Papaya

This is the first papaya I have ever eaten (knowingly). I have never had anything against them, it just never ended up in my shopping cart probably because I didn't know what it looked like. I was introduced to one in the Korean Market last week. So I put it in a smoothie this morning.

• 1 papaya
• 1/2 pineapple
• 1 mango
• 2 bananas
• coconut water
• water

If you recognize the smoothie above it is my FAVORITE smoothie with the addition of papaya. And must I say it was pretty, pretty, pretty good. And beautiful!

Here are a couple compelling reasons to start adding these babies to your morning smoothies:

• Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies.
• Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin E and vitamin A (through their concentration of pro-vitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients), three very powerful antioxidants.
• Papayas are also a good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels (and keep the poop shoot flowing properly- this tidbit was not from the original source). The folic acid found in papayas is needed for the conversion of a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids such as cysteine or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and, if levels get too high, is considered a significant risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. Folic acid is also extremely important for pregnant women. (Original Source)

So, if you have never eaten this tropical fruit, I suggest you try it out. Just make sure you scoop the seeds out before you blend because they taste very peppery.