Do not turn your nose up at the humble papaya. This tropical fruit has several healthy benefits, reported WebMD (www.webMD.com).
It is one of the top sources of beta-crypoxanthin, which research suggests can protect against lung cancer. It is also a rich source of lycopene.
'Although there is currently no recommendation for how much lycopene you should consume in a day, research shows that the nutrient may protect against several different types of cancer, including stomach, endometrial and prostate," says nutrition expert David Grotto, author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life!
Papayas may also help speed burn recovery when used topically, thanks partly to the enzyme papain, which also aids in digestion.
'Papain helps break down amino acids, the building blocks of protein," says American Dietetic Association spokesman Elisa Zied.
This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on Nov 27, 2008.
