Papaya is a sweet, buttery fruit that is used in many gourmet dishes, particularly in Thai cooking. Their seasonal peak occurs in the summer, but they can be purchased all year around. They are very popular among chefs, vegetarians, and bodybuilders who need a balanced diet to support their training.
A single papaya contains a tremendous amount of vitamins and minerals, including more than 200% of the level of vitamin C the average person needs in a day. Fiber, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and copper are also present in large amounts. Because of this, people suffering from a copper deficiency are often advised to eat papaya.
What Is Special About The Papaya When It Comes To Health?
Papayas contain a high concentration of an enzyme that assists the body in processing proteins. This is one reason why papayas are so popular among people who are involved in resistance training: The papaya supports faster rebuilding of the muscles through protein consumption.
However, papayas have much to offer people from every walk of life and interest. Papayas contain significant doses of flavonoids and carotenes, which work together with vitamin C as important antioxidants. Antioxidants help support cell health by reducing free radical damage and eliminating the free radicals themselves.
Long-term consumption of papaya has been linked to a reduced likelihood of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. Papayas help to stave off hardening of the arteries and may also be useful for people suffering from cardiovascular complications arising from diabetes.
Last, it’s important to note that the combination of vitamin A and vitamin C in papaya has its own special uses. This pair of vitamins helps prevent oxidization of cholesterol, making it impossible for the cholesterol to stick to arterial walls and form plaques. As a result, stroke and heart attack become less likely with greater papaya consumption.
