Papaya: The Most Important Fruit

When it comes to dealing with tonsillitis, papaya is my best friend. I sometimes find gargling on salt water solution a drag; instead, I’d buy a semi-ripe papaya, the one that just starts to ripen but is still hard to the touch. I would peel, take out the seeds and cut the fruit into small cubes and pour vinegar with half a teaspoon of salt into it. This crunchy homemade treatment has a sweet and sour taste that I just love. In less than 24 hours, my tonsil problem is gone.

What’s in this concoction that can make that oral bacteria disappear? Aside from the salt and vinegar solution, it’s the enzyme called papain that can only be found in papayas.

In addition, not only was my tonsillitis healed, I also get the amazing health benefits that this delicious and nutritious fruit has to offer including:

Promotes Fertility

Papayas are high in folic acid, a vitamin necessary for fertility in both men and women. Folic acid contributes spermatogenesis in men, and oocyte maturation, implantation and placentation in women. Added to that is the importance of this vitamin in pregnancy to promote healthy cells and prevention of birth defects.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

People who suffer diseases that are worsened by inflammation, such as asthma and arthritis can benefit from papain and chymopapain and other unique protein-digesting enzymes found in papayas. These enzymes were found to lower inflammation and helps in the fast healing of burns

Immune Support

Papayas are high in vitamin C, an essential vitamin for humans as it increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

Regular consumption of insoluble fiber has been found to reduce the risk of developing constipation, colitis, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids. Papaya is one of the good sources of this very important substance.

Protection Against Heart Disease

Papayas are also a good source of Vitamins A and E, which together with vitamin C works as powerful antioxidants that help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. They are also rich in Potassium, which can reduce the risk of hypertension and possibly stroke.

Read also:

• 10 Good Reasons to Eat Avocado
• How French Fries Cured my Sore Throat
• Health Benefits of Orange Fruits and Vegetables
• Watermelon: The Refreshing Way to Good Health