The health benefits and uses of papaya flowers, also known as papita or pawpaw flowers.
1. There are two types of flowers which grow on the papaya tree. These are known as male or female flowers.
2. Both types are very healthy and can be eaten or used as a natural medicine.
3. The papaya tree is native to South America, but is now grown all over the world in tropical countries.
4. The flowers contain healthy vitamins including vitamins A, C and E.
5. They are also high in antioxidants and have been used by some to heal stomach ulcers and remove acidity.
6. These antioxidants also help to fight free radicals in the blood. This is anti-aging and may also prevent cancer.
7. If you suffer with constipation or digestive problems, the natural enzyme called papain in these flowers will help to regulate your body.
8. The flowers are often used alongside the leaves to treat dengue fever. The juice within boosts the immune system and increases platelet counts.
9. In order to eat these, first pick them fresh from the tree. Wash them well in cold water and allow them to dry. Add these to a pan with a little olive oil and salt until they become wilted. This is traditionally eaten with rice.
10. They taste very bitter so you may wish to add other healthy vegetables such a sweet potato to combat the sour flavour.
11. If you find them too bitter to eat, try only eating the female variety which are slightly sweeter. Or you can add them to a delicious soup to get the benefits.
12. The seeds within the papaya fruit, and the leaves of the tree can also be eaten. Please see our other videos to learn more.
CONVERSATION