Papaya Fruit

History:

Papaya is an herbaceous tree with a stem of spongy, soft wood that is hollow in the center and bears melon-like fruit. It is an interesting tree, in that the male and female parts exist in different trees, and trees may grow to a height of twenty to thirty feet. The Papaya Tree needs a tropical climate that is dry when cold and wet when warm; consequently, its greatest success appears in the equatorial zone with its warm wet season and cool dry season. It is extremely sensitive to frost, and water-logging will kill the taproot within forty-eight hours. The Papaya tree is especially susceptible to parasites, pests and diseases. This fussy plant needs a lot of water but must have good drainage, and it bears most fruit in light, porous, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. Said to be a native of the Caribbean and Central America, the Papaya is the true papaw that now grows abundantly throughout tropical America, Hawaii and many other tropical climates throughout the world. Although grown to some extent in south Florida, the true papaw is not related to the North American papaw. The fruits, leaves and gummy latex are all used therapeutically. The delicious fruit is usually pear-sized and has a central cavity filled with edible, pea-sized seeds. Generally, the fruit is melon-like, oval to nearly round, and the skin is waxy and thin but fairly tough. As the fruit ripens, it becomes yellow externally, and the thick wall of flesh becomes aromatic, yellow, orange or various shades of red. Papaya Fruit is eaten as a melon, included in salads and when unripe, it is cooked as a vegetable. The seeds are said to have a similar flavor as capers. The green fruit, stems and leaves are a rich source of a gummy, milky, white latex that contains the powerful enzyme, papain (in latex and exudate). This protein-dissolving substance has not only been widely used for stomach and digestive health, but it is also included in commercial preparations as a meat tenderizer, chewing gum and as a stabilizing agent that is used to clarify beer.  Some of the consituents included in Papaya Fruit are the fermenting agent myrosin, another important enzyme (chymopapain), butanoic acid, methyl butanoate, benzylglucosinolate, linalool, cis- and trans-linalool oxide, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-phellandrene, gamma-terpinene, 4-terpineol, terpinolene, methyl-thiocyanate and benzyl-isothiocyanate, rutin, resin, lycopene, malic acid, methyl salicylate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, beta-carotene, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C and E.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
People who take blood medication (Sulfinpyrazone) or blood thinning medication (Coumadin, aspirin, etc.) should consult with their physicians before taking this herb, as it may have anticoagulant properties. Pregnant women should avoid Papaya Fruit Herbal Supplement, as it can be a uterine stimulant (papain apparently dissolves a protein(s) responsible for adhering the newly fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus). Papaya in all its forms should never be taken by people with a latex allergy (causing anaphylactic shock). Inhaling Papaya powder (high in the enzymes, papain and chymopapain, can induce allergies. Although papain digests carbohydrates, potato protein may cause papain to not work as well when taken at the same time.

Capsule Information:
Our Papaya Fruit supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.