In today’s world, food is definitely not just food. Instead of simply filling our stomachs when we eat, we expect to receive full nutritional benefits while ensuring that our bodies are toned, our skin is clear and smooth, and our hair is healthy. Of course, there is an entire range of various food supplements available, but these tend to be on the expensive side. What we don’t know is that we may have exactly what we’re looking for, in our very own backyards... literally.

The pawpaw or papaya was once purportedly referred to as the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus. Ironically, in recent times, more and more research is suggesting that it’s one of the world’s healthiest foods— without the horrible taste that we usually expect from “healthy” foods. There are two main varieties of pawpaws. The major difference between them is the colour of the flesh, which is either a rich orange or a noticeable pink. In both instances, they are an abundant source of antioxidant nutrients, essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Th e antioxidant nutrients include carotenes, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and flavonoids. Among the other vitamins present are the B vitamins folate and pantothenic acid, while the minerals consist of potassium and magnesium. Plus, pawpaws contain a digestive enzyme called papain.

So, what does this all mean?

Firstly, all the pawpaw’s combined nutrients work to promote the general health of the cardiovascular system. The fruits have been found to be particularly useful in the prevention of diabetic heart disease and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

The antioxidants present, which include vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, also stop cholesterol from becoming oxidized. This is very important because when cholesterol is oxidized, it sticks to the walls of blood vessels and causes the build-up of harmful plaques. These plaques are what eventually lead to coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the pawpaw’s fibre has been proven to decrease high cholesterol levels.

Research has also shown that the nutrients found in pawpaws are helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Its fibre content binds to potential cancer-causing toxins present in the colon and ensures that they stay away from the healthy colon cells. Moreover, the vitamins C and E, folate and beta-carotene have all individually been linked to a smaller risk of colon cancer.

As with fruits and vegetables that are orange in colour, pawpaws (both varieties) play an important role in the protection of the eyesight. Specifically, it works against what is called macular degeneration. The macular is the small area in the centre of the retina that makes sharp, detailed vision possible. As a result, macular degeneration tends to result in blurred or distorted central vision. Data reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology of June 2004 indicates that consuming three or more servings of fruit per day may lessen the risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD is the leading cause of visual impairment for adults) by a substantial 36%, compared to persons who consume less than half of this amount daily.

With the increase in smoking in recent times, there is also the increased amount of second-hand smoke we may have to combat daily. Therefore, eating foods that are rich in vitamin A (produced from beta-carotene) may very well save our lives. It was found that a common cancer-causing agent found in cigarette smoke—benzopyrene—brings about vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency of vitamin A has been linked to emphysema (an incurable lung disease whose symptoms include shortness of breath and a persistent cough). Foods like pawpaw which contain a rich supply of vitamin A are absolutely necessary if you are, or if someone you spend lots of time with is, a smoker.

Believe it or not, these remarkable fruits have yet more advantages. Pawpaws have unique enzymes that work to lower inflammation and improve the healing of burns. Additionally, vitamins A and C are both necessary for the smooth functioning of a healthy immune system. Betacarotene, which is present in the pawpaw, is the most potent form of carotene known. A deficiency of betacarotene has been linked to acne, dry and dull hair, dry skin and thickened scaly skin on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.

Pawpaws are even useful when unripe. The un-ripened fruit is a rich source of the enzyme papain, which has a meat-tenderizing property.

Of course, the benefits outlined would be far more effective when pawpaw is part of a properly balanced diet. Given its medical value, importance in maintaining healthy skin and hair, and its worth in the kitchen, in addition to being named as one of the world’s healthiest foods, the pawpaw should be called one of the world’s most useful! Columbus had the right idea, after all...