Papaya
Papaya (Carica papaya) aka:lechoza, mamão, penpe, papol, fruta bomba, and pawpaw (though not to be confused with the american pawpaw) is a fibrous orange fruit with a green to yellow leather-like skin, and a center full of fibers and little black seeds.
Health benefits of Papaya
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Papaya
Look for brightly colored papayas that yield softly to the touch. Avoid papayas that are mushy, or have discolorations.
Climate and origin
Papayas originated in Central and South America but have spread to most any place with a tropical climate.
Taste
A papaya's taste and texture will vary widely based on when it was picked and how ripe it is when you eat it. Properly ripened, a papaya will be very sweet and almost mushy. Most people discard papaya seeds, though dried seeds have been used as a substitute for black pepper.
Miscellaneous information
Due to papain, papaya has long been used as a meat tenderizer in South America. The papain is also made into a gel like paste and used to treat cuts or skin irritation. Papayas are used in Asia as a contraceptive and in South America they are renowned for being an aphrodisiac.
Similar tasting produce
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 43 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.26g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.08g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 8mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 10.8g | 4% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.7g | 6% | ||
| Total Sugars 7.8g | 16% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.47g | 1% | ||
| Vitamin C 60.9mg | 68% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.25mg | 1% | ||
| Calcium 20mg | 2% | ||
| Potassium 182mg | 4% | ||
| Phosphorus 10mg | 1% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||