Nutritional Potentials and Uses of Pawpaw (Carica papaya): A Review
A. A. Daagema *
Department of Community Health, Benue State School of Health Technology, Agasha, Nigeria.
P. N. Orafa
Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University Wukari, Wukari, Nigeria.
F. Z. Igbua
Department of Community Health, Benue State School of Health Technology, Agasha, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pawpaw is a fast growing fruit tree with edible fruits which are consumed in many countries of the world. The fruits are edible in its unripe and ripe forms such as in salads, juices, smoothies, soups and for therapeutic purposes. Other uses include in medicine and cosmetic industries were the fruits as well as other parts of the tree are used in the production of drugs and several cosmetic items. Pawpaw fruits are rich in several nutrients especially vitamins and minerals however its consumption is low when considered to other popular fruits. Hence this review looks at the nutritional potential of pawpaw fruit as a good micronutrient source just as other fruits.
Keywords: Pawpaw, micro-nutrients, malnutrition, fruits.