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.
