Papaya Trees Bear Fruit!
The papaya plant located behind Dukkar Apartments have been flourishing and bearing fruit. Currently, they are not ripe enough to be harvested, as mature papaya skin turns slight yellow once they’re ripe.
Named as the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus, the tree-like plant is native to the tropics of the Americas. They can grow up to 33ft (10m) tall, and produce fruits all year round, although there is a slight peak in early summer.
Once mostly enjoyed by residents of tropical countries, papayas have gained global popularity and is now ranked 4th in total tropical fruit production!
In Malaysia, papaya leaves are sought after as a treatment for dengue fever as it is believed that it can raise platelet levels in blood, which is essential for those affected by the illness. In other countries, the leaves are also used as a treatment for malaria.
The seeds have been used as a natural remedy due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and analgesic properites. It has also been used to treat stomachaches and ringworm infections, as the seeds contain high levels of proteolytic enzymes like papain which can help get rid your body of parasites.
Benefits of the papaya flesh includes:
- Rich in B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), riboflavin, and thiamin (vitamin B1).
- Sufficient source of potassium (257mg per 100g), which helps to control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Excellent source of Vitamin C (61.8 mg per 100g) – a single papaya can fulfil more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C! This helps to boost your immune system.
- Enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, helps to lower inflammation. This helps patients with asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Excellent source of Vitamin A, which helps to prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. The pro-vitamin A caratenoid phytonutrients help to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which over time builds up and can cause heart attack or strokes.
- Vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, cyptoxanthin and lutein helps keep the eyes healthy by preventing the damage of the mucus membranes in our eyes.
- Promotes a healthy digestive system as the soluble dietary fibre helps maintain normal bowel movements. It also contains fiber that bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon.
- Rich in beta-carotene which helps to protect against prostate cancer and colon cancer growth
- Prevents the development of age-related macular degeneration, wrinkles and physical signs of ageing.
An interesting fact, according to botanical terminology, papaya is considered as a type of berry!
If you would like to read about the other interesting plants that are grown at Kechara Forest Retreat, please click here: Mulberry, lemon grass, limau kasturi, and passion fruit.
