There are many health benefits of papaya, including improving digestion and helping with weight loss. Papaya, the fruit of the Carica Papaya plant, is a juicy orange fruit that, in addition to being tasty, is a natural source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
So, let’s get to know a little more about the benefits of this popular fruit and its nutritional properties and see ways to include papaya in the diet.
Improves Digestion
The best-known benefit of papaya is the improvement of gastric function. This is due to its fiber content and the enzymes it contains, among which papain stands out.
This effect was demonstrated in a study published in 2013 in the journal Neuroendocrinology letters, where volunteers used a papaya-based compound and evaluated the impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
The results were very positive, improving constipation, bloating, and heartburn. In addition, many consider this fruit an excellent remedy for irritable bowel syndrome.
It Helps In Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, including papaya in your diet can be significant. In addition to being a low-calorie fruit, its amount of fiber makes you feel fuller for longer and helps with the movement and functioning of the intestine.
Has Healing Action
According to a study published in Revista FAPESP in 2003, papaya latex has healing properties, which can help heal lesions in the skin and gastric mucosa.
It Has Essential Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants, such as carotenoids, which are found in papaya, help neutralize free radicals and prevent the damage caused by them. In this way, it benefits the body as a whole.
Eyes
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease, and it can be prevented or alleviated by regular papaya consumption.
This protection is given by the antioxidant beta-carotene, responsible for providing papaya its orange color, which helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Skin
Another benefit of papaya is protection against skin damage, making it look younger and more toned.
This is because the antioxidants in papaya help fight the damage caused by free radicals, thus reducing the signs of aging.
Heart
Fruits rich in vitamin C and lycopene, such as papaya, can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
This is because these antioxidants have anti-inflammatory action, in addition to helping to prevent the accumulation of fats on the walls of the arteries.
ALSO READ: PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF PAPAYA, THE FRUIT OF VITALITY
How To Include Papaya In The Diet
Papaya can be consumed in nature, as an ingredient in the most diverse recipes, or together with cereals and yogurt. See some examples:
- Papaya smoothie ;
- Fruit salad;
- Papaya Vitamin ;
- papaya juice ;
- See other papaya recipes.
There’s nothing like a very nutritious drink to start the day or take in the afternoon snack between meals. Even better if the recipe is straightforward to make.
Just like the papaya smoothie we have to present to you! By itself, papaya is already a fruit full of benefits. However, the drink also contains super-healthy ingredients like carrots and bananas.
The three are blended with skimmed milk and natural yogurt. The preparation does not contain added sugar, which is excellent news for anyone who is keeping an eye on the scale or wants to cut out excess sugar for health.
But before we learn how to make the smoothie, pay attention to the tips: drink the drink immediately after making it and don’t strain it. All this is important so as not to waste the nutrients in the recipe.
Cautions When Consuming Papaya
People who are allergic to latex may also be allergic to papaya, as it contains some proteins that can cause a cross-reaction between latex and some foods.
For other people, ripe papaya can have an unpleasant odor, and you can minimize this smell by mixing the pieces of fruit with lemon juice.
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