So this happened…

I just got to liking papayas, after some unfortunate slimy resort buffet experiences, and was reading about all of its health benefits when I decided to add it to my grocery list.

I was excited. New health discoveries EXCITE me.

So I buy one and no seeds. That’s weird.

So I stare at it for awhile. Somewhat perplexed.

Than l’s get to googling.

Here’s what I found out.

information overload incoming…

A seedless papaya is called ‘parthenocarpic’.

This means it was developed from a female papaya plant that was not pollinated.

Not pollinated?

This is a miracle is it not?

very rare

Most non pollinated plants will not make fruit.

They’ve either been messed with by botanists with the express intent to yield a seedless papaya or they are just one of nature’s little miracles.

Considering that I bought this from a roadside fruit stand, I’m going to lean towards miracle fruit.

It was just as delicious.

Maybe even MORE delicious cause it’s so special ❤️

health benefits of papaya

• high in vitamins A and C
• high in fiber
• contains carotenoids (healthy antioxidants) such as lycopene that your body absorbs better from a papaya than other fruits and vegetables.
• fermented papaya can assist in reducing oxidative stress ( imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) for people with pre diabetes, hypothyroidism and liver disease.
• Alzheimer’s – this is cool info. Alzheimer’s patients were given fermented papaya extract for 6 months and experienced a 40% drop of a bio marker that indicates oxidative damage to DNA which is also linked to cancer and aging. OMG WHAT!?
• improves heart health and good cholesterol through the naturally occurring vitamin c and lycopene.
• you know all the bad food and lifestyle choices we make? They cause inflammation. Papaya helps to reduce inflammation
• ulcer treatment with seeds, leaves and roots
• constipation, IBS remedy
• skin rejuvenation and protection from the vitamin c and lycopene in papaya
• consuming the seeds has been a historically accepted practice when dealing with parasites. Too much can be an actual shit show so until I can find out more on this I’m going to reserve judgement but… there has to be some truth right?

interesting facts about papaya

Papaya contains the enzyme papain which has been used to tenderize meat for thousands of years.

Papaya needs to be cooked before eating if unripe otherwise the high amount of naturally occurring latex can start contractions in pregnant women.

Papaya is the only fruit to demonstrate anticancer activity for breast cancer.

how can we include more papaya in our lives?

Here’s some ideas.

• Serve cooled with lime for a refreshing milder taste (some tajin be yum too)
• Use in place of cantaloupe for a ham or prosciutto wrapped appetizer
• Just cold out of your fridge.
• With yogurt.
• On the side with any breakfast.

Eat More Papaya!

I’ve made a mental note to look into what is involved in papaya fermentation, meat tenderizing and in general more recipes.

This super fruit is my new favourite 🧡💛🧡 and I’m eating some right now while I proofread this.

⚠️ NOTE

Too much of anything can have adverse consequences. Papaya eaten in large quantities can have a laxative effect so go easy and some people have allergic reactions – proceed with caution.