Carica papaya is the scientific name for the orange and green fruit, more popularly known as papaya. Papaws and pawpaws are other names for papayas, it was first grown in Southern Mexico and Central America, but it is now currently grown in many other regions of the world. The flesh is yellow, orange, or red, while the skin is green when unripe and orange when ripe. The fruit also contains a lot of bitter yet edible black seeds, they are a well-liked fruit because of their sweet flavor, vivid color, and myriad health advantages. The enzyme called papain is found in papayas, and it has the ability to dissolve the challenging protein chains present in muscle flesh. As a result, for thousands of years, people have been tenderizing meat with papaya. Papayas can grow up to 20 inches (51 cm) in length and have a form resembling a pear.

Diets rich in antioxidants may lower the risk of heart disease because they stop cholesterol from oxidizing. Oxidizing cholesterol increases the risk of blockages, which result in heart disease and vitamins A, C, and E, which are powerful antioxidants, are abundant in papayas. Moreover, the high fiber content of papaya may also lower the risk of heart disease since diets high in fiber reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, papaya contains folic acid, which is necessary for transforming the dangerous amino acid homocysteine into other, less hazardous amino acids. Homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease and is an amino acid that is largely present in animal sources. As a result, including papaya in your diet may help lower homocysteine levels and hence lower this risk factor.

Papain and chymopapain are two of the enzymes found in papaya fruit. Both enzymes break down proteins, which means they can aid in digestion and lessen inflammation, making protein easier to digest. People in the tropics believe papaya to be a treatment for constipation and other IBS symptoms. In addition to maintaining the health of your entire body, papaya can also help your skin look younger and more toned. The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya preserve your skin and may help lessen these signs of aging because it is believed that excessive free radical activity is to blame for most of the wrinkling, sagging, and other skin damage that occurs with age.

The luscious fruit papaya is packed with essential nutrients. Its potent antioxidants may lower your risk of developing a variety of illnesses, particularly those that typically develop with aging, like cancer and heart disease. It might also protect your skin from the telltale symptoms of aging, keeping it supple and young-looking. Today, give this fruit, which is both nutritious and delicious, a try.

PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND

References:

Health Benefits of Papaya

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-papaya

What are the health benefits of papaya?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275517#benefits

8 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Papaya

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-proven-papaya-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2