In Guyana, the fruit papaya is commonly known as pawpaw cultivated in various parts of the country. It is a fruit with yellow/orange skin, sweet yellow flesh and black seeds.
Origin
The species was found in Central America and is believed to have been part of a hybridization. This is so since the seeds were fetched from one place to another thus, making it widespread. Its name is hispanic and is indigenous to tropical America but the exact location is still unknown
Scientific Classification
Papaya available throughout the year got its scientific name carica papaya from the family of caricaceae.
Benefits
There are some awakening medicinal benefits of this delicious fruit that probably haven’t crossed your mind yet.
- Pawpaw helps increase immune power
Is your body feeling down or that bruise just won’t go away? Then do not take pawpaw for granted as it can help you. Papaya is a rich source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, A and contains anti-oxidants. These nutrients aid in lowering cholestoral, boost immunity, improves eye health and protect against arthritis. Further, beside from those nutrients, it has an essential substance, called dietary fibre. This substance has the capability to improve the process of digestion.
- Pawpaw eases Menstrual Pain
An enzyme in pawpaw called papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods. In addition, it contains other anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain. Boiling pawpaw leaves can also aid in easing menstrual pain.
- Pawpaw promotes hair growth
Pawpaws are very effective for maintaining healthy hair apart from keeping the skin healthy. This is due to its vitamin A content which is utilized in the production of sebum, a compound crucial for keeping the hair smooth, shiny and moisturized. These nutrients also aid in creating volume, prevent balding, fight dandruff, control hair thinning, clears chemical build up, adding shine and bounce to hair and lastly acts as a hair strengthener and conditioner.
- Pawpaw treats macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the eye. In this condition, the ocular cells degenerate, which results in blurred vision and can cause blindness as well. This is an age-related illness and adding papayas to the diet is beneficial for reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration. An antioxidant named beta-carotene gives papaya its orange color. Just as carrots help improve the eyesight due to the presence of beta-carotene, papayas are also known to be effective in reducing the effect of macular degeneration. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, a consumption of 3 or more servings of this fruit on a daily basis may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
- Pawpaw prevents intestinal infections
Papayas are effective for killing intestinal worms thereby, avoiding infections and complications associated with them. This is effective when the seed is consume.
- Pawpaw relieves toothache
Consuming papaya helps in the removal of bacteria from the tooth which aids in the healing process. A paste of fresh papaya roots can be rubbed onto the teeth and gums to get relief from toothaches. The bark of the tree, primarily the inner bark, is also an excellent remedy for tooth problems.
Nutritional facts
One small papaya (152 grams) contains:
- Calories:59
- Carbohydrates:15 grams
- Fiber:3 grams
- Protein:1 gram
- Vitamin C:157% of the RDI
- Vitamin A:33% of the RDI
- Folate (vitamin B9):14% of the RDI
- Potassium:11% of the RDI
- Trace amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamins B1, B3, B5, E and K.
Advantage: This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Folate.
Disadvantage: A large portion of the calories in this food come from sugars.
How to eat a papaya
- Choose a ripe papaya
- Cut it in half
- Scrape out the seeds if you’re not using it with a spoon
- Scrape out the fruit and eat as is
Here are a few exciting ways papaya can be used:
- Smoothie: Combine the diced fruit with coconut milk and ice in a blender, then blend until smooth.
- Salad: Chop papaya and avocado into cubes, add diced cooked chicken and dress with olive oil and vinegar.
- Dessert:Combine the chopped fruit with 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of chia seeds, 1 cup (240 ml) of almond milk and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well and refrigerate before eating.
Pawpaw in Guyana
Pawpaw can be obtained by purchasing it from any nearby supermarket or any market where fruits are being sold. Places such as Essequibo and Berbice have pawpaw trees in abundance. Further, green pawpaw is used to make stew served with rice as a dish.
Pawpaw is best eaten when ripe and is enjoyed by both children and adults mostly in rural areas.
REFERENCES
- http://rfcarchives.org.au/Next/Fruits/Papaya/PawpawName3-93.htm
- http://uniquetimes.org/papaya-helps-to-increase-immune-power/
- http://www.informationng.com/2018/01/paw-paw-benefits-fruit-will-shock.html
- https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2013/11/21/papaya-flesh-seeds-and-leaves-can-work-wonders-for-your-health/
- https://www.rewardme.in/beauty/hair/article/10-astonishing-benefits-of-papaya
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15197064
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-papaya.html
- https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1985/2
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