Papaya

As you can see in the picture, papaya grows from the stem of a “tree”. This tree-like plant can grow quite large, over 30 feet tall for the Mexican variety, but all the ones I’ve ever seen, the Hawaiian variety, are between 5 and 20 feet tall. Because there is a single stem on the plant it usually needs to be supported as it grows. Wikipedia has some nice information on papaya plants.

Papaya has many health benefits, not to mention being a tasty addition to meal times. You can eat the fruit, drink the juice, or even use the skin of the fruit. If you don’t like the taste of papaya, like me, you can get papaya tablets at the health food store. Here are some of the things that papaya can do for you:

• Aids in the digestion of proteins
• Good against digestive disorders
• Contains carpain, an enzyme believed to be good for the heart
• Is an excellent source of vitamin C
• Is an excellent source of carotene
• The skin and pulp can be used as a treatment for skin wounds either as a covering to aid in healing or as a poultice.

The Times of India also has a nice article on papaya.

Here’s what I’ve personally found to be papaya’s biggest benefits:

• Relieves acid stomach and heartburn
• Helps settle an upset stomach
• Eases stomach bloating and gas
• Chew several tablets after a big meal; it relieves the “I can’t believe I ate all of that” feeling

Fit & Health has this to say about papaya: “Papaya is juicy and buttery smooth, with an exotic flavor that’s a bit like apricot and ginger. The center cavity is full of shiny, grayish-black seeds that are usually discarded, as is the skin. These peppery-tasting seeds are edible, though, and are sometimes used in salad dressings.”

Want to try papaya? About.com has tips on selecting the best fruits at the store plus recipes. AAA Recipes also has a large selection of recipes for this versatile fruit.

Eat healthy, be well, enjoy life!