Papaya

ORIGINS

Believed to have originated from Mexico, but are now found in most tropical and subtropical countries,including Sri Lanka and India.

TASTE

Mildly sugary. Dense and buttery like avocado with undertones of coconut. 

AYURVEDA & MEDICINAL USES

Papaya is loaded with health benefits.It is used in Ayurveda medicine as a treatment for cystitis, acne, worms,thematic complaints, stomach troubles, coughs, hoarseness,bronchitis, tracheae and dengue fever. Furthermore, Ayurvedic teachings state that eating sweet fruits like papaya bring forth light and clarity, joy and energy to its consumer.

Carine, an alkaloid component found specifically in in the leaves,fruit, and seed of the papaya, has been studied for its effectiveness in combating heart disease.

NOTABLE FACTS

A 2007 study published in the “Journal of Medical Food,” says papaya seed street human intestinal parasites with no adverse side effects.

A 2012 article published in the“International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,” says papaya leaves shortened the hospital stay of dengue fever patients due to its ability to increase platelet count.

In a 2006 study published in“Therapeutically,” fermented papaya aided patients with type Ii diabetes by decreasing their plasma sugar levels. Ultimately, the patients were able to reduce their antidemocratic therapy due to their papaya consumption.

TRY-ME RECIPES

Thai Salad: Combine ripe papaya chunks or raw shredded papaya, with shredded carrots, red bell pepper,raw mango (or banana flower),mint, and peanuts. Combine with a dressing made from coconut oil,peanut butter, ginger, garlic soy sauce and lemon juice.

SPRING ROLLS: Add fresh papaya slices to spring rolls, along with vermicelli, mint, basil, shredded carrot, julienned cucumbers and ground peanuts.