Papaya: Unveiling the Health Benefits of this Delicious Tropical Fruit

2023-06-28 08:55:15

The benefits of papaya make it a fruit widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and has antioxidant properties, which prevent cardiovascular problems and respiratory diseases; digestive properties that stimulate digestion and relieve constipation, as well as antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. At the same time, it should be noted that the latex present in some parts of the plant can cause allergies.

Papaya is a fruit obtained from the plant Upload papaya, a species of the small botanical family Caricaceae. It is native to Central America and not only does its sweet and delicious taste make it special, but numerous studies have shown that it contains amounts of bioactive compounds and nutraceutical value that give it many properties and health benefits.

Want to know more about this fruit tree? Come on, keep reading your article Papaya: benefits and contraindicationsin which we reveal all the hidden virtues of this supremely delicious fruit.

What is papaya?

Papaya is the fruit of a botanical species called Upload papayaa member of the small family of Caricaceae and widely cultivated for its edible fruit. This fruit is native to Mesoamerica, but its exact place of origin is unknown (southern Mexico, Central America, Costa Rica or northwestern South America, Brazil). It is grown in various tropical and subtropical countries around the world.

Characteristics of papaya

The papaya tree has a trunk rarely branched which can reach up to 2.5 meters in height. Its leaves, alternate, with palmate and lobed blades, are long petioled and grouped at the top, forming a kind of wreath of leaves.Its papaya flowers can be female, staminate and bisexual, its calyx is tubular, long and greenish and the corolla also forms a tube, but it is whitish or yellowish. The female flowers are larger than the males. The fruits of the papaya tree are ovoid berries with soft pulp which can be green, yellow, orange or pink. Did you know that a papaya can weigh up to 20 kg? Although in most cases they do not exceed 600 grams. The papaya tree has latex in parts of the plant such as stems, leaves and in higher concentration in immature fruit tissues. When a part of the plant is cut, it is common for this milky juice to be released, which is usually whitish. It is a source of papaina proteolytic enzyme found in the latex of the plant that has various uses.Humidity and heat are fundamental conditions for its good growth, development and fruiting. The soils where it grows must have an abundant content of organic matter. All parts of the plant, be it fruits, roots, bark, skin and seeds have positive health effects.

Now that we know the characteristics of this tropical fruit, let’s discover the properties and benefits of papaya.

Properties of papaya

AntioxidantsAntibioticsAntibacterialPest ControlantiviralsDigestivesNutritives

Have you ever heard of the properties of papaya seeds? They give it the ability to form emulsions and foams, and to derive oil low in fatty acids, similar to olive oil. As a result, the multiple benefits of papaya make it a fruit worth consuming.

benefits of papaya

papaya regulates the digestive system thanks to its fiber content and the presence of the enzyme papain. It regulates the nervous system. Papaya can fight viruses, bacteria and fungi. It prevents diseases neurodegenerative and cardiovascular thanks to its antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals that can damage cells.Papaya strengthens the heart muscle.It protects skin and hair.this tropical fruit maintains a balanced diet thanks to its low caloric value and its richness in nutrients and fiber.Papaya is a source of vitamins B1, B2 and niacin or B3 and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sulfur, silicon, sodium and potassium. Its leaves prepared as an infusion have been used in the treatment of malaria, although there are still no scientific studies to confirm its effectiveness. Among the benefits of the seeds of papaya, we can mention that they are deworming, that they promote intestinal health and that they protect the digestive system.

Despite these benefits of papaya, we would like to point out that in no case can it replace conventional medical treatments. With that, let’s see how to consume papaya.

How to eat papaya?

The most common way to consume papaya is eat fresh when it is ripe. Just cut it in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. However, you should know that the seeds are edible, although their taste is spicy. In fact, they have been used in some regions to replace pepper.

If you want to try a another way to consume papaya, you can do this by preparing juices, smoothies, desserts, ice creams and creams, among many other recipes that you can find on the Internet. And if you prefer, you can also find papaya capsules on Amazon.

Contraindications of papaya

The benefits of papaya make it a safe fruit, certainly, but it must be taken into account that the latex present in different parts of the plant, mainly in unripe fruits, can cause allergies, causing burning and itching in some people. In addition, excessive consumption, as with any other food, can cause stomach upset.

Now that you know the properties of papaya, its benefits and its contraindications, stay on ProjetÉcolo to discover:

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Bibliography

Navarro Cruz, A., Eli, RZ, Lazcano Hérnandez, M., & Vera López, O. (2016). “Functional properties of papaya seeds (Carica papaya L.).”Upload papaya“. National Advisory Commission for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity (Conadibio). Available south: http://www.conabio.gob.mx/conocimiento/info_especies/arboles/doctos/23-caric1m.pdf