Papaya, (Carica papaya), also called papaw or pawpaw, succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae. Though its origin is rather obscure, the papaya may represent the fusion of two or more species of Carica native to Mexico and Central America. Today it is cultivated throughout the tropical world and in the warmest parts of the subtropics.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The papaya plant is considered a tree, though its palm-like trunk, up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall, is not as woody as the designation generally implies. The plant is crowned by deeply lobed leaves, sometimes 60 cm (2 feet) across, borne on hollow petioles (leaf stalks) 60 cm long. Normally, the species is dioecious, male and female flowers being produced on separate plants, but hermaphroditic forms are known, and numerous irregularities in the distribution of the sexes are common. Male flowers are borne in clusters on stalks 90 cm long; the flowers are funnel-shaped, about 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) long, and whitish, with 10 stamens in the throat.
BENEFITS
HELPS BOOST IMMUNITY
Amazingly, a single papaya can fulfil more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it a great agent of a stronger immune system.
HAS POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS
Free radicals are reactive molecules created during your body’s metabolism. They can promote oxidative stress, which can lead to disease.
BONE HEALTH
Adequate Vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium, meaning there is more calcium in the body to strengthen and rebuild bones.
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