Food Power: Papaya

Papaya is a nutritional masterpiece rich in vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Botanically it is known as Carica papaya they are also good sources of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, the eye-saving carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and lycopene. The papaya is a tropical melon-like fruit, which grows in clusters in tropical climates. The tree grows to a height of 20 feet, which is drowned by a tuft of leaves on long footstalks. The ripe fruit is yellowish orange. On the inside, its flesh is smooth and silky with a deep yellow-orange or pinkish-orange color and a sweet-musky flavor. Its large center cavity is packed with small, round, black seeds. Papayas vary in size, ranging from about 1 to 20 pounds and 7 to 20 inches long, depending on the variety. A ripe papaya has a golden-yellow outer skin and raw papaya has green outer skin.The most common use for papaya is to aid digestion. Papayas are the only natural source of papain, an effective natural digestive aid, which breaks down protein and cleanses the digestive track. This means less food settles into the metabolism and becomes fat, making papayas’ natural digestive properties.

It is tonic, stimulant, laxative, digestive, and rejuvenative. Ripe fruit may be useful in digestive disorders and if taken regularly. The unripe fruit is prescribed for stomach troubles, jaundice, gastritis and liver disorders. The juice of the papaya contains papain, a protein splitting enzyme used as a meat tenderizer. Papaya aid in digesting the proteins of eggs, milk, meat, beans, and similar food products.

Papaya for beauty: papya is very good for skin if consumed regularly as it helps in digestion which in turn helps to clean your skin.  One of the major reason of pimples is poor digestive system.  Mash  the pulp of ripe papaya , mix some honey and apply on face . Wash your face with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. Yours skin will becomes soft and supple if this is done once in a week. 

Uses of Papaya: The ripe fruit eaten regularly may correct habitual constipation, bleeding piles and dyspepsia, acidity. The leaves dipped in hot water or warmed over fire are applied to painful parts may relief nervous pains.Unripe papaya can be used as meat tenderizer.Papaya contains vitamin A which accelerates the formation of new cells, it protects the external layers of the skin.

 Papaya smoothie

2 cups of chopped,peeled papaya(take out the seeds), 1/3 rd cup of yoogurt,or  milk or soymilk, 1 teaspoon of honey (optional),8 to 10 ice cubes

. Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth . Delicious,healthy smoothie is ready.

Contribution by the users:

The papaya can be used for healing wounds, for supporting a weak liver, for healing constipation, against worms and parasites, for healing inflammation and skin problems and even for treating cancer.

Papaya can be used as natural face pack that gives soft skin. Mash one slice of ripe papaya after discarding black seeds and mix ½ teaspoon of honey (dry skin) l or ½ teaspoon of lime juice (oily skin) Apply on face and keep for 20 minutes. Wash your face with cold water. Your skin will be soft and smooth. Try this once in a week. --Rekha, Dallas, Texas

The papaya contains a lot of minerals like Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium and is the most alkaline fruit. Eat a piece of papaya after dinner to avoid acidity. --Anita, Orlando, FL