Compost again

One can not have enough of this wonderful mixture, which rejuvenates the earth and soil in a very short. At #JiwaDamai we use #organic #compost only. In this case we applied the 18 day Berkeley method of compost making  and made 6 nice compost heaps. Layers of leaves, dried grass, some nitrogen carrying plants, small branches, some ashes from our burnt coconut shells as well as some of our own grown IMO (individual micro organisms). The whole team participated to put it together as well as our wonderful volunteers. After the first 4 days we turned the heaps for the first time, and already quite a lot of heat had developed. The inner was turned outer and the outer became the inner. After this we turned it very two days. It is incredible to see how all the ingredients mix and fuse more or less into one consistency.

The pictures you see is day 16 and two more days to go before it will be ready to use.

compost2

compost

Compost Tea

Have your heard about #compost tea?  It’s a concoction that is supposed to supercharge your garden. Does it work? I don’t know and I don’t think anyone can say so definitively. Let me explain why. Recipes for compost tea have been around for a couple of thousand years, but it fell into disuse.  Fortunately, we’re experimenting with it again.  Trying to figure out how best to make it and how best to use it. Compost tea is not that complicated to make.  It’s simply a liquid soil additive that’s made from steeped compost. Here’s some DIY instructions on how to make an aerated compost tea (via the Pennsylvania EPA). It’s also possible to make an anaerobic version. Basic equipment. Start with a 5 gallon bucket, a gallon of mature compost, and a cheesecloth. To aerate it, get an inexpensive aquarium pump, some pump tubing (you can cut it into the lengths you need), and a gang valve (to divide the air supply into several streams).

Put about four gallons of water into the bucket. If you are using tap water, make sure you remove the chlorine before you add the compost to the mixture.  How?  Let it sit in the bucket overnight or bubble air through it for an hour or so.  The chlorine will evaporate. Don’t overfill the bucket. Leave four to six inches of space for bubbles to pop.  If you want to accelerate the process add some unsulphured molasses to the mixture. Turn on the air pump and let it run for 2-3 days.

When ready, strain it with a cheesecloth. It should smell earthy.  If not, discard it.  Return solids to the compost pile. Finally (below), put it to use. So why would you go through the trouble to produce compost tea? On a basic level, compost tea makes the nutrients in the compost more accessible to your plants.  In this way, it serves the role of a weak, organic fertilizer that you can apply routinely. That’s useful. The advanced reason is that it is a way to speed up the development of beneficial organisms in your garden. Why?  Compost tea is supposed to create a super-colony of bacteria and other organisms that can rapidly set up shop in your soil, to support your plants.  Sounds great in concept, however, there’s a problem.

We know almost nothing about the complex web of microorganisms in the soil and in our bodies.  It’s very big and very complex system: a healthy human body is the host of a 100 trillion strong bacteria ecosystem that supports and protects us in ways we’re just beginning to learn about.

As a result, it’s going to take some time to figure out.

JOHN ROBB

Compost Tea

Effective Mircoorganisms (EM)

What is EM?Professor Teruo Higa, who recognized and developed the use of EM, since its inception has seen growing its philosophy throughout the world.

EM is the abbreviation for Effective #Micro-Organisms. EM is a combination of useful regenerated micro-organisms that exist freely in nature and are not manipulated in any way. This mixture increases the natural resistance of soil, plants, water, humans, and animals.

EM considerably improves the quality and #fertility of soil as well as the growth and quality of crops.

The possibilities and benefits in using EM are numerable and include the following:

• For use in the home in daily life for everyone • The recycling of kitchen waste and turning it into valuable organic material; • In the garden to improve soil structure, increase productivity and to suppress both disease and weeds • For solving all kinds of environmental problems such as water, air, and soil pollution; • In agriculture and horticulture, fruit and flower cultivation; • In animal husbandry and for all kinds of pets; • In fisheries, aquariums and swimming pools; • In personal bodily hygiene and for the prevention and treatment of health problems. EM consists of many different kinds of effective, disease-suppressing micro-organisms. Each of these effective micro-organisms has a specific task. In addition, these micro-organisms enhance each others working. This means that synergy occurs!

The micro-organisms are naturally existing and are not modified or manipulated in any way and are cultured according to a specific method. Some of which are known to produce bioactive substances such as vitamins, hormones, enzymes, antioxidants and antibiotics that can directly, or indirectly enhance plant growth and protection.

EM consists of the following five families of micro-organisms:

• #Lactic acid bacteria: these bacteria are differentiated by their powerful sterilizing properties. They suppress harmful micro-organisms and encourage quick breakdown of organic substances. In addition, they can suppress the reproduction of Fusarium, a harmful fungus. • #Yeasts: these manufacture anti-microbial and useful substances for plant growth. Their metabolites are food for other bacteria such as the lactic acid and actinomycete groups. • #Actinomycetes: these suppress harmful fungi and bacteria and can live together with photosynthetic bacteria. • #Photosynthetic bacteria: these bacteria play the leading role in the activity of EM. They synthesize useful substances from secretions of roots, organic matter and/or harmful gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide) by using sunlight and the heat of soil as sources of energy. They contribute to a better use of sunlight or, in other words, better photosynthesis. The metabolites developed by these micro-organisms are directly absorbed into plants. In addition, these bacteria increase the number of other bacteria and act as nitrogen binders. • #Fungi that bring about fermentation these break down the organic substances quickly. This suppresses smell and prevents damage that could be caused by harmful insects. Effective Microorganisms, or EM is one of the most popular microbial technologies being used worldwide now and EM products have been on the market since 1983 in Japan.

EM comes in a liquid form and consists of naturally-occurring beneficial microorganisms.

Throughout the world, EM applications are made in the farming, livestock, environmental clean-up (polluted waterways, lakes and lagoons), and health industries.

What EM is not, is harmful, pathogenic, genetically-engineered/modified (GMO), nor chemically-synthesized. Neither is EM a drug or fertilizer.

Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMO)

Indiginous Mirco Organisms

Here at #JiwaDamai we are creating our own #microorganisms. A #bamboo is split in half ad filled with cooked rice. Then it is closed, but not too tightly, and buried close to growing bamboo. After 10 days it is dug out and opened. One can see the fine fungus which has grown and represents the organisms. Now sugar and water are added, covered and placed in a dark place with water to grow and multiply. After five days the brew is ready to be distributed in the garden. It should have a nice earthy smell. This brew nourishes the roots and can be sprayed on the leaves as well.

This new concoction is becoming increasingly popular among farmers. Usually called indigenous microorganisms (IMO), this concoction has been successfully tried by government agriculturists, academic researchers and non-profit foundations alike. They have found it useful in removing bad odors from animal wastes, hastening composting, and contributing to crops’ general health.

To make your own IMO, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook a kilo of rice, preferably organic. After cooling, put the cooked rice in a bamboo, wooden, earthen or ceramic container. Avoid plastic or aluminum.

2. Cover the mouth of the container completely with cloth or paper, fixed in place with a rubber band, to prevent water or small insects from getting in.

3. Put the covered container, protected from possible rain, under the trees, in a bamboo grove, a forest floor, or wherever a thick mat of leaves has formed. Leave it there for three days.

4. After whitish moldy filaments have formed, transfer the entire contents of the container to a larger glass or earthen jar and add one kilo of brown sugar or molasses, preferably organic.

5. Cover the jar with clean cloth or paper, fixed with a rubber band. Keep the jar in a dark, cool place. Let it ferment for seven days, until it appears muddy. This is your IMO concoction.

To use, mix two spoonfuls of the concoction with a liter of water. Spray the diluted solution around chicken coops and pig pens to remove unpleasant odors, on your compost pile to hasten decomposition, or on your crops to improve their general health by controlling pests and serving as folia fertilizer.

By making their own IMO, farmers can free themselves from the need to buy inputs for their farms. By reducing their costs, using IMO keeps them away from debt and improves their income.

Another one of our much used #natural #fertilizer is the compost tea. Our very fine compost is placed in a bucket with water and oxygenated and aerated with a small pump for 26 hours. After which the tea is sprayed on plants and earth.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds

While most people throw them away, papaya seeds are not only edible, small amounts of them in your diet can be surprisingly good for you.

Keep in mind though that chewing half a teaspoon of the seeds is not like eating papaya fruit. They have a strong flavor, more like a cross between mustard and black peppercorns.

If you can handle that, ahead are some of the main health benefits of papaya seeds, followed by some interesting ways to add them to your diet.

Papaya Seeds, Worms and Other Parasitic Infections

Like green papaya, the seeds contain high levels of proteolytic enzymes like papain which can help 

rid your body of parasites

. In the same way that papain breaks down undigested protein waste in your food, it may also break down parasites and their eggs.

Good levels of digestive enzymes in your diet are also believed to help normalize the environment in your intestinal tract, making it less hospitable to worms and other parasites. 

Enzyme rich green papaya capsules

 are a simple alternative if you don’t have the fresh fruit available.

The seeds from papaya also contain a unique anthelmintic alkaloid called carpaine that has been shown to be very effective at killing parasitic worms and amoebas. There is much more detail on the human parasite problem and a great tasting smoothie treatment to get rid of them in 

using papaya seeds for parasites and intestinal worms

.

Papaya Seeds as a Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a disease, usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years, wherein the liver shrinks and becomes hardened. In this state it is ineffective at removing toxins from the body, leading to a variety of serious health problems.

Papaya seeds are often reported as an effective treatment for liver cirrhosis. One method is to grind up around five dried seeds in a pepper grinder, or crush up fresh ones in a mortar and pestle, and mix them with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Drink this papaya seed treatment down twice a day for a month. Many cirrhosis sufferers have had dramatic improvements with this powerful natural remedy.

Obviously consult your doctor first if you are being treated for cirrhosis of the liver, especially with regards to the papain enzyme that may interfere with medications.

Even for people without such obvious liver damage, a small amount of pawpaw seeds taken regularly is said to help with liver detoxification. And anything that can improve the 

vital functions of the liver

 will be likely to improve your health in general.

Antibacterial Properties

Another one of the uses of papaya seeds could be to prevent or possibly even treat food poisoning. The seeds of papaya are believed to have a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on our digestive systems. Studies have shown an extract made from them is effective at killing E coli, Salmonella, Staph and other dangerous bacterial infections.

Once again, their potent digestive enzymes like papain can help change the intestinal environment to one that is more favorable to the ‘good’ bacteria and less so to the bad ones that can cause so many digestive issues and health problems.

There are even reports of using papaya seeds to successfully treating viral infections such as Dengue fever in parts of Central America like Costa Rica. Obviously this is a serious disease so consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional before using pawpaw seeds if you contract Dengue fever.

Precautions and Warnings

As a precaution, pregnant women should not use papaya seeds or the enzyme rich green papaya. This warning on their use would also extend to breastfeeding. Additionally, while papaya seeds do have strong anti-parasitic properties, they may be too powerful for young children’s gastrointestinal tracts, so a doctor should be consulted before giving them to infants.

There is also some animal research suggesting that eating papaya seeds may temporarily but greatly reduce a man’s fertility to the point that would make pregnancy unlikely. I’ll leave it up to male readers whether they currently consider that a good or bad thing. There’s a 

detailed look at the contraceptive potential of papaya seeds for men here

 if you’re interested.

The 

side effects and potential warnings for using papaya enzymes

 on the previous page would also especially apply to papaya seeds as well so keep that in mind if you are currently dealing with any of the health conditions mentioned there.

The benefits of papaya seeds, with their high levels of digestive enzymes, antibacterial, anti-parasitic and liver regenerating properties are powerful. You don’t need many at a time, certainly not a whole fruit’s worth. After you scrape them out of a fresh fruit, it’s best to keep them in a sealed container in the fridge if you’re using them regularly, or in the freezer if only occasionally.

I hope this article has helped to spread the word that papaya seeds are edible and potentially good for you in small doses or as specific treatment. The next page will look at 

how to use papaya seeds for better digestive health

, including some unusual ways to add them into your diet.

Getting to know the origins and types of papaya plant

PAPAYA

Carica papaya L.

Caricaceae

Common Names: Papaya, Papaw or Paw Paw (Australia), Mamao (Brazil), Tree Melon.Related Species:Babaco (Carica pentagona), Mountain Papaya (C. pubescens), Chamburo (C. stipulata).

Origin: The papaya is believed to be native to southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. It is now present in every tropical and subtropical country.

Adaptation: Papayas have exacting climate requirements for vigorous growth and fruit production. They must have warmth throughout the year and will be damaged by light frosts. Brief exposure to 32° F is damaging and prolonged cold without overhead sprinkling will kill the plants. Cold, wet soil is almost always lethal. Cool temperatures will also alter fruit flavor. Papayas make excellent container and greenhouse specimens where soil moisture and temperature can be moderated.

DESCRIPTION

Growth Habit: The papaya is a short-lived, fast-growing, woody, large herb to 10 or 12 feet in height. It generally branches only when injured. All parts contain latex. The hollow green or deep purple trunk is straight and cylindrical with prominent leaf scars. Its diameter may be from 2 or 3 inches to over a foot at the base.Foliage: The leaves emerge directly from the upper part of the stem in a spiral on nearly horizontal petioles 1 to 3-1/2 feet long. The blade, deeply divided into 5 to 9 main segments, varies from 1 to 2 feet in width, and has prominent yellowish ribs and veins. The life of a leaf is 4 to 6 months.

Flowers: The five-petalled flowers are fleshy, waxy and slightly fragrant. Some plants bear only short-stalked female flowers, or bisexual (perfect) flowers also on short stalks, while others may bear only male flowers, clustered on panicles 5 or 6 feet long. Some plants may have both male and female flowers. Others at certain seasons produce short-stalked male flowers, at other times perfect flowers. This change of sex may occur temporarily during high temperatures in midsummer. Male or bisexual plants may change completely to female plants after being beheaded. Certain varieties have a propensity for producing certain types of flowers. For example, the Solo variety has flowers of both sexes 66% of the time, so two out of three plants will produce fruit, even if planted singly. How pollination takes place in papayas is not known with certainty. Wind is probably the main agent, as the pollen is light and abundant, but thrips and moths may assist. Hand pollination is sometimes necessary to get a proper fruit set.

Fruit: There are two types of papayas, Hawaiian and Mexican. The Hawaiian varieties are the papayas commonly found in supermarkets. These pear-shaped fruit generally weigh about 1 pound and have yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is bright orange or pinkish, depending on variety, with small black seeds clustered in the center. Hawaiian papayas are easier to harvest because the plants seldom grow taller than 8 feet. Mexican papayas are much larger the the Hawaiian types and may weigh up to 10 pounds and be more than 15 inches long. The flesh may be yellow, orange or pink. The flavor is less intense than that the Hawaiian papaya but still is delicious and extremely enjoyable. They are slightly easier to grow than Hawaiian papayas. A properly ripened papaya is juicy, sweetish and somewhat like a cantaloupe in flavor, although musky in some types. The fruit (and leaves) contain papain which helps digestion and is used to tenderize meat. The edible seeds have a spicy flavor somewhat reminiscent of black pepper.

CULTURE

Location: Papayas like to be warm with both sunshine and reflected heat, so the hottest place against the house where nothing else seems happy is an ideal location. They also like to be as free from wind as possible, although this is not as critical as their need for sun. Papayas can be grown successfully in shade, but the fruit is rarely sweet. They are best planted in mounds or against the foundation of a building where water can be controlled.Soils: Papayas need a light, well-drained soil. They are easily killed by excess moisture. The soil needs to be moist in hot weather and dry in cold weather. Since this is the opposite of California's rain pattern, in addition to good drainage, plastic coverings to prevent over-wetting in winter may also be worthwhile. Papayas do not tolerate salty water or soil.

Irrigation: Watering is the most critical aspect in raising papayas. The plants should be kept on to the dry side to avoid root rot, but also need enough water to support their large leaves. In winter the plant prefers to remain as dry as possible. A plant that has been injured by frost is particularly susceptible to root rot.

Fertilization: The fast-growing papaya requires regular applications of nitrogen fertilizers but the exact rates have not been established. Feed monthly and adjust according to the plant's response. They can take fairly hot organic fertilizing such as chicken manure if used with deep irrigation after warm weather has started. Phosphorus deficiency casuses dark green foliage with a reddish-purple discoloration of leaf veins and stalks.

Pruning: Papayas do not need to be pruned, but some growers pinch the seedlings or cut back established plants to encourage multiple trunks.

Frost Protection: Papayas need warmth and a frost-free environment, but can often withstand light freezes with some kind of overhead protection. This can be provided by building a frame around the plants and covering it with bedding, plastic sheeting, etc. when frost threatens. Electric light bulbs can also be used for added warmth. Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area. Prolonged cold, even if it does not freeze, may adversely affect the plants and the fruit. Mexican papayas are more hardy than Hawaiian varieties.

Propagation: Papayas are normally propagated by seed. To start a plant, extract the seeds from ripe papayas and wash them to remove the gelatinous covering. They are then dried, dusted with a fungicide and planted as soon as possible (the seeds loose their viability rapidly in storage). Plant the seeds in warm (80° F), sterile potting mix. Seeds should be planted in sterile soil as young papaya seedlings have a high mortality rate from damping off. Potting soil can be sterilized by mixing 50-50 with vermiculite and placing in an oven at 200° F for one hour. Under ideal conditions the seeds may germinate in about two weeks, but may take three to five weeks. Gibberellic acid can be used to speed up germination in some seasons. Seedlings usually begin flowering 9 - 12 months after they germinate.

Seedling papayas do not transplant well. Plant them in large containers so the seedlings will have to be transplanted only once, when they go into the ground. Transplant carefully, making sure not to damage the root ball. To prevent damping off, drench the potting mix with a fungicide containing benomyl or captan. Set the plants a little high to allow for settling. A plastic mulch will help keep the soil warm and dry in wet winter areas, but remove it as soon as the weather becomes warm. Plant at least three or four plants to insure yourself of having females or plant hermaphroditic plants.

Papaya plants can also be grown from cuttings, which should be hardened off for a few days and then propped up with the tip touching moist, fertile soil until roots form. Semihardwood cuttings planted during the summer root rapidly and should fruit the following year.

Pests and diseases: Thrips, mites and white flies as well as In red spider and fruit spotting bugs are potential problems in some areas. The plants may also be attacked by mildew, anthracnose, root rot and various virus diseases Fruit flies often ruin the fruit in Florida and Hawaii. Nematodes can attack the roots and are often a factor in the decline of individual plant. Gopher damage can be avoided by planting in wire baskets. Papaya plants should probably be replaced every 4 years or so.

Harvest: Papayas are ready to harvest when most of the skin is yellow-green. After several days of ripening at room temperature, they will be almost fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Dark green fruit will not ripen properly off the tree, even though it may turn yellow on the outside. Mature fruit can be stored at 45° F for about 3 weeks. Papayas are often sliced and eaten by themselves or served with a myriad of other foods. They can also be cooked to make chutney or various desserts. Green papayas should not be eaten raw because of the latex they contain, although they are frequently boiled and eaten as a vegetable. In the West Indies, young leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach. In India, seeds are sometimes used as an adulterant in whole black pepper.

CULTIVARS

Kamiya

A selection from Waimanalo. Solo type. Small to medium-sized fruit. Distinct, blocky shape, very short neck. Deep yellow-orange skin and flesh, firm, juicy, very sweet. Dwarf, high-yielding plant. Fairly recent release from the University of Hawaii.

Mexican Red

A rose-fleshed papaya that is lighter in flavor than Mexican Yellow. Medium to very large fruit. Generally not as sweet as Hawaiian types

Mexican Yellow

A very sweet and flavorful, yellow-fleshed papaya. Medium to large fruit, can grow up to 10 pounds. Generally not as sweet as Hawaiian types.

Solo

Fruit round and shallowly furrowed in female plants, pear-shaped in bisexual plants. Weight 1.1 to 2.2 pounds. Skin smooth, flesh firm, reddish-orange, very sweet, of excellent quality. Produces no male plants, only bisexual and female in a 2 to 1 ratio. Introduced into Hawaii from Barbados in 1911. Named Solo in 1919.

Sunrise (Sunrise Solo)

Pear-shaped fruit with a slight neck. Averages 22 to 26 ounces depending on location. Skin smooth, flesh firm, reddish-orange, sweet, sugar content high. Quality similar to Solo. Seed cavity not as deeply indented as other Solo strains, making seed removal easier. Plant precocious, maturing fruit about 9 months after transplanting, at a height of about 3 feet.

Sunset (Sunset Solo)

Solo type. Small to medium-sized, pear-shaped fruit. Orange-red skin and flesh. Very sweet. Dwarf, high yielding plant. Originated at the University of Hawaii.

Vista Solo

Medium to large fruit depending on climate, 5 inches wide, up to 18 inches long. Skin yellow, flesh orange to yellow-orange. Hardy, compact Solo type producing high quality fruit. Needs fairly hot weather to develop sweetness. Self-fertile. Originated in Vista, Calif. by Ralph Corwin.

Waimanalo (Waimanalo Solo, X-77)

Fruit round with a short neck, average weight 16 to 39 ounces. Skin smooth, and glossy, cavity star-shaped. Flesh thick, firm, orange-yellow in color, flavor and quality high, keeps well. Recommended for fresh market and processing. Fruits of female plants rough in appearance. Average height to the first flower is 32 inches.

My Heart Is Where the Earth Is

To establish a healthy permaculture garden or farm takes dedication, knowledge about design and plants, space and time and, last but not least, a big heart. Each individual element, in order to compose a healthy whole, has to be placed in its proper place. Compost, one of the major miracle workers for plants, needs time to ripen in order for its full nourishing potential to unfold. Often the earth needs time to recuperate from previous abuse and usage of chemicals. In turn, trees, bushes, veggies and other nutritious elements need time to grow and proliferate, for their fruit to ripen, and to eventually fulfill their purpose and potential. They grow together, developing quite an energetic interaction that one might call social life, with likes and dislikes towards each other. Some plants further and some hinder each other’s growth. As human beings, we follow a similar rhythm and path of individual growth. We require proper nourishment, physically, mentally and spiritually, to grow, ripen and unfold our true potential. Of course, this could ideally happen in alignment with nature and earth, while establishing the permaculture garden step-by-step. The connecting link here is the unfolding of the qualities of the heart. This process allows for a deeper connection with one's inner voice and innate guidance. Listening carefully within allows the finer sensory perceptions and inner sense perceptions to be brought into consciousness. This then guides one towards the deeper, innermost Self, the unlimited potential of individual growth. Values and qualities, such as appreciation of one's Self, honoring the inner life, trust, and the joy of being embodied, become manifest.

Once I honor and appreciate myself I can interconnect with, honor and appreciate others and the gifts of nature. Here is where the permaculture design method can come in, in a very powerful way. While I use and apply this thoughtful and intelligent design method to the land and earth, hands-on, touching the life-giving soil, my increased inner perception and my honoring of each plant, soil and living being can vibrate in alignment. True communication can take place. As research has shown for quite some time, plants and trees cared for with love vibrate, respond and growth unfolds differently. This research has been photographed and might be worth examining (Dr. Korotkov, Konstantin - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzcdxJYYzv4). The soil, with its microcosm of aerobic and anaerobic inhabitants, will also respond to this increased flow of positive energy. If I resonate within my own being, the heart’s energy will vibrate throughout my own cellular system, improving and allowing its potential to unfold. (see Heart Math - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdneZ4fIIHE)

The same is valid for the earth, soil, and plants, as well as my influence on the environment and others. The personal process working in conscious alignment with the earth has a powerful impact on personal life, the environment and the entire earth. I can no longer say I am powerless. Each one of my actions impacts the whole.

The many health benefits of Papaya

Christopher Columbus, an Italian voyager once referred to papayas as the fruit of the angels. The fruit which is extremely rich in Vitamin C has a wide range of health benefits making it a great fruit option to include in your diet. Here are some of the top health benefits of papaya. 1. Lowers cholesterol

Papaya is rich in fibre, Vitamin C and antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries. Too much cholesterol build-up can lead to several heart diseases including heart attack and hypertension.

2.  Helps in weight loss

Those looking to lose weight must include papaya in their diet as it is very low in calories. The fibre content in papaya leaves you feeling full and also clears your bowel movement making your weight loss regime easier.

3.  Boosts your immunity

Your immunity system acts as a shield against various infections that can make you really sick. A single papaya contains more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it great for your immunity.

4.  Good for diabetics

Papaya is an excellent food option for diabetics as it has a low-sugar content even though it is sweet to taste. Also, people who don’t have diabetes can eat papaya to prevent it from happening. .

5.  Great for your eyes

Papaya is rich in Vitamin A which helps protect your vision from degenerating. Nobody wants to lose their ability to see due to diseases like age-related macular degeneration, and eating papayas will ensure that you do not see a day where you cannot see.

6.  Protects against arthritis

Arthritis can be a really debilitating disease and people who have it may find their quality of life reduced significantly. Eating papayas are good for your bones as they have anti-inflammatory properties along with Vitamin C which helps in keeping various forms of arthritis at bay. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that people who consumed foods low in Vitamin C were three times more likely to have arthritis than those who didn’t.

7.  Improves digestion

In today’s times, it is near impossible to avoid eating foods that are bad for your digestive system. Often we find ourselves eating junk food or restaurant food prepared in excessive quantities of oil. Eating a papaya daily can make up for such occasional mistakes, as it has a digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.

8.  Helps ease menstrual pain

Women who are experiencing menstrual pain should help themselves to several servings of papaya, as an enzyme called papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods.

9.  Prevents signs of ageing

All of us would love to stay young forever, but no one in this world has managed to do it. Still, healthy habits like eating a papaya daily will prolong the process and may make you look 5 years younger than you are. Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps prevent your skin from free radical damage keeping wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay.

10.  Prevents cancer

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that prevent your cells from undergoing free radical damage. Some studies have also linked the consumption papaya to reduced risk of colon and prostate cancer.

11.  Helps reduce stress

After working hard for the whole day, it is a good idea to come home to a plate a papayas. The wonder fruit is rich in several nutrients like Vitamin C which can keep you free from stress. According to a study conducted in University of Alabama, found that 200 mg of Vitamin C can help regulate the flow of stress hormones in rats.

All of this makes papaya a wholesome fruit that is excellent for your entire body.

Experimenting with #coconut#oil

2014-07-28 14.48.25

We are always ready at Jiwa Damai to develop new tastes and items. The green color in the photo is from the green roof covering our coco house production. Here we are experimenting with Aloe in #coconut oil, and with the wonderful leaves and powder from the #Moringa tree in coconut oil. We would like to explore what these what these powerful health combinations effect. Of course  we will try them out for a while before offering to others.

Raw Cacao health benefits and composition

Raw Cacao health benefits and composition

To the Aztecs, the cacao bean was the food of the gods. The beans are the basic ingredient of chocolate. Recent research has suggested dark chocolate offers some health benefits. Raw cacao beans are an increasingly popular alternative to chocolate.  

Chocolate's OriginsChocolate lovers, rejoice. When eaten in moderation, semisweet chocolate chips containing 70 percent cacao may offer more health benefits than you’ve ever dreamed possible. These tasty morsels can offer a quick pick-me-up, lower your blood pressure, control appetite and improve blood circulation. In short, indulging in healthy semisweet chocolate chips can keep your brain sharp, your blood flowing and your heart healthy.

Cacao trees (Theobroma cacao) originated in South and Cacao pod from the Theobroma cacao tree. Photo Central America. The soft white meat that encompasses the cacao beans was eaten and enjoyed by members of the Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs. Along with the modern discoveries of chocolate’s benefits, the healing leaders of these tribes used chocolate to treat fever, shortness of breath and weak hearts. A paste made from the beans was also used to help patients consume less appealing medicines. It was later discovered that chocolate had an accelerant effect on the medicines taken, a fact well known among apothecaries today. It wasn’t until 1828 that chocolate became a popular treat among the Europeans.

Antioxidant Protection

Semisweet chocolate contains an impressive oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 18,053 micromoles in 100 grams. These powerful antioxidants are responsible for protecting your body from oxygen free radicals that cause you to age. The flavonoids in semisweet chocolate help protect your low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from oxidation, thus preventing the dreaded “bad cholesterol.” Interestingly, according to Harvard University, when chocolate is combined with dairy milk, these antioxidant benefits are prevented. Traditionally, semisweet chocolate does not contain any milk, but manufacturers may hold artistic licensing on this tradition, so read the label before consuming this tasty treat.

Heart Health

Chocolate is packed with polyphenols, including catechins and procyanidins, which have been proved to inhibit LDL oxidation and atherogenesis. A study published by "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" concluded that taking 26 grams of cacao powder and 12 grams of sugar per day for 12 weeks, suppressed LDL oxidation. This suppression enabled the good high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations to increase, thus resulting in an overall cholesterol level improvement.

Brain Health

Because chocolate is rich in flavanols, which help increase blood flow, your brain benefits immensely. According to the"International Journal of Medical Sciences," the gray matter in your brain increases in function for two to three hours after consuming chocolate. These high levels of tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine are amino acids that supply you with nitrogen-rich compounds -- the basic building blocks for proteins. Because two of these amino acids act as precursors for adrenaline and dopamine, chocolate induces feelings of pleasure. So, adding a small handful of semisweet chocolate chips to a steaming cup of hot coconut milk may be just what you need to keep your brain sharp, healthy and happy.

Pain Management

Combine this treat with a glass of red wine, and you have a powerful antioxidant combination that provides a polyphenol called resveratrol, which has been proved to be effective in reducing inflammation. Because chocolate is also high in magnesium, your overly tight muscles may thank you as well.

Moderate Doses

Indulging in a small handful (approximately 15 grams) of semisweet chocolate chips containing 70 percent cacao offers a multitude of health benefits, but it is an indulgence. Moderation is the key. Some people have negative reactions to chocolate and may be on medications that contradict the consumption of chocolate, so check with your doctor before exploring this type of treat.By Rowena Portch

Composition

Good Cause Wellness states that the cacao nib, or peeled cacao bean, has 130 calories in a one ounce serving, of which 110 calories come from fats. There are 12 grams of fat per serving, of which 7 grams are saturated fat. There are no trans-fats or cholesterol in raw cacao beans. Dietary fiber amounts to 9 grams and protein to 4 grams.

Other Nutrients

Raw cacao beans are rich in antioxidants, which lower free radicals, which are chemicals that can alter or damage the body. According to Good Cause Wellness, the beans provide some iron and calcium, but are particularly rich in magnesium. There are 76 milligrams of magnesium per one ounce serving, or 272 milligrams per 100 grams of the beans. By W D Adkins