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Papaya, commonly known as papaya, is an exotic fruit originating from South and Central America and North Africa. It attracts our attention with its attractive appearance and great taste. In addition, the health-promoting properties of papaya make it a fruit that is really worth reaching for. Discover the benefits of papaya consumption today.

Papaya - nutritional values

Papaya is a low-calorie fruit, which does not change the fact that it is full of bioactive ingredients.

100 g of papaya (about 1/3 of the fruit) provides:

47 kcal,

10.8 g of carbohydrates,

1.7 g of dietary fiber,

0.5 g of protein,

0.25 g of fat.

Papaya is a source of antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A, E, C, flavonoids, carotenoids (including: β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin). It also contains B vitamins and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron).

Papaya - health properties

Papaya has many valuable health benefits. Thanks to the ingredients contained, it can be used in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It helps regulate blood pressure, lowers blood cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The antioxidant properties of papaya make it a beneficial product for reducing oxidative stress in the body. This condition promotes the development of inflammation, cancer and degenerative diseases of the brain. It also protects the liver.

Papaya works great as an ingredient that improves our immunity. It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

The beneficial effect of papaya on digestive processes and the treatment of gastric ulcers and reflux disease has also been noted.

Papaya and weight loss

Papaya is a fruit that you can safely reach for when losing weight. Although it has naturally occurring sugars and has an average glycemic index (GI = 56), it does not negatively affect our glycemia. This is because the amount of sugar in a usually consumed portion is small, which is confirmed by the low glycemic load of papaya (ŁG = 8). This means that its consumption will not cause very rapid fluctuations in blood glucose, thanks to which we feel full for longer and do not reach for another meal quickly.

In addition, papaya supports the functioning of the digestive system. Reducing bloating and constipation will have a positive effect not only on your appearance, but also on your well-being.

How to eat papaya?

Papaya fruit has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. They can be eaten as an independent snack or as an ingredient in cocktails, desserts, oatmeal. Papaya is also used to prepare salads, sauces and even meat dishes.

It is very important to buy ripe papaya fruit. Green, unripe papaya has harmful compounds. Such a fruit can be left for several days to ripen or subjected to heat treatment. This will allow the removal of dangerous compounds.

Papaya seeds are also edible. They have a peppery taste, so they can be used as a spice in dishes. However, pregnant women should avoid them as they are dangerous to the developing fetus.

Papaya - contraindications

Papaya consumption should be limited by people who take drugs that reduce blood clotting, the so-called vitamin K antagonists. The ingredients present in it inhibit the metabolism of these drugs, so it should not be consumed during treatment.

Papaya can also be an allergenic ingredient. I cross-allergy with latex, which means that latex-allergic patients should not consume it.

Fruit in a healthy diet

Fruits, next to vegetables, are one of the most valuable products. They should be eaten every day, and their selection should be guided by variety. Unfortunately, the consumption of fruit and vegetables in Poland is not high enough. This is usually due to poor eating habits. To change them and increase the consumption of these products, it is worth using Dr. Ewa Dąbrowska available at the centers of the Sofra Health Institute. Such a treatment will improve your health, accelerate weight loss and allow you to gain the knowledge necessary to maintain the correct model of nutrition on a daily basis.