64. PAPAYA

                                                       PAPAYA

Nutrition in 100 gm
Energy: 40 kcal
Carbohydrates Sugar Dietary fibre	9.81 gm 5.90 gm 1.8 gm
Fat	0.14 gm
Proteins	0.61 gm
Vitamin A Beta-carotene	55 µ gm 276 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.04
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.05
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.338 mg
Vit B6	0.1 mg
Vitamin C	61.8 mg
Calcium	24 mg
Iron	0.10 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	5 mg
Potassium	257 mg
Sodium	3 mg

Ripe papaya is yellow from outside and orange or pink from inside with many black seeds. Seedless papaya is also grown. Papaya is usually eaten raw without the peel and seeds.

Benefits:

1. It has a large amount of pectin and hence it can be used in preparing jellies.

2. Digestion: The fruit and tree latex has are both rich in an enzyme called papain, a protease, which is useful in tenderizing proteins. It is also marketed as a tablet for digestive problems.

3. Wounds: Papain is also useful in treatment of cuts, rashes, stings and burns. Papain ointment is made from papaya flesh.

4. Contraception: Green papaya is used as contraception and abortion. But small amounts of ripe papaya will not cause miscarriage. Phytochemicals in papaya may suppress the effect of progesterone.

5. Black seeds of papaya are sometimes ground and used as a substitute for black pepper since they have a sharp spicy taste.

6. Malaria: Young leaves of papaya are steamed and eaten like spinach. Tea prepared from the leaves is used as a prevention of Malaria.

7. Hair: Papaya is very often used for hair conditioner but should be used in small proportions.

8. Liver: Papaya seeds are good for the liver. Mix one tbs of juice from papaya seeds with 10 drops of fresh lime juice. Drink this mixture once or twice daily for one month.

9. Youthfulness: If you want to remain young looking, just eat ripe papaya every day. It has enough vitamin A, B, C and potassium to keep you young.

10. Breast milk: Eat papaya with little honey to increase secretion of milk.

11. For shining face: Rub a piece of papaya over the face.

Danger:  Eating too much of papaya fruit can cause carotenemia due to which the yellowing of toes palms take place.