The papaya, papaw, or pawpaw is the plant species Carica papaya, one of the 21 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern-day southern Mexico and Central America. In 2020, India produced 43% of the world's supply of papayas.

The papaya is a small, sparsely branched tree, usually with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50–70 cm (20–28 in) in diameter, deeply palmately lobed, with seven lobes. All plant parts contain latex in articulated laticifers.[

 

Papayas-papaw-pawpaw

 

Flowers

Papayas are dioecious. The flowers are five-parted and highly dimorphic; the male flowers have the stamens fused to the petals. The female flowers have a superior ovary and five contorted petals loosely connected at the base.[11]: 235 

Male and female flowers are borne in the leaf axils; the male flowers are in multiflowered dichasia, and the female ones are in few-flowered dichasia.[citation needed] The pollen grains are elongated and approximately 35 microns in length.[citation needed] The flowers are sweet-scented, open at night, and wind- or insect-pollinated.


Papaya flowers


Fruit

The fruit is a large berry about 15–45 cm (6–17+34 in) long and 10–30 cm (4–11+34 in) in diameter.[10]: 88  It is ripe when it feels soft (as soft as a ripe avocado or softer), its skin has attained an amber to orange hue and along the walls of the large central cavity are attached numerous black seeds.[

 

Cultivation

Papaya plants grow in three sexes: male, female, and hermaphrodite. The male produces only pollen, never fruit. The female produces small, inedible fruits unless pollinated. The hermaphrodite can self-pollinate since its flowers contain both male stamens and female ovaries. Almost all commercial papaya orchards contain only hermaphrodites.[13]

Originally from southern Mexico (particularly Chiapas and Veracruz), Central America, northern South America, and southern Florida[6][19] the papaya is now cultivated in most tropical countries. In cultivation, it grows rapidly, fruiting within three years. It is, however, highly frost-sensitive, limiting its production to tropical climates. Temperatures below −2 °C (29 °F) are greatly harmful, if not fatal. In Florida, California, and Texas, growth is generally limited to the southern parts of those states. It prefers sandy, well-drained soil, as standing water can kill the plant within 24 hours.

 

Toxicity

Papaya releases a latex fluid when not ripe, possibly causing irritation and an allergic reaction in some people. Because the enzyme papain acts as an allergen in sensitive individuals, meat that has been tenderized with it may induce an

Uses

The unripe green fruit is often eaten cooked due to its latex content. It is commonly eaten raw in Vietnam and Thailand. The ripe fruit of the papaya is usually eaten raw, without skin or seeds.[6] The black seeds of the papaya are edible and have a sharp, spicy taste.[6]

The raw fruit can be ripened by placing it in the sun. The young leaves, flowers, and stems can be prepared by boiling with water changes

Nutrition[edit]

 Raw papaya pulp contains 88% water, 11% carbohydrates, and negligible fat and protein (table). In a 100-g amount, papaya fruit provides 43 kilocalories and is a significant source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value, DV) and a moderate source of folate (10% DV), but otherwise has a low content of nutrients

 

 

Green papaya is used in Southeast Asian cooking, both raw and cooked. In some parts of Asia, the young leaves of the papaya are steamed and eaten like spinach.

 

What is the benefits of papaya?

Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol oxidizes, it's more likely to create blockages that lead to heart disease.

 

Can I eat papaya everyday?

01/6Papayas are not healthy for all

Eating it regularly in the morning or between mealtime to curb untimely hunger can decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, lower blood pressure, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

 

What is the best time to eat papaya?

Yes, eating Papaya on an empty stomach is considered to be an ideal choice in the morning as it cleans the toxins from the body and promotes bowel movements. Papaya has antioxidants which fight against free radicals and prevent cell damage. It is also known to lower the level of bad cholesterol

 

What are the side effects of eating papaya daily?


Side effects associated with the excess use of papaya are:

·         Skin irritation.

·         Allergic reaction.

·         Uterine contractions (miscarriage)

·         Carotenemia (skin discolouration; yellowing of soles and palms)

·         Stomach upset.

·         Breathing difficulties or wheezing (whistling sound during breathing) ...

·         Nasal congestion.

 

Does papaya clean your stomach?

Raw papaya is loaded with fibre which prevents constipation. Various healthy enzymes present in raw papaya efficiently clean your stomach and provide you with a toxin-free digestion process.

 

Is papaya good for kidney?

The potassium present in the fruit is a huge supporter of kidney health.It cleans out the toxins deposited in the kidneys and reduced the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Payapa seeds also play an important part in keeping the kidney healthy.

 

Is papaya high in sugar?

One cup of fresh papaya contains about 11 grams (g) of sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) . It's best for people with diabetes to limit their intake of sugar to help manage weight and keep blood sugar in target range.

 

Is papaya good for liver?

Papaya is one of the important dietary sources for carotenoids including β-carotene and lycopene[29]. The liver is the main place for storage carotenoids, the powerful antioxidants from food, and this compound may help scavenge the results of oxidative stress produced in the liver

 

What should we not eat after eating papaya?


What's more, papain helps in healing the stomach ulcers and other digestive ailments caused due to excessive acid production on the stomach. Thus, drinking water immediately after eating papaya may take a toll over the digestive system

 

Is papaya good for female?

Women who suffer from severe cramps should eat papaya regularly. One of the main papaya benefits, especially for women, is that the fruit helps the flow of menstrual blood. Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which helps in the smooth passing out of blood from your uterus

 

Is papaya good for acidity?

 Eating papayas can keep you safe from acidity as it contains the papain enzyme, which helps in improving digestion. Its fibre content also clears the stomach of toxins.

 

Does papaya cleanse your body?

Just a fare warning: papaya may naturally cleanse the body, boost energy, and promote digestive health. It also tastes delicious all by itself, in smoothies, in salads, or even salad dressings.

 

What does papaya do to your brain?

Lycopene, an important constituent of C. papaya, has been found to exert prophylactic role in the central nervous system, as it can protect the brain from different ailments such as Huntington's disease, ischemia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression, and Alzheimer's disease

 

Which fruit is best for cleaning stomach?

Here are some foods that are gut-healthy for your colon and delectable to the taste buds:

·         Apples or apple cider vinegar. Apples are rich in fiber and promote healthy digestion. ...

·         Avocados. This fruit has both soluble and insoluble fibers at a ratio of one to three. ...

·         Broccoli. ...

·         Spinach. ...

·         Lemon. ...

·         Garlic. ...

·         Water.

 

Is papaya good for your skin?

Papaya consists of an enzyme called papain which promotes healing of the skin and will also enhance the secretion of collagen when used topically for the skin. Collagen is a primary skin component that keeps the skin healthy and enhances skin elasticity.

Is papaya heavy to digest?

 

Papaya contains a natural digestive enzyme called papain. Digestive enzymes help break down the food you eat so that you can properly digest and absorb the nutrients from that food. They also help relieve symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and gas

 

Is papaya good for sperm?

papaya seed extract significantly and negatively affects sperm motility parameters crucial for fertility; and thus, poses as a likely candidate for male contraception.

 

Which fruit is best for diabetes?

The Best Fruits for People With Diabetes

·         berries — Both citrus and berries are recommended as superfoods by the American Diabetes Association.

·         cherries.

·         plums.

·         grapefruit.

·         peaches.

·         apples — High fiber fruits like apples and pears help to slow a spike in blood sugar, Rose says.

·         pears.

·         kiwi.

 

Which fruit is not good for diabetes?

Diabetics should avoid fruits with a high GI or eat them in moderation so that their blood sugar levels do not spike abruptly. Pineapple, watermelon, mango, lychee, and banana have a high GI, so these are the worst fruits if you are diabetic.

 

 

Does papaya increase blood pressure?

Papaya reduces high blood pressure

One cup of Papaya supplies about 781 mg of Potassium that helps decrease high blood pressure. Nutritional rich Papaya delivers many health benefits as it is rich also in Vitamin C and Fibre.

 

Why papaya whitens skin? The enzyme papain in papaya acts as a strong skin exfoliator and removes the dead cells, which can make the face lighter in tone and more supple. In addition, the abundance of beta-carotene and plant compounds present in papaya enhances the skin glow and complexion.