THE BENEFIT I GET BY EATING CARICA PAPAYA

 


Introduction:

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit having commercial importance because of its high nutritive and medicinal value. Papaya cultivation had its origin in South Mexico and Costa Rica. Total annual world production is estimated at 6 million tonnes of fruits. India leads the world in papaya production with an annual output of about 3 million tonnes. Other leading producers are Brazil,Mexico,Nigeria,Indonesia,China,Peru,Thailand and Philippines.

Origin: The papaya is believed to be native to southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. It is currently cultivated in Florida,Hawaii, Eastern British Africa,South Africa,Sri-Lanka,India, Canary Islands,Malaysia and Australia. It is now present in every tropical and subtropical country.

History: The history of papaya spread was initiated approximately in 1500, when the Spanish conquerors carried seeds to Panama and Dominican Republic. Papaya was first described in 1526 by the Spanish chronicler Oviedo, who found it first on Panamanian and Colombian coasts. The fruit was rapidly propagated in the tropics, most likely due to the abundant and highly viable seeds. The crop has adapted quite well to tropical areas with fertile soils and abundant rainfall. During the following century Spanish and Portuguese sailors took the seeds to the Phillipines, Malaysia and India. For 1600 the fruit had been produced in warm regions of South and Central America, Southern Mexico, the Antilles, Bahamas, Bermuda y Florida. In the same century pawpaw seeds were taken from India to Naples in Italy. The crop reached Hawaii between 1800 and 1820. Until 1900, papaya seeds were taken to Florida, probably from Bahamas’ plantations. The Solo variety has been cultivated in Hawaii since 1911, probably brought from Barbados and Jamaica. The first seeds of the Maradol  variety were introduced into Mexico in 1978, through CONAFRUT, in Xalapa,

Benefit                                                                                                

The nutrients found in papaya are thought to have a range of health benefits. They may help protect against a number of health conditions.

Age-related macular degeneration

Papaya has a range of health benefits including asthma prevention and even anti-cancer properties.

Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant found in papaya, filters out harmful blue light rays.
It is thought to play a protective role in eye health, and it may ward off macular degeneration.
However, a higher intake of all fruits has been shown to decrease the risk of and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Asthma prevention

The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, contained in foods like papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots.

Cancer

Consuming the antioxidant beta-carotene, found in papayas, may reduce cancer risk. Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Bio-markers.

Bone health

Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium, meaning there is more calcium in the body to strengthen and rebuild bones.

Diabetes

Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels, and people with type 2 diabetes may have improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels. One small papaya provides about 3 grams of fiber, which is equivalent to just 17 grams of carbohydrates.

Digestion

Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that aids digestion; in fact, it can be used as a meat tenderizer. Papaya is also high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Heart disease

The fiber, potassium, and vitamin content in papaya all help to ward off heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Inflammation

Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient found in papayas that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation.

Skin and healing

When used topically, mashed papaya appears to be beneficial for promoting wound healing and preventing infection of burned areas. Researchers believe that the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain in papaya are responsible for their beneficial effects. Ointments containing the papain enzyme have also been used to treat decubitus ulcers (bedsores).

Hair health

Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.

Nutrition

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C, and one single medium fruit provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake.
One medium papaya has approximately:

• 120 calories
• 30 grams of carbohydrate - including 5 grams of fiber and 18 grams of sugar
• 2 grams of protein

Papayas are also a good source of:

• folate
• vitamin A
• magnesium
• copper
• pantothenic acid
• fiber

They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.

Recipes

There are many simple ways to add papaya to a diet. The fruit is quite tricky to eat, as it is very juicy, but consider the following methods of eating and recipes:

How to eat papaya

When choosing or eating papaya, look for fresh papayas with reddish orange skin that are soft to the touch. Just cut like a melon, scoop out the seeds, and enjoy. The seeds of the papaya are edible but have a bitter, peppery taste. Using a spoon, it is possible to scoop out the soft flesh of the fruit.
Papaya is a soft, versatile fruit. This means it can be incorporated into many recipes. Consider the following simple methods of preparation:

• Make a tropical fruit salad with fresh papaya, pineapple, and mango.
• Muddle papaya into a glass of lemonade, iced tea, or water for a burst of fresh fruity flavor.
• Make a fresh salsa with papaya, mango, jalapeno, red peppers, and chipotle pepper. Use as a topping for fish tacos.
• Add a few slices of frozen papaya to smoothies. Combine with pineapple juice, half a frozen banana, and Greek yogurt for a sweet tropical treat.

Risks                                                                                                                                                  People with a latex allergy may also be allergic to papaya because papayas contain enzymes called chitanases. They can cause a cross-reaction between latex and the foods that contain them. To some, ripe papaya can have an off-putting odor. You can minimize this smell by mixing the cut fruit with lime juice.The seeds of the papaya, though unpleasant tasting to some, are perfectly safe to consume.

 

In general                                                                                                                                                 We believe that there is a need to strengthen research with the provision of facilities for rapid multiplication of plant materials. Given proper plant material, equipment and techniques, large quantities can be produced. Once again, adaptive research in plant material is very important in ascertaining which is the most suitable.

Methods of production protection under local conditions are also important. Moreover, production economics and outreach are necessary where there is a regular rapport between extension officers and farmers and a basic knowledge of fruit crop production.