Sweet with musky undertones and a thick, butter-like texture - it is no mystery the papaya was regarded as the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Once very exotic they are in markets all year now.
Papayas And Digestive Health
Nutrients in papaya are effective in combating colon cancer. Papaya's fiber can bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and hold them away from healthy colon cells. Additionally, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E have each been linked to a decreased risk of colon cancer.
The nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells against free radical damage to their DNA. Raising the consumption of these nutrients by eating papaya is a good choice for people at risk of colon cancer.
Papaya And Heart Health
Papayas can be effective in the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamins C and A - which are potent antioxidants.
These nutrients help to inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol is oxidized will it bind to and build up in the walls of the blood vessels - creating toxic plaques that can potentially cause heart attacks or strokes. One way that dietary vitamin E and vitamin C can exert this effect is through their suggested connection with a compound called paraoxonase, an enzyme that prevents LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol oxidation.
Papayas are also a healthy source of fiber that has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels. Folic acid present in papayas is required for the conversion of a substance called homocysteine to benign amino acids such as cysteine or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine will directly affect the walls of the blood vessels and, if the levels are too high, is believed to be a risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.
Wrapping Up
Papaya is high in essential nutrients and tastes delicious.
Its potent antioxidants can reduce the risk of many diseases - especially those that appear to come with age, such as heart disease and problems in digestion. It can also guard against symptoms of aging and allow the skin to appear healthy and youthful.
Try to add this healthy and tasty fruit to your diet.
