Buy Local Papaya

While we enjoy papaya for its deliciously sweet taste, and soft, buttery consistency, it also has many nutritional health benefits. Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, carotenes, vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide added protection against colon cancer. Combine the refreshing taste with its health benefits and the fact that it is low in calories, and you have a powerful fruit.

• This fruit contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe.
• Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is a very good source of folate and potassium. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K.
• Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, and to lower high cholesterol levels.
• Papaya’s nutrients, folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. And its fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells.
• Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes which have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. In addition, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, are also very good at reducing inflammation.
• Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system.
• Studies indicate that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.
• If you are a smoker, or if you are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, a common carcinogen in cigarette smoke induces vitamin A deficiency. Making vitamin A-rich foods, such as papaya, can help counter this effect and greatly reduce emphysema.
• Men who enjoy lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit, watermelon, papaya, and guava are 82% less likely to have prostate cancer.

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