Papaya is a palm tree of small height with rather large leaves, but without branches. Flowers develop in the axils of the leaves, from which later round-shaped fruits are formed, reaching a diameter of 30 cm.
The fruits of this plant are widely used for food purposes. However, the population of the South American continent has been using various parts for medicinal purposes from time immemorial. In particular, the milky juice of unripe papaya is used as a digestive aid. Such qualities give it a large amount of the protease enzyme, which breaks down protein.
A decoction of the leaves and roots of the plant is used as an anthelmintic. In addition, a smoking blend made from the leaves of this tree is known to relieve the symptoms of bronchial asthma.
There is also evidence of the antiviral effect of papaya preparations.
What is it eaten with
The fruits of this exotic plant are prepared in a wide variety of ways. Popeye can be dried, baked, stewed, boiled, fried, or eaten raw - simply peeled and sliced. Papaya pulp goes well with other fruits in fruit salads. It is believed that the fruit goes well with seafood. And when added to meat dishes at the cooking stage, papaya makes meat fibers unusually soft (due to the high content of the protease enzyme).
What is the use of papaya
The pulp of this exotic fruit is distinguished by a very high content of vitamins, especially C and A. There are also other vitamins and biologically active substances - D, K, group B vitamins, nicotinic acid, choline. Of the minerals, the exotic fruit contains the most potassium, copper and magnesium. Others are also present: phosphorus, sodium, selenium, iron, zinc, manganese. It is noteworthy that the content of potassium in papaya fruits is higher than all other micro- and macroelements combined.
These exotic fruits are also rich in other useful substances - amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber.
After listing all the biologically active substances necessary for the body contained in papaya, the benefits of this exotic fruit are obvious. It quickly satisfies hunger, saturating the body with energy, noticeably improves digestion, making it easier to digest heavy foods - proteins, starch. Satisfies most of the body's daily need for vitamins.
Papaya is also used in cosmetology. The extract of this fruit appears in a variety of preparations designed to lighten age spots and freckles, skin care products, including after hair removal. Papaya extract is also used in hair care - it is part of shampoos, masks, rinses.
Papaya oil occupies a special position. It is a versatile product that moisturizes and nourishes skin, hair and nails. As a stimulating agent for hair follicles, it is used in the production of drugs for hair loss. When caring for any type of skin, papaya can successfully fight pigmentation and acne, peeling.
The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the paraya fruit makes this fruit not only a valuable component for culinary dishes. It can be used as a remedy for a variety of disorders; and in addition, as one of the ingredients for caring cosmetics that improve the condition of the skin and hair.
