Tropical fruit papaya is not only sweet to taste, it also brings many health benefits. It is definitely a fruit worth knowing, especially if you often encounter digestive issues.

This is because the fruit contains a powerful enzyme known as papain, which aids in digestion, especially proteins. Often used in digestive dietary supplements, this enzyme is sometimes also used as a meat tenderer. The enzyme is more concentrated in unripe papayas than ripe ones, so for a higher dose of the enzyme, consume your papayas when they are still green, such as in Thai-styled papaya salads.

Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenes, flavonoids and others, papayas can give you much protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

In addition to antioxidants, papayas are also a good source of potassium, folic acid, vitamin A and dietary fiber.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.
[2] Murray, Michael, ND., Pizzorno, Joseph, ND., and Pizzorno, Lara, MA, LMT. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books, 2005. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.