HLB Tropical Food has hailed a recent study undertaken by the University of Florida, which has helped to reinforce its message on the health benefits of papayas
The group, the biggest importer of Brazilian papayas into the US, has cited the study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that raises awareness of the fruit's healthy properties.
Entitled 'Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibit anti-tumour activity and immunomodulatory effects', the study focuses on the cancer-fighting properties of papaya leaves.
Carried out by researcher Nam Dang, the study found that papaya leaf extract and tea made from the extract inhibited the growth of tumours in lung, breats, pancreas, cervix and liver, even suggesting that the extract may help treat several allergic disorders.
'We are very excited about Dr Dang's findings, because they compliment the numerous existing studies that confirm the powerful health benefits of the papaya – be it the leaf or the pulp,' said Melissa Hartmann de Baros, director of communications at HLB Tropical Food.
'It's very rewarding to receive confirmation of what we have been emphasising since we started working with papayas in 1992; papayas are not only delicious, but also extremely healthy,' said Homero Levy de Barros, president of HLB Tropical Food. 'More and more people are adding papayas to their diet in order to prevent ailments and stay healthy, especially to balance out the effects of processed foods we ingest every day.'
In addition to importing Brazilian papayas in the US through distribution centres in Florida, Washington, California and Texas, HLB Tropical Food supplies most Western European countries through a German facility.
