Known as the tree of good health, papaya (Carica papaya L.) is more than just an exotic fruit. This fruit, with its reddish pulp and yellowish skin, and a sweet and soft flavor, belongs to the Caricaceae family and is native to Central America, where it has been consumed before the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the New World
.Papaya is a very nutritious fruit. It is low in calories (40 cal/100g) and loaded with nutrients, especially vitamin C and A. It also has soluble fiber (pectins), vitamins B1, B3 and B6, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. In addition, it contains a large amount of digestive enzymes similar to human pepsin and resistant to gastric pH: chymopapain and papain. This is why papaya has been traditionally used in the countries of origin as a natural remedy to facilitate the proper functioning of the digestive system and improve the disorders associated with it (stomach pain and inflammation, diarrhea and constipation, heartburn, etc.). It has also been traditionally used in facial creams for its effectiveness as a skin cleanser, in the treatment of eczema, intestinal parasites, ulcers
and other diseases.The papain present in papaya is a very effective digestive agent due to its ability to accelerate the conversion of dietary proteins into amino acids. But what probably makes it a unique food is its ability to alkalize our body. This is why it can be especially useful against heartburn. In addition, thanks to its soluble fiber content, it acts as an intestinal regulator helping to evacuate in cases of constipation
and diarrhea.Papaya also plays an important role in blocking histamine. Blocking histamine receptors reduces gastric acid production, which, together with the role of enzymes in digestion, produces an interesting synergy in intestinal care
.Nowadays it is easy to find papaya in the market, but a good tip is to buy it ripe and, if possible, it has ripened on the tree, in order to obtain all the beneficial properties of papaya. We can also choose ripe papaya puree preparations
.