Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya, Tree Melon, Mamao, Papaw or Paw Paw, Popalya (Hindi), Pappali (Tamil), Carica papaya L. (botanical name) family Caricaceae is found in most tropical and subtropical countries. The tree grows well in warm climates. The papaya tree grows up to ten feet of height. This woody tree grows fast in ideal climatic conditions. This hollow, slender trunk will only branch out if injured. The tree has a very short span of life. It generally branches only when injured. The latex is present in every part of the tree.

The deeply segmented broad leaves with long petioles appear in spiral on top of the stem. The flowers are bisexual in some plants and some other may have either female flowers or only male flowers. The mildly fragrant flowers have five petals

The papaya we get in India is Hawaiian variety. The oblong, ripened fruit shows bright yellow skin and weighs around 500 to 800 grams. You will find bright yellowish or pinkish flesh with small, clustered black color seeds. The huge papaya, measuring more than a foot long and weighing around 5 kilogram, is your Mexican variety. Well ripened papaya is very sweet and juicy. The bio-active ingredient present in papaya is known as papain which helps you with good digestion. The seeds resembles with your black pepper.

Nutrition Data on Papaya: Papaya is rich in potassium (360 mg 10%). Potassium maintains your electrolyte balance. The mineral also maintains nerve impulse transmission, fluid and cell integrity, muscle contractions. It also comprises calcium (33.6 mg 3%), magnesium 14 mg 3%), phosphorous (7 mg 1%), sodium (4.2 mg 1%) and traces of selenium (0.8 mcg) and iron 0.1 mg). It shows rich diet fibers (2.5 g) and this fiber content is used as laxative and gets rid of constipation.

Vitamins Available in Papaya: Papaya is rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (86.5 mg 144%). It also contains other vitamins such as Vitamin A (1531 IU 31%) (Beta Carotene 386 mcg), Beta Cryptoxanthin (1065 mcg), Retinol Activity Equivalent (77.0 mcg), Lutein and Zeaxanthin 105 mcg, vitamin B1 Thiamin (3%), vitamin B2 Riboflavin (3%), vitamin B3 Niacin (0.5 mg 2%), Vitamin B6 (1%), Folate (53.2 mcg 13%), Food Folate (53.2 mcg), Dietary Folate Equivalents (53.2 mcg), Pantothenic Acid (0.3 mg 3%), Choline (8.5 mg), Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) (1.0 mg 5%), Vitamin K (3.6 mcg 5%)

Calorie Value of Papaya: Papaya has around 54.6 (229 kJ) (3%) calories per 100 g. It has negligible amount of total carbohydrate (13.7 g 5%), sugars (8.3 g), Protein (0.9 g 2%), total Fat (0.2 g 0%), saturated fat (0.1 g 0%). Your body digests and absorbs papaya quickly.

Health Benefits of Papaya:

1) You know rich nutritional values such as excellent amount of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene as well as superb rate of minerals i.e. potassium, magnesium and calcium are present in papaya. The fruit also comprises two bio-active ingredients called protease papain, and carpaine. The substance protease papain is known for its. an anti-cancer property. Similarly another substance carpaine is also known for its anti-tumor properties.

2) Another unique property of the substance Papain is its inclusion of an enzyme called proteolytic enzyme. It is this proteolytic enzyme that assists you to digest your and also helps to break down into amino acids. Drug manufacturers often extract this digestive enzyme proteolytic and prescribe it as digestive supplement.

3) You have noted that papaya has rich amount of vitamin A i.e. beta-cryptoxanthin, a kind of beta carotene. The beta carotene has excellent antioxidant properties. This beta carotene is capable of preventing cancers i.e. lung cancer and colon cancer.

4) Papaya comprises an important enzyme called arginine which is well recognized for its male fertility properties.

5) Another rare enzyme fibrin, usually not found anywhere in fruits and vegetables, helps you in your blood clotting process.

6) Papaya is also known for its anti-rheumatoid arthritic properties.

7) Papaya skin heals skin deep wounds

8) In Indian medicines papaya is attached priorities for its digestive properties. It is also known as an excellent de-worming agent.

Source:

1) California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. - Papaya http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/papaya.html

2) Nutrition Data - Papaya - http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1985/2

3) The Worlds' Healthiest Foods - Papaya- http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=47