Health benefits of Papaya
The papaya is a fruit that grows in tropical countries like Brazil, India, Sri lanka and Haiti. It is a deliciously sweet fruit with musky undertones and a texture that is almost butter like. Some describe its taste as a mixture of a pineapple and a peach but without the tartness. Besides its wonderful taste the papaya can be very beneficial for health.
Health Benefits of Papaya
Papayas are a great source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, folate, potassium, magnesium and fiber. In addition to this papayas are also a great source of a digestive enzyme called papain.
Heart Health Benefits of Papaya
Fruits, like papaya, that are a great source of vitamin C and flavonoids go a long way to keeping our arteries healthy. Vitamin C and flavonoids together are a powerful combination that prevents the oxidation of LDL “bad” cholesterol cells. Only when LDL cholesterol cells become oxidized (damaged by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals) can they stick to the artery wall and build up to form artery plaque – a condition called atherosclerosis that is the number one leading factor for heart disease. Studies show that vitamin C and flavonoids are among the most effective of antioxidants to protect us from the development of atherosclerosis.
Colon Health Benefits of Papaya
The fiber found in papaya is particularly effective at protecting us from developing colon cancer. Such fiber binds with cancer causing compounds in the colon so they can be eliminated in the feces. These compounds would otherwise cause inflammation of the colon wall cells that leads to damage that can cause colon cancer.
A high intake of Vitamin C, folate, vitamin E and beta-carotene is also associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer according to studies. They work together in a synergy that can protect the DNA of colon cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, therefore reducing the risk of cancer developing.
Papaya Juice
Juicing papaya is a great way to get an abundance of the nutrition found in papaya. Fiber would be the one exception. Juicing effectively sacrifices a lot of the fiber content of a fruit so that we can get a lot more of everything else! When juicing a papaya remove the skin first and scoop out the seeds and your good to go. To get a good glass of papaya juice, you will need to use 3 – 4 of them in your papaya juicing recipes .