Pawpaw is a tropical fruit that has garnered attention for its delightful taste and numerous health benefits. It is a subject, today of interest, that can inspire reflections on the interconnectedness of nature and human well-being.

It is also known as papaya in other countries and grows in Africa, West and South Asia and Latin America. The shapes are equally versatile ranging from the oblong shape of the hanging fruit to the oval types seen in the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia.

When we contemplate the qualities of pawpaw — its vibrant appearance, rich flavour, and nutritional profile, we are reminded of the fundamental teachings of compassion and mindfulness that encourage us to appreciate the gifts of the Earth and to cultivate a harmonious relationship with our surroundings.

First, let us consider the rich nutritional content of pawpaw. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are integral to maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting overall bodily functions. These vitamins contribute to the protection of our skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, providing us with the vitality needed to engage in our life’s pursuits.

By nourishing our bodies with such natural gifts, we enhance our capacity for compassion and kindness toward others. Our ancestors knew of these benefits, almost certainly, hence they even grew these fruits within their compounds.

Moreover, pawpaw is known for its digestive benefits. Its flesh contains enzymes, particularly papain, which aid in the breakdown of proteins and can alleviate discomfort associated with indigestion. Good digestion is linked to our emotional state; a balanced and healthy body can foster a more peaceful mind.

This connection between physical health and mental well-being is essential as it allows us to be more present and conscious in our interactions with others. It, therefore, supports digestive health, which is mainly attributable to Papain as previously mentioned above.

Papain in papaya aids digestion, reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and helps in the management of menstrual cramps. It accomplishes the latter by helping to regulate menstrual cycles and reducing cramps, bloating, and mood swings.

As we delve deeper into the benefits of pawpaw, we also find that it is rich in dietary fibre. Consuming fibre is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and regulating blood sugar levels, just as we discussed on this page when we discussed the effect of probiotics on the health of our gut.

In this fast-paced world filled with distractions and stress, staying grounded and balanced is important. When we incorporate wholesome foods like pawpaw into our diet, we cultivate an approach to eating that aligns with our pursuit of inner peace. Papaya’s antioxidants and papain reduce inflammation, alleviating conditions like arthritis, gout, and asthma.

 Beyond its nutritional aspects, pawpaw symbolises growth and resilience. The tree thrives in warm climates, demonstrating the beauty of life in even the most modest of environments. Like the pawpaw tree, we too face challenges and uncertainties in our lives.

Yet, when we nurture ourselves with healthy choices, we are reminded that we possess the strength to overcome obstacles. The practice of self-care is vital, as it allows us to be fulfilled individuals who can contribute positively to the world.

Furthermore, pawpaw contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect our cells from damage. In our contemporary world, filled with distractions and stresses, it is essential to recognise the importance of self-preservation.

By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into our diet, we cultivate resilience and foster long-term health. Vitamin C in papaya enhances immunity, fighting off infections and diseases. Therefore, its rich reservoir of vitamins A and C, potassium, and the enzyme called papain, all help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

These benefits are important for the advancement of life and the ability to live healthy lives. Today, unfortunately, pawpaw is disappearing from our markets and even those who like us have the fruit planted within our compounds are often beaten to the ripened fruit by our neighbours.

 As we share this knowledge, let us not forget the broader picture of sustainability. The cultivation of pawpaw can encourage biodiversity and promote agricultural practices that respect our planet.

As global citizens, it is our responsibility to honour the Earth and protect its resources. By choosing to consume local and seasonal fruits, we contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and support communities that rely on sustainable farming methods to thrive.

 In essence, the act of eating pawpaw serves as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship we share with nature. Each bite not only nourishes our bodies but connects us to the cycles of life that sustain us all. Eating this fruit encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, qualities that are essential in cultivating a peaceful world.

Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a nutrient-rich fruit that offers numerous health benefits when consumed. Here are some of the key advantages of including papaya in your diet. It promotes healthy skin due mainly to its store of vitamins A and C, potassium, and the enzyme, papain.

They all act in tandem to support skin health, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and age spots. What is more, pawpaw also supports visual health as the Vitamin A in it protects vision, preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Antioxidants and papain in papaya have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, particularly in reducing the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Potassium in papaya helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney disease.

In this unique way, pawpaw helps to enhance cardiovascular health. Papaya is low in calories and high in fibre, making it a nutritious addition to a weight-loss diet. It mostly contains Amylopectin C and has a low glycaemic index. It is, therefore, invaluable as an addition to a weight management plan.

 Remember to consume papaya in moderation, as excessive consumption can cause digestive issues due to its high papain content. Enjoy the fruit, seeds, and leaves to reap its numerous health benefits! So let us approach our diet with reverence, recognising that each food we consume carries with it a story and a purpose.

Pawpaw, in its splendid form, offers us an opportunity to cultivate health while nurturing our bodies. When we make conscious choices about what we put into our bodies, we enhance our well-being and contribute to a harmonious existence in our interconnected world.

Thus, I encourage you to embrace the gifts of pawpaw, both for your health and as a means of fostering compassion towards your well-being and the world around you. As we engage with nature, let us do so with mindfulness and gratitude, and may we remember the profound connection that exists between our actions and the well-being of all living beings.

Questions and answers

Sir, I am 63 years old and of male gender, a regular reader of your Sunday feature in Punch newspaper. Beans is a regular food on my menu until a reader of this column complained some time ago about the problems he is experiencing after eating beans. I experience similar symptoms of excessive farting, bloating and pains radiating from my stomach to the right side of my lower back. You advised, he stop eating beans or if he must eat it, he should remove the back before cooking. For me, l stopped eating beans and to my surprise, all symptoms of pain and farting disappeared. This mail is to appreciate your positive contribution to human health. Thanks. Regards. [email protected]

  Thank you so very much for your contribution. It is a universal fact of health science that if there is something you adversely react to you should either stop taking that substance or you reduce the dose that you take.

Good day, Doctor. May God continue to bless you for the good job you’re doing for humanity. It was interesting and comforting reading through your columns. Sir, recently I had some malaria symptoms and I was advised to run some tests which revealed ++ and I was placed on malaria treatment. After the treatment, the symptoms persisted. I also had complaints of frequent urination. I was requested to do an abdominal scan which revealed an enlarged prostate. I was recommended with Duodart. I couldn’t find this drug but it was an alternative drug that I got – (Samiflo – Dutasteride/tamsulosin). Ever since I have been on this drug, I still feel the earlier malaria symptoms – weakness, headache, getting tired after a little stress etc. I stopped taking the drug for a day or two, yet during the period of stoppage I was still feeling these symptoms. Sir, is it the malaria that is still causing this or could this be symptoms of an enlarged prostate as well? Should I continue with this drug or what other test will you recommend? Thanks, and God bless. [email protected]

 Good morning, it is not clear yet why you were given a prescription to control symptoms of prostate enlargement without fully exhausting the relevant investigations according to your account. Malaria is most unlikely to be the cause of the symptoms you currently have considering the duration. Secondly, we have no clue about your age. That is important in the treatment of a condition such as yours because even if you do have an enlarged prostate, it’s the degree of such enlargement and the symptoms it causes that will guide what medications you must take. Looking through your list of symptoms, it is important for you to clear any doubt about having diabetes. If you are free of that and a urinary tract infection, then other causes should be looked for. In the final analysis, you ought to see a urologist for a proper examination and diagnosis. An ultrasound scan is not enough to determine that your prostate is enlarged enough to warrant the kind of prescription you were given.

Good day, doctor. My son is a year and six months old. He developed a high-grade fever three nights ago and I started to give him Ibuprofen syrup. The following day, he developed catarrh and by yesterday afternoon he was coughing too. His body is really hot in the evenings and at night. He had these same symptoms last month and we took him to the hospital where they ran tests for him and said he had an infection. That was just over three weeks ago now; so, can he have that infection again? I am so confused and stressed. I don’t sleep and he is not comfortable. What do we do, please? 08071334722

 I sympathize with you. It is possible for a child to have another infection not necessarily the same as the previous one but similar in its presentation. Another infection is possible, yes. However, you described a pattern of fever that is worse in the evenings and of a high grade. That is often seen more usually with malaria. In his case, of course, this outlook is complicated by an upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to have him examined by a paediatrician who will request that he do the relevant tests and be more comfortable treating him based on the laboratory evidence. Once this is adhered to, your son will be fine. However, do not rely on antipyretics alone to control the fever; you can administer frequent baths with water at room temperature to avoid a convulsion.

Good evening, Sunday doctor. My son is one year and two months old. He woke up two days ago and just began to cry in a way he had never cried before. I checked everywhere I could think of like his butt, his ears and his mouth but I couldn’t find anything wrong with him. But when he passed stool, it was just blood and mucus. All through yesterday he did this four times and developed a mild fever, so we went to a hospital in our area where they checked his tummy and took some of the stool for tests, but we were not admitted after I confirmed that he was not vomiting. Today, the amount of blood in the stool is really scary but he isn’t crying anymore. The doctors are confused and are not telling us anything other than we should wait for the results. What should we do, sir?+447432146757

 Interesting story there. If not that you said he was no longer crying I would have asked you to get ready for an emergency operation. However, without vomiting, he most likely has a bacteria induced dysentery and should do well with simple antibiotics. Amoeba, Shigella and Campylobacter can cause similar kinds of illness. Unfortunately, from what I can see, you are not in the country and it will be nearly impossible for you to obtain any antibiotic for his use. In that case, you should wait for the results to be available and then he can get the treatment he needs.

Good evening, doctor. So, diabetes damages the kidneys? Actually, does that make a patient to go through dialysis? Is it only the kidneys that are damaged by diabetes? Thanks. 08065531559

 Good evening to you, sir. When diabetes is poorly managed such that the control of the blood sugar level is poor, leading to persistently elevated blood sugar levels, the kidneys can suffer sustained damage over time. However, other organs can be in similar peril such as the blood vessels, the eyes, the brain, the skin and the heart. The immune system is also impaired very much. Such blood vessel damage in the legs often impairs the blood supply there to the effect that relatively small injuries can lead to infections and gangrene can set in as well and lead to limb amputation. If you are male, similar damage can affect the penis leading to erectile dysfunction and later to impotence.

Good morning, doctor, the problem I have is that I am 40 years old, and I still urinate on my bed at night. I have seen numerous doctors since I was a little boy and visited many hospitals from mission to government-owned to private ones. The result has been the same. That is why I have not married yet because I just cannot imagine living with somebody else and all this is happening. Please, I am now helpless; what do you advise me to do? 08058080359

 You need to see a physician for a thorough evaluation of your entire being. This will take time and it will cost money but there are no shortcuts to something as profound as this. If you do this, it is likely that a cause for this problem will be found, and treatment can also be administered with success.

Good evening, Sunday doctor. My son is just about two and a half years of age and I just observed that his legs are becoming more like K legs. It is very obvious when you view him from the back as he walks away from you. His elder brother was not like that at his age. What is your advice, sir? 08033898785

 This is probably something more to do with just dynamics of growth rather than anything else. Those legs are likely to look like that at his age but to be doubly certain, you should see a paediatrician first for a proper consultation and if they are inclined to think that there is a problem, they could refer your son to an orthopaedic surgeon.