Beneficial Papaya of the Tropics

discover its long, long list of health benefits!

PAPAYA

the tropical papaya

The tropical papaya is a very famous fruit in the tropics of the Americas where it originated. The papaya is a large oval-shaped fruit with a hue of green or yellow to orange or crimson; its flesh, when ripe, is orange with hundreds of gooey black seeds in its core. It has a really sweet and pleasant aroma which perfectly matches its sweet, milky taste.

Papayas are largely cultivated in the tropical world such as Southern Mexico, Central America, and the tropical countries in Asia. Some of you might not know that papayas are very nutritional fruits and their benefits form a seemingly unending list. That is the reason why health-craze and weight-conscious folks out there are starting to include this fruit in their every day diet.

This luscious fruit actually has a lot of names such as pawpaw in Australia, papaw, and tree melon. This fruit is available all year round in tropical countries. Its juice is exotically refreshing and delicious but papayas are also  used for a whole range of other products like soaps, lotions, popsicles, jams and many more. A big part of all cultivated papayas is used in facial care creams.

Incredible Health Benefits Of Papaya

Papayas contain many health benefits; their nutrients are not just in the fruit, but in the seeds, leaves, and stems as well. These could be turned into a great herbal tea but people of course prefer the equally beneficial and better tasting juice. Papaya is a perfect source of dietary fibers, potassium, and Vitamins A, C, and E.

papaya for skin whitening

Its Vitamin E content makes papaya a magical beauty secret for all ladies. As we all know, papayas are very often used in soaps, lotions, toners, and other beauty products. It has been scientifically proven that papaya is an effective skin whitening and cleansing agent that gives a more radiant and fairer skin. Eating papaya after meal also helps your body digest the food more easily and it prevents bloating and indigestion. Papayas are a great remedy for a lot of ailments.

Papaya As A Remedy

• For inflammation
• Good treatment for sores, burns, and wounds because of its anti-bacterial effects
• Treats skin problems (acne, pimples, warts, and corns)
• Treats infection
• Aids in parasitic infestation and worms
• Improves milk flow for lactating mothers
• Relieves urinary tract problems
• Treats mouth diseases
• Relieves edema

There was once a folklore that papaya tree should never be grown anywhere near your house because it can affect the virility of a man. Some people might not believe this myth but there is actually a scientific explanation to this here-say. According to a study in the University of Rajasthan in India, papaya seeds have contraceptive effects in adult male animals. Specimens who were given papaya treatment for 120-240 days developed sperm abnormalities and became 100% sterile. However, when treatment was stopped, fertility returned to normal.

papaya for pregnant women

Papayas also strengthen our immune system making us less vulnerable to diseases and illnesses such as cold and flu. It contains digestive enzymes, proteolytic enzymes, which is very rare. These include papain and chymopapain which makes viruses, bacteria, and other invading substances in our body more vulnerable to our bodies defense system. It is also a recommended diet of pregnant women because it is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C. Papaya also contains powerful antioxidant in the form of lycopene which has been proven to fight cancer cells.

Papayas can really detoxify our bodies and rejuvena our system.

Papaya Nutritional Value

1 cup of papaya (cubed)

55 Calories

Protein:  0.85 g

Dietary Fiber:  2.5 g

Potassium:  360 mg

Phosphorus:  7 mg

Magnesium:  14 mg

Calcium:  34 mg

Sodium:   4 mg

Selenium:  0.8 mcg

Iron:  0.14 mg

Zinc:  0.1 mg

Vitamin A:  1532 IU

Vitamin B1 (thiamine):  0.038 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin):  0.052 mg

Vitamin B6:  0.027 mg

Vitamin C:   86.5 mg

Vitamin E: 1.02 mg

Vitamin K:  3.6 mcg

Niacin: 0.473 mg

Folate:  53 mcg

Pantothenic Acid:  0.305 mg

Papaya Juice Recipe

Here is a wonderful, healthy and refreshing summer drink for everybody. Experience the exotic and tropical feel of this refreshing juice drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cubed papaya
• ¾ cup cold water
• 5 ice cubes
• ½ teaspoon honey (or other sweeteners)

Directions:

1. In a blender, pour in cold water, papaya, and ice cubes; mix well until smooth and thick or for about 6 minutes.
2. Pour papaya blended mixture into a drinking glass and add honey; stir well.
3. If you want it to be a really great dessert during summer, just add whip cream on top and garnish with sliced papaya on the rim of the glass.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!