A dietician with Garki Hospital, Abuja, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, has said that the consumption of pawpaw fruit could ease digestion, protect eyes, heart and lower the risk of diseases like cancer.
Olowookere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on yesterday that good intake of pawpaw could protect the eyes against cataract, glaucoma and other chronic eye diseases.
“Beta-carotene in pawpaw can be converted to vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyes and vision.
“Again, good intake of pawpaw will reduce the risk of developing age related muscular degeneration as well as nourishes the skin,” she said.
According to her, pawpaw is a good source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and special digestive enzymes that have significant effect both internally and externally.
Phytonutrients are nutrients derived from plant material that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human life.
Antioxidants are believed to lower the risk of cancer, heart diseases and memory loss.
Olowookere also said that these nutrients could help protect the skin against free radicals known to cause damage that leads to wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing.
“The enzyme papain in the flesh and coat of the pawpaw breaks down dead skin cells and helps promote skin renewal when used topically on the face or body.
“Papain is an enzyme which is found naturally in unripe pawpaw.