Powerful Papaya!!

The bright orange colored fruit with an amazing taste - PAPAYA is one of my favorite fruits. I always find this fruit extremely delicious, especially the ripe ones. Papaya is available all through the year and is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.

Christopher Columbus referred papaya as 'Fruit of the Angels' for its juicy and heavenly taste...but today several scientists and health enthusiasts confirm that it is aptly called fruit of the angels, owing to its numerous health benefits to the human body.

Lets have a quick overview of the several health benefits of consuming papaya.

PREVENTS, FIGHTS CANCER
Papaya contains organo-sulfur compounds (isothiocyanates) and antioxidants such as lycopene, which are believed to offer protection against various types of cancer, including prostate, colon, pancreas, lung, breast and leukemia. Also the presence of beta-carotene in higher levels makes the fruit an ideal food to fight against cancer.

DIGESTIVE AID
Papaya primarily contains papain, a powerful digestive enzyme that ensures a healthy gut. The fruit is known to aid digestion and replenish friendly intestinal bacteria. So, even if one consumes lots of junk food, regular consumption of papaya addresses various digestive disorders such as constipation, ulcers, flatulence as well as gluten-intolerance.

DIABETIC FRIENDLY
This delicious sweet fruit actually contains very less sugar content, which makes papaya a diabetic friendly fruit. The rich presence of fiber and anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenes, folate, minerals, the B vitamins as well as the minerals copper, potassium and magnesium makes papaya an ideal fruit to combat numerous lifestyle-related disorders, especially diabetes, cancer and cardio diseases.

ASTHMA
The beta-carotene present in papaya lowers the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory disorders.

STRONG BONES
Papaya also contains vitamin K, which is the essential nutrient that addresses the risk of bone fracture by improving calcium consumption and modifying bone matrix proteins.

CARDIO CARE
The abundance of potassium, fiber and other vital nutrients in papaya prevents oxidation of the cholesterol thereby the cholesterol does not stick to the walls resulting in healthy functioning of the heart.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
The root cause for several diseases is chronic inflammation. The rich presence of papin, a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme in papaya makes it a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, the abundance of antioxidants in the fruit exhibit anti-microbial, anti-hypertension and anti-hyperglycemia effects.

ANTI-AGING, SKIN CARE
Papaya is a popular ingredient in several cosmetic and skincare products. The abundance of vitamins and carotene makes papaya a strong anti-ageing agent. Regular consumption of the fruit helps fight wrinkles, acne and pigmentation.

GOOD for EYE DISEASE (MACULAR DEGENERATION)
Macular degeneration is a condition where, the ocular cells in the eye get degenerated resulting in blurred vision as well as in certain cases, blindness. Regular consumption of papaya aids in lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

FIGHTS MALARIA, DENGUE
Several dengue patients would vouch for the effectiveness of papaya leaf juice against dengue. So far, no drug has been developed so far as to fight this disease naturally.

EXCELLENT SOURCE of ANTIOXIDANTS for KIDS
The abundance of nutrients including, carotenoids, vitamins A, B, C, magnesium, fiber make papaya an ideal snack for kids.. it addresses the hunger pangs and cravings by providing a wholesome snack.

Additionally, papaya is known to rejuvenate skin. The fruit pulp can be used as a face mask to clear dead skin and purify skin.
Also, the fruit relieves tooth ache when massaged on teeth and gums.
Regular consumption of papaya is also known to address hormonal disturbance and regularize menstruation in women.

A WORD of CAUTION
Though papaya is a super food with numerous health benefits, the papain enzyme present in the fruit is known to cause certain side effects. Especially, papaya leaf, unripe (green) fruit and papaya seeds. When consumed in larger quantities the enzyme, papain might interfere with a woman's menstruation as well as with pregnancy.

Pregnant women are generally advised to not to consume unripe papaya as it contains latex substance, which might induce contractions of the uterus. However, ripe papaya contains almost negligible level of latex and hence poses no harm to pregnant women.

The presence of proteolytic enzyme, papain makes papaya a good source of natural blood thinner. So, people planning surgery as well as the ones using blood thinners on a regular basis need to consult their doctor about consuming papaya.

Personally, I think papaya is so delicious that one does not need a detailed list of all its benefits to justify its consumption...the list is just to expand our knowledge. For me knowing about the varied uses of any food item actually works as a placebo and makes it more enjoyable!!