Papaya (Carica papaya L.) belongs to the family Caricaceae and is the most economically important species of the genus Carica.This  is about Carica papaya, the widely cultivated papaya (also called papaw or pawpaw), a tropical fruit plant. It is a fruit of poor. The tree can grow anywhere and all the part of the tree is useful. Raw and ripe in both the form papaya is edible.

Sources and Production

Papaya is native to tropical America, and seeds of papaya were taken from the Caribbean, to Malacca or Philippines, then to India. Subsequently, papaya was introduced as a plantation crop to Australia, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, and other tropical and subtropical countries in the world. Papaya is an important fruit crop in the tropics and is cultivated for consumption in the fresh or processed form and for use in pharmaceutical, leather, and textile industry. The fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals while being low in sodium, fats, and calories.

Medicinal Benefits of papaya

Digestive system
The enzyme papain present in papaya is known to aid digestion by breaking down protein . Papaya is also high in fibre and water contain, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote a smooth bowel movement. as it is fiber rich it gives bulk to the stool, make it soft and create pressure on anus

Anti-inflammatory

Papaya also contain other affective enzymes that help against inflammation and promote healing of burns. Papaya have high digestive enzymes; they help in supporting your digestive fire on agni.

Heart Disease and cancer

Papaya is rich in antioxidants and phyto-nutrients that work against free radicals and therefore is said to protect the body from possible heart disease and cancer. the fibre, potassium and vitamins contain help ward off the risk of heart disease. Including more papaya in your diet can help keep your heart safe.

Diabetes

Many researchers have found that the consumption of raw papaya could help maintain blood sugar level and cholesterol because of the high fibre content, thereby keeping a check on diabetes. In some part of India, especially the north-east, papaya flowers are locally used as a preventive measure against diabetes. The bitter flower are lightly sauteed in a little oil and consumed as a side to rice on a regular basis.

Immunity

Papaya is a great source of vitamin A,B,C and K and is known as an excellent immunity booster. It is great for the growth of body tissues, including hair and skin. it help in maintaining collagen, the structural protein of connective tissues.

Cleansing

Beauty experts too, often  suggest using slices of papaya as a natural skin cleanser as the active enzyme work wonders to remove impurities.one bowl of papaya pulp and one spoon of lemon mix it together and apply on skin. It remove tanning ,whitening of the skin..

Arthritis

It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Regular consumption help in building up the calcium bank in the body and in the long run could help keep a check on arthritis.

Dengue

Papaya leaves are commonly used in the treatment of dengue to help boost up the count of platelets. A simple remedy  to get back the platelets count is to give the patients a glass of papaya leaf juice.

Nutrition Facts Of Papaya

Amount per serving (100g)

Calories                            43kcal
Fat                                     0.3g
Protein                              0.5g
Carbohydrate                   11g
Sodium                              8mg
Potassium                        182mg
Fibre                                  1.7g
Sugar                                 7.8
Vitamin A                          19%
Vitamin C                          102%
Calcium                             1.5%
Iron                                     1.4%

Glycemic Index / load Of Papaya

Glycemic index of papaya is medium (60), it has huge potential benefits which makes it super healthy to consume. This is because the glycemic load of papaya is only 6.4 for 1 cup of papaya (150 grams) which falls under low glycemic load range fruit.

Recipe :-

*Papaya Halwa*

To make this papaya halwa papaya can be grated or pureed.

Heat to tbsp ghee and fry until golden remove them to a plate and add raisins if using. fry until they turn plump. 

Add grated papaya and saute until it becomes to release juice. if you are using raw papaya, saute for 2 to 3 minutes and then cook covered on a low heat until tender and soft.

If using raw papaya you can use to 2-3 tbsp desiccated coconut or 2 tbsp rice flour or 2 tbsp almond meal. Add  it in batches so the dry ingredients don’t turn lumpy. mix and continue to cook

The papaya turn tender, add cardamom powder and sugar about 4 tablespoons.

Continue to cook until the papaya halwa become thick. Taste test and add more sugar if required. you may add 1 tablespoon more ghee at this stage.