Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a tropical fruit with a delicious taste and numerous health benefits. It’s available year-round and is native to warm climates. Here are compelling reasons to include this nutritious fruit in your diet.

1. Papayas, abundant in fiber and antioxidants, help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks.

2. A single papaya provides over 200% of your daily Vitamin C needs, boosting your immune system, the first line of defense against infections and sickness.

3. Papayas, abundant in Vitamin A and flavonoids, maintain eye health by protecting mucous membranes and preventing age-related macular degeneration.

4. Women with severe menstrual pain can find relief by consuming papaya, which contains the enzyme papain. This enzyme helps regulate and ease menstrual flow.

5. Research indicates papayas are effective against various cancers, including breast and pancreatic. Recent experiments revealed anti-carcinogenic properties in papaya leaf extract effective against tumor cells.

Lagos Food Bank Initiative ensures healthy intake of essential nutrients by including fruits like papaya when serving food insecure students in low-cost schools through the EDUFOOD initiative of the food bank.