Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit which has a great taste, mouthwatering flavor and great health benefits.

Originally from the tropics of America the taste and its numerous health benefits made it popular in all the continents.

Papaya enjoys a rich history, and has been used since very long for medicinal uses in day to day life. The Mayans used to worship papaya trees and called it the Tree of Life. It is said to be one of the favourite fruits of Christopher Columbus. The story goes that when his crew landed in America after a long sea voyage on meager meal, the native people welcomed them with extravagant feast, which caused digestive problems. The natives took the voyagers to the forest and offered them papaya and they got cured. The leaves, seeds and the milk of the papaya tree are used to cure intestinal problems and kill intestinal worms and parasites. Women from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh use them to prevent pregnancy and for abortion. Above all, papaya is a very delicious food that has been enjoyed lavishly by people as a part of cuisines and salads. Nutritional Values of Papaya: Papaya comes loaded with nutrients. Every part of a papaya tree, from the fruit to the leaves contains some medicinal properties. The nutritional values of papaya per 100 grams are: Energy- 163 kJ Calories-39 kcal Sugars-5.90 gram Carbohydrates- 9.81 gram Dietary fiber- 1.8 gram Fat- 0.14 gram Protein- 0.61 gram Vitamin A- 328 micrograms (41%) Vitamin B1- 0.04 milligram (3%) Vitamin B2- 0.05 milligram (4%) Vitamin B3- 0.338 milligram (2%) Vitamin B6- 0.1 milligram (8%) Vitamin B9- 38 milligram (10%) Vitamin C- 61.8 milligram (74%) Calcium- 24 milligram (2%) Iron- 0.10 milligram (1%) Magnesium- 10 milligram (3%)

Phosphorus- 5 milligram (1%) Potassium- 257 milligram (5%) Sodium- 3 milligram (0%) Health Benefits of Papaya:
Papaya is great for the skin and can be used as a face pack to get its benefits. It helps to

get rid of acne and it helps to open clogged pores. The fermented flesh of papaya also called as papain helps to dissolve the dead cells, giving fresh and glowing skin as a result.
Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and lowers cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes

that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heartattacks.
The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the

papaya helps you to get a younger look.

The seeds of papaya too possess medicinal properties. They are very good in treating

intestinal worms in the body.

Papaya helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion. The enzyme papain is a

digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion.

Papaya juice helps in curing infections of the colon by clearing the pus and mucus from

it. You need to take it regularly to heal quickly.

Papaya is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that dont heal quickly. It is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is a good food for those who

want to lose some weight.

For pregnant ladies, regular consumption of a small slice of papaya helps to cure nausea

and morning sickness.

Papaya contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain for those who are

suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis, and it also possesses anti-cancerous properties that can help preventing cancer.
Papaya is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that helps in boosting the bodys immunity

and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.
Shampoos that contain papaya are very good to control dandruff. Raw papaya helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to

ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.