Papaya

Deliciously sweet with musky undertones & a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Once considered quite exotic, they can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer & fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round.
Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches & weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain pa pain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Pa pain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements & is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.
Health Benefits
Papayas offer not only the luscious taste & sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotene, vitamin C & flavorsome; the B vitamins, fol ate & parenthetic acid; & the minerals, potassium, copper, & magnesium; & fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system & also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, pa pain, which is used like lamebrain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, & allergies.
Promotes Digestive Health
The nutrients in papaya have also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Papaya's fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon & keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya's fol ate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, & vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA. Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.