Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and amazing health benefits
By Chisom Ibemere
Pawpaw botanically known as Carica papaya is a succulent fruit that is cultivated widely in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It originated from Central America and Southern Mexico and grown in all parts of the world. Pawpaw fruit is a berry which softens when ripe. All parts of the pawpaw plant are rich in latex.
Phytochemicals can be found in the skin, pulp and seeds of Pawpaw fruits. The unripe papaya are green while the ripe one is Orange in colour. The unripe pawpaw may be cooked before consumption as it contains latex while the ripe ones are eaten raw. The seeds are black and edible with sharp spicy taste.
Pawpaw is a great and nourishing fruit that helps to alleviate a lot of health challenge. It is beneficial to the whole body as it helps boost the immune system. It is rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and anti-oxidants that gets rid of toxins or harmful compounds from the body. Pawpaw has a high fibre content which improves bowel movement. It absorbs nutrients that help to remove toxins that causes cancer of the colon. They improve the good bacteria in the gut and removes the unhealthy ones. They improve digestion and prevents constipation. They have high Vitamin C content, which is a powerful anti-oxidants that boost the immune system, promotes fast wound healing and wards off infections. They also contains other amazing minerals like Iron, Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium and vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes vision and phosphorus is good for the heart.
Pawpaw contain bioflavonoids also called Vitamin P that serve as modifiers that reacts to pathogens in the body and protects the body from harm. It contains Papain, an enzyme that protects the skin from wrinkles, acne thereby keeping the skin young and smooth.
Papaya contains Zeaxanthin and beta carotene, two powerful nutrients. Zeaxanthin is an excellent anti-oxidants that helps to filter out dangerous blue light rays and may protect the eye from macular degeneration. Beta carotene is helpful in the reduction of Asthma, Cancer. Papaya has Vitamin K that gives room for proper absorption of calcium that strengthen the bones and teeth.
Papaya is a very beautiful and nutritious fruit and important in overall wellbeing. It can be eaten when ripe, unripe and dried.