पपीता के अनूठे गुण : By Smt Urmil Jain N Delhi

papaya Papaya (Carica papaya) belongs to genus of the plant family Caricaceae. Papaya is known by other names such as papaw, or pawpaw. 'Lechosa' a term, used for the latex or milky sap released by plant parts of papaya tree, is popular for papaya in the Dominican Republic. Papaya is a fast growing plant that can grow upto 3 m every year. Christopher Columbus referred to the fruit of papaya plant as "the fruit of the angles" probably because of the luscious taste of the fruit. Papayas are rich in antioxidants, minerals and fiber. Papain, an enzyme produced from the dried latex, is found in the fruit and other parts of the papaya tree is extracted for its use in dietary supplements. High nutritive value of the tropical fruit and its richness in medicinal properties makes it a valuable fruit crop as evidenced by the 6 million tonnes of total annual production in the world. Origin of the papaya cultivation is believed to be in South Mexico and Costa Rica. Of this, 3 million tonnes is produced by India alone which is the leader in papaya fruit production. Brazil, mexico, Nigeria, Indonesia, China, Peru, Thailand and Philippines are other leading producer of the papaya. Papaya Nutritional properties Richness of papaya fruit in different vitamins, antioxidants, dietary minerals and fiber makes it highly nutritious fruit. Its an excellent source of Vitamin A and C; good source of dietary minerals potassium, folate, vitamin E, K , flavonoids, carotene and dietary fiber.Low calories, small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacine and sodium makes it good fruit for consumption. Seeds, pulp and skin of the fruit contain various polyphenols. Antioxidant levels in fruit are believed to increase with ripening of the fruit. Different plant parts like stem, leaves and fruits contain plenty of latex that is rich in papain (vegetable pepsin, a mixture of protein degrading enzymes) and chymopapain. However, both the enzymes dissipates with the ripening of fruit. Unripe fruit and young leaves of the papaya contain an alkaloid compound known as carpaine. Glycosides 'sinigrin' and 'caricin' are found in the seeds of the papaya fruit. Ripe papaya in small quantities do not exhibit teratogenic characteristics. Leaf and bark papaya extract is used effectively to keep gums healthy and reduce toothaches. Fruit juice of the papaya has been used widely for treatment of warts, corns, indurations of skin, tumors and cancers. The ripe papaya fruit has been used extensively for treatment of rheumatism and alkalizing the urine, The leaves are believed to work as a poultice on nervous pains and elephantoid growths, The latex was used for treating skin infections such as psoriasis, ringworm, dyspepsia, The latex also finds mention for use by people in several countries as antiseptic application or to heal burns or scalds, or smeared on the cervix as an ecbolic. ~ Allergies & adverse reactions Although papaya juice papaya seeds are considered relatively safe for oral consumption, latex (topically) may be a severe irritant and vesicant in sensitive people. Gastric irritation may be caused by papaya leaves if used in large quantities. Medicinal properties All the above ground parts of the papaya plant are used for medicinal purposes. Papaya is used either in a form of fermented papaya, herbal teas, tablets and fresh fruit. Enzymes 'papain' and 'chymopapain' found in papaya are very useful in digestion of food. Papain enzyme breaks down the proteins from the food into amino acids. Chymopapain is suggested for treatment of slipped spinal disc and pinched nerves. Safety of administration of enzyme still remains a concern for researchers. It also reduces the severity of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Papaya is known to prevent cholesterol oxidation because of its high antioxidant content. Papaya strengthens the immune system and prevents the recurrent colds and flu. Papaya juice replenishes the good intestinal bacteria destroyed by the antibiotics used for treatment of ailmengts. Research studies have shown that papain the enzyme can destroy intestinal parasites. Urmil Jain