Health Benefits And Beyond Within The Fruit Papaya

I write this hub starting with the same words of Daniel Quinn "Once you learn to discern the voice of Mother Culture humming in the background, telling her story over and over again to the people of your culture, you'll never stop being conscious of it. Wherever you go for the rest of your life, you'll be tempted to stay to the people around you. How can you listen to this stuff and not recognize it for what it is? "

It is known that the direct contact with nature leads to increased health, be it spiritual, mental or physical. Many kinds of illnesses and diseases have been attacking the living nature; chemical treatments for them have become worse than the situation by itself. I have seen throughout time that prevention is a more effective strategy than treating a sick body where other health conditions arise with a specific treatment.

Nature nourishes nature; that is why the regular consumption of natural foods like fruits and vegetables is associated with the reduction of disease risks. The effects that natural foods have interacting with the body bring productive life benefits. We eat not only to fill our stomachs, but to give essential nutrients needed like vitamins, minerals, and fiber to stay alive, healthy and sane.

I chose the papaya fruit for this hub, because it is becoming part of our diet gear toward a healthy way of eating, as it is a whole, natural, nutrient-rich food. Froggy213 included in our garden a papaya tree. The picture to the right is his proud papaya tree growing.

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is popular here in Puerto Rico as in many other countries. The taste is sweet with a soft texture. It has an oval shape (like a large pear), yellow orange skin, black seeds and a pulp or red meat.

It is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. I will mention some benefits, remedies and a recipe that you can enjoy from the papaya fruit.

Is it said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? We cannot have an apple garden in the tropical climate, but we can buy a papaya or better, have them from our own tree or even from a tablet; the doctor will be kept away because it is loaded with nutrients such as:

1. Vitamin C (even more than oranges, lemons or grapefruit).
2. Vitamin A and B complex
3. Potassium
4. Magnesium
5. Folic acid
6. Small amounts of calcium and iron
7. Beta carotene

The papaya fruit is used for many conditions from eating it directly, drinking a warm tea, applying creams, to swallowing a tablet,

1. Helps with constipation
2. Parasites
3. Heavy digestions
4. In lotion against varicose veins
5. Skin masks
6. Cleanser
7. Boosts male virility
8. Prevents premature aging
9. Prevents heart attacks and strokes
10. Treats inflammation

The papaya fruit flavor is so unique that it is very popular when time to develop desserts, juices, yogurts, fruit salads, ice cream, etc. Here I include one of my favorite recipes for your delight.

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 large papaya
2. 3 cinnamon sticks
3. 1 1/2 lbs of sugar

PROCEDURE:

1. Peel the papaya
2. Cut the flesh in the form of slices or chips and throw the seeds
3. Place in large pot of water
4. Put on high heat to boiling then reduce heat to medium
5. Drain and add clean water and cinnamon
6. Cook over medium heat for 2 hours
7. Drain leaving approximately 2 cups of water. Add the sugar
8. Simmer uncovered over medium heat until it becomes crystal clear and the sugar becomes thick as syrup
9. Remove from heat and let cool in the fridge
10. Serve as a dessert or snack with cheese...mmmm yummy!!!

I hope you find in the papaya fruit the same treasure or even more benefits than we have. When you try it, let me know your findings.

Talking about nature, vegetables and fruits, do you know why potatoes make good detectives?

Because they keep their eyes peeled.

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill