Since I have an addiction to smoothies, I’m always on the lookout for flavorful ingredients to add to the mix.  Papaya is one such ingredient that packs a powerful nutritious punch and adds a refreshing taste to your dishes.

A tropical fruit, Papayas are always in season as they are harvested in areas like Mexico, Central America, Florida and California. They taste a lot like cantaloupe and are featured frequently in fruit salads making it the perfect food for spring and summer.  Rich in enzymes called papain, Papayas aids in the digestion of protein thereby reducing flatulence. As a matter of fact, in some parts of the world it’s used as a meat tenderizer.  Vitamins C, A, E, calcium and potassium are all present helping to reduce inflammations in ailments such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  They are also said to lower cholesterol and boost overall immunity.  If you are trying to lose a few pounds, try adding some to your diet as they are rich in fiber and will help you feel fuller.

Here’s an energizing smoothie recipe, perfect for breakfast:

• Few chunks of papaya
  

  courtesy Flickr, farm1

• Chinese pear
• Spinach
• Coconut water
• Avocado (optional for creaminess)

You may be familiar with papaya being a beauty treatment since it’s a featured ingredient in numerous products such as Alba’s body cream or the Body Shops’ scrub. Simply rubbing the fleshy side on the skin can help lighten spots, reduce acne, soften and remove dead skin, and help prevent wrinkles. I found some intriguing beauty recipes at Alive.com including this one for a daily cleanser.

Skin Cleanser

• 3 Tbsp (45 mL) pure honey
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) wheat germ oil
• 1 tsp (5 mL) papaya juice

Mix the ingredients together. Wash your skin with warm water. Gently massage the cleanser onto moist skin, then rinse well with water. Apply twice daily.

When choosing papayas, make sure they smell sweet, are firm but give when pressed and display yellow or reddish skin tone. Enjoy.

Suncear

Suncear Scretchen has had a life long interest in natural and organic products. After a bout of Graves Disease over 10 years ago, she began a quest of integrated wellness. Her research led her to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where she is receiving training to practice Health Counseling. Her passion for achieving awareness in everything we put and into our bodies is chronicled in her blog Conscious Chick. She is also a Wellness Contributor for Creme Magazine.