© Shutterstock 

Production -

Native to Mexico, this beautiful tropical fruit grows in many other locations, including India (which is the main producer), the Caribbean, Brazil, Thailand, and China, to name a few.

© Shutterstock

Consumption -

Papayas can be consumed in various ways. Ripe papayas can be eaten raw, whereas unripe ones should be cooked before consumption.

© Shutterstock

Pregnant women should avoid unripe papayas -

This is because unripe papayas are high in latex, which can induce uterine contractions. For this reason, women should avoid eating them during pregnancy.

© Shutterstock

Antioxidants -

Papayas have powerful antioxidants, including lycopene and carotenoids, which help fight free radicals in our bodies and combat oxidative stress (which can make us sick).

© Shutterstock

It may help combat Alzheimer’s disease -

According to a study, patients with Alzheimer’s saw a 40% reduction in a biomarker for oxidative damage to DNA after they were given fermented papaya extract for six months.

© Shutterstock

It protects our eyes -

Blue light can be damaging to our eyes. Papaya contains an antioxidant called zeaxanthin, which helps filter out blue light rays.

© Shutterstock

It may ward off macular degeneration -

The carotenoids in papaya (including zeaxanthin) may also help ward off age-related macular degeneration.

© Shutterstock

Asthma -

Consumption of beta-carotene has been found to help decrease the risk of developing asthma. Papaya is, you guessed it, a source of beta-carotene.

© Shutterstock

Cancer -

The same goes for cancer. The antioxidants beta-carotene and lycopene have shown to have a protective role against cancer.

© Shutterstock

Cancer -

A study comprising 14 fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants found that papaya was the only fruit to show anticancer activity in breast cancer cells.

© Shutterstock

Bone health -

Papayas are rich in vitamin K, which plays a vital role in calcium absorption. Better calcium absorption means healthier bones.

© Shutterstock

Diabetes -

High-fiber diets have been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Fiber plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and insulin response. Papaya is rich in fiber.

© Shutterstock

Digestion -

One of papaya’s most unique features is an enzyme called papain. Papain aids digestion. Plus, being high in fiber, it will also help promote a healthy gut.

© Shutterstock

Papain -

Papain is a powerful digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins. So much so that it’s actually often used to tenderize meat!

© Shutterstock

Gut health -

Papayas have also been found to help treat IBS symptoms, including constipation and bloating.

© Shutterstock

Ulcers -

Papaya seeds, leaves, and roots have been shown to be effective in the treatment of ulcers.

© Shutterstock

Heart health -

In addition to fiber and numerous vitamins, papayas are also rich in potassium. High potassium intake, when associated with lower sodium intake, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

© Shutterstock

Heart health -

Being high in vitamin C and lycopene, papayas can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.

© Shutterstock

Inflammation -

Papayas contain choline, which not only helps with the absorption of fat and the normal function of our brains and our nervous system, but has also shown to reduce chronic inflammation.

© Shutterstock

Inflammation -

Papayas are rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, which have also been shown to reduce inflammatory markers.

© Shutterstock

Skin -

Being rich in vitamin C and lycopene, papayas help protect our skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.

© Shutterstock

Skin -

Vitamin C also helps produce collagen, which in turn keeps our skin and bones healthy.

© Shutterstock

Skin -

Papayas can also help against skin damage inflicted by the sun. The enzymes chymopapain and papain can help in wound healing and sunburned skin repair.

© Shutterstock

Hair health -

Being rich in vitamin A, papayas will help your hair stay moisturized (it plays a role in sebum production).

© Shutterstock 

Nails -

Vitamin A is also beneficial when it comes to nail health. In fact, this vitamin plays an important role in the repair and maintenance of several tissues in our bodies.

© Shutterstock

How to consume papaya -

Papaya is quite a versatile fruit. You can have it for breakfast, as a snack, as part of a salad, as a smoothie, or as dessert. Here are a few suggestions.

© Shutterstock

Breakfast -

You can add a few chunks of it to your favorite yogurt, granola, or oatmeal.

© Shutterstock

Smoothie -

If you like to drink your fruits, then why not add it to a smoothie by blending papaya with coconut milk and ice cubes?

© Shutterstock

Salad -

Or why not try a Thai green papaya salad using julienned green papaya?

Sources: (Medical News Today) (Healthline)

See also: Unusual ways of using fruit in your savory meals

© Shutterstock