Papaya

  Ripe papayas not only are a treat for the taste buds, they contain papain enzymes that promote digestion. The most potent form of papain is in the sap collected by making an incision in the unripe fruit. Aztecs called papaya “flower of the chest”, and it is still used today to treat chest-related infirmities such as bronchitis and asthma. In 16^th century Spain the unripe fruit was used to cure prickly heat and ringworm, the juice was of mature fruits was given for bellyaches. In some areas of the tropical Americas the leaves are used to make soap for washing clothes. The sap is reported to remove warts and lighten freckles, while the dried seeds are eaten as a digestive aid. Meats are often cooked wrapped in the leaves which contain small amounts of tenderizing properties.

* pa·pa·in

Is an enzyme found in papaya juice: an enzyme found in the juice of papaya and used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine to promote digestion and healing of wounds