Papaya

Papaya is rich in beta-carotene and fibre. It is a particularly good source of soluble fibre. It also contains enzymes which helps digestion.

Uses of Papaya

The primary use of the papaya is as an edible fruit. It is usually eaten raw, without the skin or seeds.

Papaya is rich in an enzyme called papain (a protease which is useful in tenderizing meat) and other proteins. Its utility is in breaking down the tough meat fibers and it has been utilized for thousands of years in its native South America. It is included as a component in powdered meat tenderizers. Papaya enzyme is also marketed in tablet form to remedy digestive problems.

Recently it has been found that Papaya has abortifacient properties, that is it induces labor or miscarriage in pregnant women. It also may be used for amenhorrea, or lack of menstruation. Chemicals in the papaya have effects similar to progesterone.

The black seeds are edible, and have a sharp, spicy taste. They are sometimes ground up and used as a substitute for black pepper.

Nutrition Chart