Learn the Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya

The papaya is a fruit from the plant Carica papaya and is native to northern South America, Central America, and Mexico. Papaya is rich in antioxidants. It is a good source of lycopene, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and papain.

Health Benefits of Papaya

• Papayas can help prevent atherosclerosis. Antioxidants help keep cholesterol from becoming oxidized, thus preventing it from sticking to the walls of vessels (forming dangerous plaque) which can eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack.

• Folic acid and fiber found in papayas also help prevent strokes and heart attacks. Folic acid converts a harmful substance (homocysteine - which damages blood vessel walls) into benign amino acids and fiber is known to lower high cholesterol levels.

• Papain and vitamin C in papayas can reduce inflammation and can help people who suffer from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

• Another health benefit of papaya is helping in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration because of antioxidants.

• Papaya can help prevent colon cancer. Antioxidants can protect cells in the colon from free radical damage and fiber can keep cancer causing toxins away from cells in the colon by binding to them.

• Eating papaya can help prevent prostate cancer because of the lycopene it contains.

• Papaya may help prevent emphysema in smokers. Benzopyrene, a carcinogen in cigarette smoke, can cause a deficiency in vitamin A and according to animal studies, eating foods high in vitamin A, like papaya, can help counter this effect.

• Preventing colds, influenza, and chronic ear infections are other health benefits of papaya. Beta carotene and vitamin C help maintain a healthy immune system, thus decreasing the chances of becoming sick.

How to Eat Papaya

Simple serving suggestions:

• Slice a papaya in half (lengthwise), remove the seeds, and fill with one of the following: fruit salad, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, or turkey, chicken, or shrimp salad.

• Make a salsa by mixing diced papaya, ginger, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. This will go good with halibut, scallops, or shrimp.

• Blend papaya with orange juice, yogurt, or milk to make a shake. This is a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of papaya.

• The seeds in papaya are edible and have a peppery flavor. You can chew them whole or blend them in a creamy salad dressing.

Disclaimer

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