The papaya is a fruit that only grows in tropical areas. It is native to Puerto Rico, northern South America, Central America and Southern Brazil. Today however, it has been introduced to and thrives in every tropical country. Its exotic taste can be described as a wonderful mixture of pineapple and peach, but less sharp with a juicy yet buttery texture. Not just a taste bud delight, papaya has some surprising health benefits.
Digestive Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya contain a digestive enzyme called papain, which is now a popular supplement sold as a digestive aid. As a digestive enzyme papain splits the bonds in protein, breaking it down into amino acids. This is a great help for those with weak or impaired digestive systems. The elderly in particular have a tougher time digesting protein, so papain can be a great help for them. Besides the concentrated form of papain in supplements, fresh papaya juice is also a very rich source of papain that some people use to help their digestion. Even though the supplements contain more papain than papaya juice, the papain in juice is more bio-available. You also get a synergy of the other papaya nutrients and antioxidants when you take the juice route.
Colon Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is a great source of a certain kind of fiber that helps to protect us from colon cancer. Papaya’s fiber binds with toxic cancer causing chemicals that can be found in the colon. This helps to eliminate these toxins quickly before they can start causing permanent damage. Such toxins can irritate and inflame the colon wall eventually leading to colon cancer.
Papaya contains several nutrients that have also been found to help reduce the incidence of colon cancer. Vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E are found abundantly in papaya and work together in a synergy that helps protect the DNA in cells from damage by free radicals. Such damage of the DNA cells will mutate the DNA code so that unhealthy cancer cells will be generated in stead of new healthy colon cells!
Immune System Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is a great source of vitamin C, a vitamin that is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system. Without vitamin C we will be considerably more susceptible to picking up viruses like cold, flu and ear infections. A fresh homemade papaya juicer recipe will provide you with an exceptional amount of vitamin C. To make a glass of papaya juice you will need 4 medium sized papayas. Remove the skins and scoop out the seeds. Juice only the flesh… and you’re good to go!