The papaya, also known as Pawpaw, is a tropical tree that bears large melon-like fruit with sweet yellow orange flesh and small, round, black seeds and the center. Papayas vary in sizes from three to 20 inches in length and they can weigh from eight ounces to 20 pounds.
Aside from its great taste, papayas are also rich in vitamins A, C, E, Folate, potassium and dietary fiber. They also contain lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, the carotenoids which help to keep the eyes healthy and protected from diseases.
Papayas make good ingredients for smoothies, salads and desserts, but many people who eat them are more particular of their taste than their health benefits.
Here are some of the health benefits of papaya:
1. It helps to prevents cancer.
Papayas are rich in vitamin A, C, E, and Beta-carotene. These are some of the most powerful antioxidants which play a big role in combating harmful cells that can cause cancer.
2. It helps to improve your digestive process.
Papayas contain the proteolytic enzyme papain which helps in breaking down proteins into food. This leads to better digestion to keep you away from indigestion and gas pains.
3. It helps to prevent premature aging.
The vitamin C in papaya helps to restore collagen which plays an important role in keeping your skin in good health to prevent wrinkles which is one of the primary indications of premature aging.
Its ability to promote proper digestion also helps to flush out toxins that can impair your body’s normal functions.
4. It helps to boost male sexual drive.
Papaya contains arginine, an enzyme which helps to improve the flow of blood in the male sex organ by dilating the blood vessels around the penis. Arginine is a vital enzyme which is used to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence.
5. It helps to prevent strokes.
Oxidation of cholesterol is one of the factors that can cause the accumulation of plaques in the arterial walls. This can lead to stroke or heart attack.
Papayas are loaded with antioxidants which help to prevent oxidation of cholesterol. They also facilitate the elimination of free radicals which are the body’s natural by-products which result from the body’s metabolic processes. Free radicals are believed to cause cell damage which can lead to premature aging and the development of degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
