Paypay in Bengali, popai in Marathi, pappaya kappalan in Malayalam and bappangai in Telugu, the humble papaya by any other name is just as sweet.

And miraculously valuable for our health too. Priya Pathiyan reveals the treasures contained in this ten-rupee wonder.

The papaya, is the fruit of the Carica papaya tree. Originally from southern Mexico and neighbouring countries, the papaya plant is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Christopher Columbus reportedly called it "the fruit of the angels" and not without reason! Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, minerals and fibre.

In addition, papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme, which is used to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies, is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

Papaya helps prevent...

Heart disease: Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants.

These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol becomes oxidised is it able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, forming dangerous plaques that can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes.

High cholesterol: Papayas are also a very good source of fibre, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.

The folic acid found in papayas is needed for the conversion of a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids. If unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and is considered a significant risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.

Cancer: Papaya's fibre is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells.

In addition, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA.

Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.