Papaya, also called Pawpaw or Tree Melon is a luscious fruit native to Central America. This delicious fruit is grown all over the world today. Botanically papaya is known as Carica papaya. The fruit is pear shaped with flesh having yellow to amber hues. Known for its exquisite flavor, papaya was referred as “The fruit of Angles” by Christopher Columbus and Mayans worshipped it as “Tree of life” due to its extraordinary medicinal value.
The succulent flesh of papaya is rich in variety of minerals and vitamins. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances present in the delicious fruit prevent cancer and age-related disorders. In addition to flesh, leaves, seeds and stem of papaya tree has also been used to cure several diseases. Latex from the unripe fruit is used for making chewing gums and as meat tenderizer. As you rejoice yellow slices of fruit as salads, stews or curry, there are numerous ways how this fruit enriches your health. Here are some of the reasons that would urge you to have papaya in your staple diet.
10. Beneficial for Skin and Hair
Shampoos, soaps, toner and moisturizers made from papaya are common. Papain and chymopapain present in the fruit help to exfoliate dead skin and maintain soft texture. Antioxidants present in the fruit delay aging and help to maintain young and glowing skin. Intake of papaya helps to reduce baldness and increases hair growth. Phytonutrients present in papaya help to control dandruff and add shine to hair.
9. Intestinal worms
Despite the delicious flesh, the spicy seeds of papaya are also of great significance. Traditional medicine used these seeds to cure ring worms and other intestinal parasites. Papaya seeds are found to have antibacterial properties and can also be used against Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus infections.
8. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition of reduction in density of bones. The reduction in bone loss can be prevented by taking food rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Studies suggest that organic source of calcium is more easily taken by body than formulated supplements. Papaya offers organic form of calcium, magnesium and potassium. While calcium directly contributes to prevention of osteoporosis, magnesium and potassium are essential to balance and neutralize bone dissolution that occurs due to acidic conditions inside the body.