Papaya - The fruit of angels 😇

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Fruits and vegetables play an important role in keeping us healthy.The colourful & tasty eatables are rich in nutrients.They are really like a blessing to humans.

Today,we talk about Papaya.Papaya is a deliciously sweet fruit and was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round.

Carica papaya, the widely cultivated papaya (also called papaw or pawpaw), a tropical fruit tree.There are varieties of papaya like mountain papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) of South America, Eastern North American tree (and fruit) called "pawpaw"(Asimina triloba).

Not to be confused with Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince) or Pseudocydonia chinensis (Chinese quince), which like Carica papaya are sometimes called mugua.
Papaya

Papaya cross section
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Caricaceae
Genus: Carica
Species: C. papaya
Binomial name
Carica papaya
L.[1]

Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain , an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

It is believed that papaya has following possible health benefits :-

       Health benefits of papaya   :-   

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C and one single medium fruit provides 224% of your daily needs.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies suggest that increase in the consumption of plant foods like papayas decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

♡♡Degenerates age-related macular:

Macular degeneration is the gradual loss of vision that usually affects the elderly. Papaya can help stop this loss in vision.

Papaya has an antioxidant called zeaxanthin that filters out rays that harm the retinas.This reduces the risk of macular degeneration.Additionally, papayas contain vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lutein. These keep the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy and protect them from damage
The antioxidant zeaxanthin, found in papaya, filters out harmful blue light rays and is thought to play a protective role in eye health and possibly ward off damage from macular degeneration.
Vitamin A in them also prevents the development of age-related macular degeneration.The best thing about papayas is that the carotenoids present in them are more bio available than those present in other vitamin A rich foods like tomatoes and carrots.

♡♡Prevents Asthma:

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, contained in foods like papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and carrots.

♡♡Cancer:

 Consumption of the powerful antioxidant beta-carotene found in papayas has shown an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.

Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition.

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that prevent your cells from undergoing free radical damage. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department showed the richness of beta carotene in papayas protected against prostate cancer and colon cancer growth.

♡♡ Bone health: 

Lower intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate amount of vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.

♡♡Diabetes:

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium papaya provides about 4.7 grams of fiber. Despite being sweet in nature, papayas are low in sugar content (8.3 gm in one cup of sliced papaya) as well as glycemic index. This property makes papayas excellent fruits for diabetics. The vitamins and phytonutrients present in them prevents development of heart disease in diabetes. Also, people who don’t have diabetes can eat papaya to prevent it from happening.

Papaya : Fruit of angels

♡♡Digestion: 

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that aids in digestion and can also be used as a meat tenderizer.

Papaya is also high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

♡♡Heart disease prevention: 

The fiber, potassium and vitamin content in papaya all help to ward off heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.It promotes Cardiovascular Health.Papaya is one of the healthiest fruits available, and it can help keep your heart healthy.
This exotic fruit is rich in vitamins A and C. They help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which stops it from clogging the blood vessels. This helps reduce the risk of heart attacks.

♡♡Inflammation: 

The choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in papayas that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

♡♡Skin,hair health and healing: 

When used topically, mashed papaya appears to be beneficial for promoting wound healing and preventing infection of burned areas. Researchers believe that the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain in papaya are responsible for it's beneficial effects.Ointments containing the papain enzyme have also been used to treat decubitus ulcers or bedsores.

Papaya is also great for your hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

For more skin & hair beauty benefits,visit here

 ♡♡Lowers cholesterol:

Papayas are rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries. Too much cholesterol build-up can block the arteries completely, causing a heart attack. Papaya extracts have also found to reduce lipid and triglycerides in diabetic rats in researches conducted.

♡♡Helps weight loss:

One medium sized papaya contains just 120 calories. So, if you’re planning to lose weight, add this fruit to your diet.It  promotes a feeling of fullness and control cravings that aids weight loss as it is also packed with a considerable amount of dietary fibre.

♡♡Boosts immunity:

Our immune system acts as a shield against various infections that can make us really sick. A single papaya can fulfil more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it great to build a stronger immune system.

♡♡Great for your eyes:

Papayas are rich in Vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, cyptoxanthin and lutein which keep the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy, preventing them from damage.

♡♡Protects against arthritis:

Eating papayas are good for our bones as they have anti-inflammatory properties along with Vitamin C which helps in keeping various forms of arthritis at bay. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that people who consumed foods low in Vitamin C were three times more likely to have arthritis than those who didn’t.

♡♡Helps ease menstrual pain:

Women who experience menstrual pain should encourage themselves to several servings of papaya, as an enzyme called papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods.

♡♡Prevents signs of ageing: 

All of us would love to stay young forever, but no one in this world has managed to do it. Still, healthy habits like eating a papaya daily will prolong the process and may make you look 5 years younger than you are. Papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps prevent your skin from free radical damage keeping wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay. Here’s how you can use papaya to keep your skin beautifully glowing.

♡♡Promotes hair growth:

Apart from keeping the skin healthy, papayas are very effective for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin A in them is utilised in production of sebum, a compound that is crucial for keeping the hair smooth, shiny and moisturised. External application of papaya extract to the scalp can help you get rid of dandruff. The nutrients present in them help hair loss. They boost hair growth  and strengthening. Although there is no scientific evidence, papayas are also thought to prevent hair thinning.

♡♡Helps reduce stress:

After working hard for the whole day, it is a good idea to gift yourself with a plate a papayas when you are back at home. The wonder fruit is rich in several nutrients like Vitamin C which can keep you free from stress. According to a study conducted in University of Alabama, found that 200 mg of Vitamin C can help regulate the flow of stress hormones in rats.

♡♡Abundant In Bioflavonoids:

Also known as vitamin P, bioflavonoids are semi-essential nutrients that work as nature’s modifiers and respond to biological changes in the body. The bioflavonoids in papaya modify the reaction of the body to viruses, carcinogens, and allergens, thereby protecting it from harmful and life-threatening diseases.

♡♡Good for liver :

It is good for liver and it's functioning.

Other uses:
Clears Pigmentation
Reduces Wrinkles
Reduces Under-Eye Dark Circles
Cures Eczema And Psoriasis
Treats Melasma
Reduce Inflammation In The Lungs
Treats Throat Disorders
Treatment For Ringworm
Treats Piles
Cures Vitiligo
Prevents Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Treats Nausea And Motion Sickness
Helps Increase Platelet Count
Keeps Blood Pressure Under Control
Used For Birth Control
Good For Babies
Good For Pregnant Women
Treats Gout
Aids Breast Enlargement
Helps Increase Lactation

Papaya and Green Tea can be used to Prevent Prostate Cancer
Choosing to regularly eat lycopene-rich fruits, such as papaya, and drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)
In this case-control study involving 130 prostate cancer patients and 274 hospital controls, men drinking the most green tea were found to have an 86% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared, to those drinking the least.
A similar inverse association was found between the men's consumption of lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit, watermelon, papaya, and guava.

Nutrition Info :
One medium papaya has approximately 120 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrate (including 5 grams of fiber and 18 grams of sugar) and 2 grams of protein.
Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C and one single medium fruit provides 224% of your daily needs. Papayas are a good source of folate, vitamin A, magnesium, copper, pantothenic acid and fiber.3 They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthan, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.

More.. Pomagranate Seeds : Healthy Red Pearls.
Also READ.. Health Benefits Of Watermelon.

      Side-effects and Allergies  :-     

1).Papaya releases a latex fluid when not ripe, possibly causing irritation and an allergic reaction in some people.
Consumption of very large amounts of papaya may cause carotenemia, harmless yellowing of soles and palms. A very large dose would need to be consumed; papaya contains about 6% of the level of beta carotene found in carrots (the most common cause of carotenemia).
If you have a latex allergy, you may also be allergic to papaya because papayas have chitanases, often causing the cross-reaction between latex and the foods that contain them.

2).It can cause digestion related problems too if not consumed properly.It can cause stomach ache,nausea and vomiting.

3). Some suggest to consume it empty stomach.But for some it doesn't suit empty stomach.

4). Always consume any fruit in it's adequate quantity and to get balanced nutrients consumption of other fruits and vegetables are also required in proper way.

                            A Post By Admin.

Author - Swatti Sharrma ß

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DISCLAIMER :- This blog is not intended as medical prescription or advice.It doesn't guarantee any health improvement or benefits.Always consult your doctor,dietician and nutritionist.People having allergies should consume fruits accordingly.Any fruit consumption benefit depends on your nutritional requirements and health conditions.Always consult your doctor.Use info on your own wisdom.

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Swatti Sharrma ß