Vitamins and Minerals - Essay Example

Papaya: The Healthy Fruit. It is now a well-known fact that a healthy diet man s several daily servings of fruitsand vegetables. In this scenario, the papaya is one of the most beneficial dietary fruits to include in one’s food intake. The papaya is cultivated in the tropics and sub-tropics and is freely available everywhere. There are about 45 varieties of papaya. The fruit has a sweet, juicy pulp and is versatile in the many ways in which it can be prepared and consumed. In addition to the pulp, the raw papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is used as a meat tenderizer, as it helps in the digestion of proteins.

The seeds are also edible and can be eaten with salads. (Scholten). The papaya is packed with nutrients. An average serving of papaya contains only 70 calories and no fat. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, with a daily value of 144%. Vitamin C serves as a protective antioxidant, helps in amino acid metabolism, collagen formation, and hormone and bile synthesis, breaks down cholesterol, facilitates the absorption of other nutrients such as iron and calcium, and speeds up healing. The 21% of Vitamin A in the papaya helps it play an important role in vision, cell functions, healthy skin and hair, bone and tooth development, immune system regulation and reproduction.

The papaya also contains 3% of calcium, which builds and maintains bones and teeth, helps in muscle contraction, heart beat and nerve function. The 1% of iron in papaya contributes to blood health, and metabolism. (Food and Nutrition Archive). The 10% dietary fiber present in the papaya lowers cholesterol levels and aids digestion. The papaya also has 5% of carbohydrates to provide energy and significant amounts of sugars and proteins. From the above study, it is eminently clear that the papaya is very much a ‘miracle fruit’ and is one of the most desirable items to be included in one’s daily diet.

Works Cited.Scholten, Amy. The Papaya: a Little Taste of Paradise. ahealthyme.com website. 12 November 2011.http://ahealthyme.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=c0a17ee7-2798-4d59-b6b4-743fc6002965&chunkiid=23967Food and Nutrition Archive. Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. ahealthyme.com website. 12 November 2011.http://ahealthyme.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=c0a17ee7-2798-4d59-b6b4-743fc6002965&chunkiid=33792#Vitamins