HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAPAYA / PAWPAW
The pawpaw or papaya is reputed to carry the most health benefits of any fruit and grows in abundance around the Pacific Islands.
With a lot of hidden benefits for skin, health and hair, coupled with its deliciousness, pawpaw now ranks as one of the most beneficial gifts nature has blessed us with.
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So what are the health benefits of Pawpaw?
One extremely important health benefit of Pawpaw is that pawpaw leaves juice is widely recognised as a natural cure for dengue fever which is very prevalent in the Pacific Islands. The leaves have a mix of nutrients and organic compounds which help in increasing your platelet count. Papaya leaves also have a high level of vitamin C which stimulate the immune system.
All you need to do is crush the leaves and stain the juice from the crushed leaves.
Pawpaw contains dietary fibre, folate, vitamin A, C and E as well as small amounts of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin and is very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes. It is also used in the manufacturing of several cosmetic, skin, and beauty products as well as certain chewing gums.
Pawpaw are available for consumption throughout the year and the whole fruit, including the leaves & other parts of the tree, are beneficial to health in several ways.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Papayas are rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Too much cholesterol build-up can block the arteries, causing a heart attack. But with pawpaw, the building up of the cholesterol in the arteries, is made impossible.
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HELPS BOOST IMMUNITY
Amazingly, a single papaya can fulfil more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it a great agent of a stronger immune system.
RELIEVES CONSTIPATION & REDUCES MOTION SICKNESS
The presence of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E in papayas may reduce motion sickness by producing a tonic effect in the stomach and in the intestines. The fiber obtained from the fruit helps to increase bowel movements and improved bowel movements reduces the effects of constipation.
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ANTI CANCER PROPERTIES
Free radicals and oxidative stress are closely related to different types of cancer. Because pawpaws are rich in antioxidants, the fruit can help protect cells from damage and lower the risk of cancer. Additionally, pawpaw contains the antioxidant beta-carotene. One study found that beta-carotene offers protection from prostate cancer.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes including papain and chymopapain. These enzymes have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. In addition, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, are very good at reducing inflammation.
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GREAT EYE CARE
Papayas are rich in Vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lutein, which keep the mucous membranes in the eyes healthy, preventing them from damage.
The Vitamin A in pawpaw helps prevents the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Quick Tips to Enjoy Papayas:
- Pieces of pawpaw, when soaked with a bit of lemon
- Add a slice of pawpaw to a fresh fruit salad and have it as a snack
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Try our fave Pacific Islands recipes for pawpaw - Koko Esi & Savai'an Esi Salad - below ...