THE BENEFITS OF PAWPAW

Pawpaw, also known as Carica Papaya or Asimina triloba (its scientific name) is a fruit that grows in tropical areas throughout the world. It is the largest edible fruit that has yellow-green skin and soft orange flesh with creamy, custard-like consistency and a delicious sweet flavor. Most people enjoy pawpaw simply because it is delicious, but increasingly, research is showing that the health benefits of pawpaw may be even greater than its delicious taste.

Pawpaw is rich in vitamins and minerals; traces of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin are found in pawpaw. It is also very rich in antioxidant, flavonoids and carotenes; very high in dietary fiber, vitamins C and A, and low in calories and sodium. Increased consumption of pawpaw decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, and promotes a healthy complexion.

Pawpaw is an excellent digestive aid, lowering blood pressure, reducing bloating and indigestion and improving blood glucose control in diabetics. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and aid in improving wound healing among many other conditions that are caused by, or exacerbated by inflammation.

The pawpaw fruit has a higher amount of protein than the banana, apple or orange and is rich in fatty acid. Including papaya in your diet may lessen your risk of developing cancer. It contains an enzyme called arginine which is known medically to have aphrodisiac effect. A more concentrated form of arginine is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Pawpaw is satiating, it is therefore good for people trying to lose weight or maintain their current weight.

Papaya prevents heart attacks and stroke. The antioxidants in papaya prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. When cholesterol becomes oxidized it forms plaque in the blood vessel walls that eventually build up and cause a heart attack or stroke. The fiber in papaya converts a substance called homocysteine into harmless amino acids that the body can process, but without the breakdown, homocysteine can eventually damage blood vessel walls, causing strokes or heart attacks.

Eating pawpaw will help your body metabolize the other food you eat and make you always stay healthy.


Ruth Yakubu