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.
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