Papaya Superfood and natural healer

Papaya is a large sweet fruit that grows in tropical climates, but is usually available year-round in most developed countries. It comes from Central America. The Spanish and the Portuguese with their travels, carried it to various other tropical and subtropical countries. Christopher Columbus had called it the ‘fruit of the angels’. It was introduced to the US in the 20th century and is mainly grown in Hawaii. The largest producers of papaya in the world are considered to be the USA, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

It is considered a superfood as it seems to help with the protect against many diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, digestive disorders, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative muscle diseases. It also lowers blood pressure and helps in quick healing of wounds. It shows significant performance in diseases characterized by slow recovery, especially diabetes, but also in other chronic conditions such as heart diseases, anemia, diseases related to immune deficiency, and hepatitis.

People who regularly consume papaya, in addition to good overall health, also have better skin quality. Some use papaya externally as a face mask to improve the appearance of skin and pores, and on hair to reduce oiliness. Papaya puree is used to speed up wound healing and prevent burn infections. The enzymes chymopapain and papain contained in papaya have therapeutic implications, and are added to ointments to treat ulcers and bedsores.

Papaya contains significant amounts of vitamin A which is known for its antioxidant effect, strengthening the immune system, beneficial effect on skin disorders, and helping to properly moisturize the skin.

It provides 224% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which produces collagen and strengthens the immune system, while it is rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects against heart problems and cancers, and is important in the restoration of skin tissue.

Papaya also contains vitamin K which helps with proper blood clotting and prevents bleeding, while improving calcium absorption, and B vitamins which help with cell metabolism and nervous system health.