13 Things About Papaya

In continuation of my WW post, I'm posting few things about the Pop-ah-ya. :-)

1) It is said that Christopher Columbus called it the "fruit of the angels."

2) An enzyme from papaya called papain helps digest proteins. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

3) Harrison Ford was said to be treated for a ruptured disc incurred during filming of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by having papain injected into his back.

4) Papain is also used as a topical application in the treatment of cuts, rashes, stings and burns. An ointment -papain ointment - can be made out by fermenting papaya flesh. However, fruit can be directly applied topically to other skin sores and the he ripe fruit treats ringworm.

5)Papaya is a excellent source of Vitamin C.

Nutritional Profile of Papaya (Vitamin C)
1.00 each = 304.00 grams = 118.56 calories
Nutrient : vitamin C
Amount:187.87 mg
DV(%) : 313.1
NutrientDensity: 47.5
World's Healthiest Foods Rating: Excellent

6) It is also a good source of folate - 28.9*; potassium =22.3* and fiber=21.9*

Note: *DV(%)

7) It is low in calories, fat-free and cholesterol-free.

8) Slices of young papaya fruit are used by mother for her tasty soups.

9) In my country, we make papaya pickles out of barely ripe fruits.

10) Green fruits treat high blood pressure and are used as an aphrodisiac.

11) The seeds are anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic, and they are used to treat stomachache and fungal infections. The leaves are used as a heart tonic, analgesic, and to treat stomachache. The roots are used as an analgesic.

12) Although it's not really a laxative, my parents always let us eat papaya whenever we suffer from constipation. Almost always, it works for us.

13) For entertainment, there's a dance called The Papaya Dance.

Other articles (sources) about papaya are here and here.

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