Papaya: The Most Nutritious Fruit

The seeds of a papaya are small, round and black in color. The papaya is believed to be native to southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. However, the papaya is now cultivated in most countries with a tropical climate, such as Brazil, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Haiti, and Southeast Asia. The ripe fruit is usually eaten raw, without the skin or seeds.  According to researchers, Pa-pain, the powerful enzyme in Papaya, helps to dissolve and digest protein thus easing disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, papaya is also known to relieve symptoms of upset and nervous stomach associated with motion sickness.

Although the papaya fruit can weigh up to twenty pounds, the average papaya in the grocery store is about six inches long and weighs from one to two pounds. Papaya juice, rich in antioxidant nutrients, is available at your local grocery section. A canned or bottled papaya juice boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, D.C., compiled a list of the nutrients deemed most important for good health, and rated fruits and vegetables according to the United States Recommended Daily Allowances. Papaya was #1 in the fruit ratings. If consumed regularly, papaya is also thought to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, help prevent strokes, fight heart and bowel disease and clear your complexion. I am definitely going to go to the grocery store and buy a papaya after this study.

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