Papaya Decreases Prostate Cancer Risk by 63%: That’s the benefit seen by men in this study when they ate 390 grams of papaya per week (that’s half a large papaya and carries just 200 calories). How does papaya deliver such health benefits? It’s a rich source of the three anti-cancer super nutrients beta-carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin—all known to reduce prostate cancer risk (and breast cancer!). But there’s something special about papaya, because researchers recently discovered that our bodies absorb those crucial nutrients far better from papaya than from other sources like carrots or tomatoes—in fact, up to 300% better. How is that possible? The answer is fascinating: this super fruit stores these nutrients in unique micro-crystalline structures which greatly enhance their availability upon digestion. Papaya is also very rich in potassium, and is therefore one of the most alkalizing fruits available: in fact it has nearly double (175%) the alkalizing power of pure lemon juice! It’s great as a smoothie all on its own, added to smoothies with several other fruit or vegetables, or just with yogurt on top for breakfast. This low-calorie super fruit deserves special consideration as part of any healthy, fruit and vegetable centered diet meant to improve health and reduce cancer risk.