PAPAYA OR ‘LECHOSA’. A JEWEL OF THE TROPICS

The papaya or ‘lechosa’ as it is more commonly known in a number of Caribbean and Latin American countries, is a fruit that contains multiple properties because of the nutrients that they possess. It is originated in Central America however, its cultivation has extended to other countries with tropical climates and is now distributed worldwide.

The properties of the papayas are due to its components, which include:

VITAMIN C

There are a number of vitamins present within papayas however, there is a greater quantity of Vitamin C compared to the other vitamins present. We can find the quantity of Vitamin C that the organism needs to function well in just 100 grams of this fruit.

FUNTIONS:

• It plays an active function in the development of our immune system by strengthen our defences.

• It contributes to the development of collagen.

• It contributes to the maintenance of strong bones, gums and teeth.

• It helps the body to absorb the Iron present within other foods and aids in the healing of wounds.

The high levels of Vitamin C present within papayas allow them to make a perfect substitute for other sources of vitamin C, such as citric foods, in cases where they are not available or tolerated well by the body.

VITAMIN A

The papaya has significant quantities of provitamin A, which then turns into Vitamin A. Its presence is essential in the prevention of ocular conditions such as macular degeneration or blindness in adults.

It also contributes to the maintenance of healthy mucosa thereby enabling us to fight more effectively against infections, especially respiratory ones.

FIBRE

It has an abundant quantity of fibre and consequently aids in the prevention of constipation. It also helps to decrease the absorption of fats and sugars, thereby playing a role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

POTASIUM

Eventhough there is a considerable quantity of potassium present within its composition, its presence contributes to the maintenance of a healthy blood pressure.

LYCOPENE

Another antioxidant found in papayas is Lycopene. This antioxidant can mainly be found in red papayas and contributes to the prevention of cancer, especially prostate cancer.

PAPAIN

Papain is an enzyme found within papayas, that allows the organism to digest proteins found in foods and in turn aids digestion especially in those that have a number of issues completing it.

Lastly, we want to say that the papaya is a fruit that contains a large of quantity of water and it is also low in calories, making it apt for any type of diet.

There are also other substances present within this fruit such as folates and magnesium, which even in low quantities are perfect collaborators making it an even healthier piece of fruit.