Mexican papayas, also known as Carica papayas in the botanical world, are huge, fragrant fruits that are indigenous to tropical areas of Central America and Southern Mexico. They are members of the Caricaceae family. Papayas develop directly from the base of a huge herb that is frequently misidentified as a tree, immediately below the leaves.

Vitamins A, C, and E, which are powerful antioxidants, are abundant in papayas. Antioxidant-rich diets may lower the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants stop cholesterol from oxidizing. Oxidizing cholesterol increases the risk of blockages, which result in heart disease.