The benefits of Papaya
Papaya, rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E, amino acids, calcium and iron, can also assist with digestion as the enzymes break down proteins. It has more Vitamin A than carrots, more Vitamin C than oranges and is an abundant source of the anti-oxidant Vitamin E. It is effective in detoxification of the body, speeds metabolic processes and restores enzymes to the body enabling the strengthening of the immune system.
When the fruit is mature but still green it is at its most nutritious as this is when it contains large quantities of the enzyme papain which promotes digestion and eases stomach ailments, and has been used to not only prevent cancer, but assist in its treatment. Green papaya has only a third of the calories of the ripened fruit and twice the quantity of digestible protein, yet the most nutritious part of the plant is the leaves as they contain levels of niacin, fiber, beta-carotene, and highly digestible plant protein of up to five times of the fruit.
Pregnant women should consume only the fresh ripe flesh of papaya and avoid all other papaya products or complications can result.