Pawpaw is an excellent source of vitamin C, and one single medium fruit provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake.
One medium papaya has approximately:120 calories ,30 grams of carbohydrate – including 5 grams of fiber and 18 grams of sugar,2 grams of protein
Pawpaw is also a good source of: folate, vitamin A, magnesium, copper, pantothenic acid and fiber
They also contain B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.
Pawpaw also helps prevent or lowers the risk of getting diseases and infections such as
ASTHMA PREVENTION
The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is, beta -carotene contained in foods like papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots.
DIABETES
Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels, and people with type 2 diabetes may have improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels. One small papaya provides about 3 grams of fiber, which is equivalent to just 17 grams of carbohydrates.
CANCER
Consuming the antioxidant beta-carotene, found in papayas, may reduce cancer risk. Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer.
BONE HEALTH
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture 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.
HEART DISEASE
The fiber, potassium, and vitamin in pawpaw all help to prevent heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
INFLAMMATION
Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient found in papayas that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation.
SKIN AND WOUND HEALING
pawpaw is good for promoting wound healing and preventing infection of burned areas. Researchers believe that the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain in papaya are responsible for their beneficial effects. Ointments containing the papain enzyme have also been used to treat decubitus ulcers (bedsores).
HAIR HEALTH
Pawpaw is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, improves skin and hair.
DIGESTION
Pawpaw is also high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
