September: Fruit and Veggies Month

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Happy September and Happy Fruit and Veggies Month to you!

May I suggest to you:   Try a new fruit and try a new vegetable each week.  Let’s talk about PAPAYA.  Papaya is known as an enhancer of digestion and to sooth inflammation with this juicy gem.  Maria Lissandrello describes papaya as an “exotic fruit.”  This is a fruit that we can make room for in our everyday diet because it is so versatile (it works in sweet and savory dishes) and easy to eat.  For example, just use a spoon to scoop it right out of its skin, the buttery, and bright orange fruit now found year-round in most supermarkets, is a natural nutritional superstar.

Papaya’s main claim to fame is that it is the only source of papain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins and improves digestion. The enzyme is also reported as an effective anti-inflammatory, proven to ease stings, burns wounds and in some cases, preoperative. pain.  “Papain increases the production of immune cells called cytokines to speed healing.  It also slows the blood-clotting mechanism, which improves circulation and boosts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the inflamed area,” explains Eric Braverman, MD, author of Younger (Thinner) You Diet.

• When shopping,avoid papaya that are bruised, shriveled, or have soft spots.
• Papayas are picked green and will ripen at room temperature;they’re ready to eat when the skin is reddish-yellow and yields slightly to the the touch (like a pear)
• Once ripe, store papayas in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

For Healthy Nutrition, try the following smoothie:

Papaya, Peach and Strawberry Smoothie

Developed and Reprinted with Permission of Anthony J Sepe

1. 1 Cup of Papaya
2. 1 Cup of Peaches
3. 1 Cup of Strawberries
4. 1/2 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk
5. 1 Tbsp. lime juice
6. 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
7. 1 tsp. nectar, honey, or brown sugar
8. Grated ginger
9. Dash of nutmeg

Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth.