Though the exact area of origin
is unknown, the papaya is believed native to tropical America, perhaps in
southern Mexico. Spaniards carried seeds to the Philippines about 1550 and the
papaya traveled from there to Malacca and India and soon found its way to
Madeira.
The papaya is a melon-like fruit
with yellow- orange flesh with dozens of small black seeds enclosed in skin
that ranges in color from green to orange. It has high nutritional benefits: rich
in anti-oxidants, B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium
and magnesium, and fiber. Together, “these nutrients promote the health of the
cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer.” In
addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like
bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other
causes of trauma, and allergies. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the
body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function
of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for
preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.
This highly loved tropical fruit
was reputably called “The Fruit of the Angels” by Christopher Columbus.
No comments:
Post a Comment