel walls forming dangerous plaques that eventually cause heart attacks and strokes. The fruit also being a good source of fiber is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. The papaya is also rich in folic acid, which is required for the conversion of homocysteine into benign amino acids. If unconverted, the substance can directly damage blood vessel walls, and if damage gets too high, there is a
Anti Inflammatory Properties.
Papaya contains protein-digesting enzymes such as papain and chymopapain which have been known to help lower inflammation from burns. The antioxidant nutrients, vitamin C, A and beta-carotene are also good at reducing inflammation and people with diseases that are worsened by inflammation such as asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, find the severity of their conditions reduced by the intake of these nutrients.
Protection from Macular Degeneration.
A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that fruit is more important than carrot in keeping your eyesight. Eating three or more servings per day of fruits rich in vitamin A, C and E may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which can be the primary cause of loss of sight in older adults. The papaya therefore, is the perfect fruit since it is rich in these nutrients.
Prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.
Foods and fruits rich in vitamin C such as the papaya provide humans with protection from inflammatory polyarthritis which is a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints.
Sometimes you can ignore some fruits,pawpaw being one of them,which could cure chronic diseases like Cancer,Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.As an individual who is exposed to extreme risks,you should consider taking at least a single fruit per day so that you can increase immunity in your body as you lengthen your life.
