Papaya (also called papaw or pawpaw) is a fruit native to the tropical regions of the world. The fruits are famous because of their vibrant color, soft texture and sweet taste. Papayas are used in a variety of culinary dishes, such as salads, smoothies and shakes. The benefits of eating papaya add to their popularity. Papayas were previously thought to be rare fruits, however, they are now readily available at almost all times of the year for us to gorge on.
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Nutritional value of papaya
There are many benefits of eating papaya. Papayas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. 100 grams of ripe papaya consists of 32 calories, 0.6g of protein, 0.1g of fat, 7.2g of carbs and 2.6g of fiber. The fruit is filled with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, fight a host of diseases, and help one look younger by keeping wrinkles at bay.
Benefits of papaya
Christopher Columbus rightfully called papayas “the fruit of the angels”. Papayas and health benefits go hand-in-hand. Listed below are some health benefits:
1. Lowers cholesterol
Papayas are rich in fiber, antioxidants and Vitamin C, which help in the prevention of increased cholesterol in your arteries. Too much cholesterol leads to several coronary diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.
2. Immunity booster
Papayas contains more than 200% of your daily dose of Vitamin C. It is beneficial for keeping several diseases at bay, including scurvy. Vitamin C is essential in creating collagen, which in turn helps in connecting bodily tissues. The deficiency of vitamin C leads to several symptoms, such as anemia, weakness, skin problems and gum disease. Therefore, it is good to have a bowl of papaya regularly to keep such health problems at bay.
3. Aids Weight loss
Papaya aids in weight loss because it is low in calories and a good source of fiber along with low GI. The fiber content that is present in papayas keeps you feeling full for a long time, thus, reducing cravings.
4. Helps in diabetes
One of the biggest symptoms of diabetes is craving sweet foods. Papaya benefits include being immensely helpful for people suffering from diabetes, as the fruit is low in GI and high in fiber, thus preventing blood sugar to rise in diabetics.
5. Protection against arthritis
People who suffer from arthritis find themselves in a lot of pain as their bone structure becomes weaker and weaker. Papayas benefit people who are at risk of developing arthritis in the future, as it keeps bones from getting inflamed. This way, various forms of arthritis are kept at bay.
6. Helps ease digestion
Eating papaya every day benefits you by helping your liver digest fast foods and saturated fats, keeping your body healthy. Papayas have a digestive enzyme called papain along with fiber, which aids your body in breaking down food.
7. Improves eyesight
Papaya health benefits also include your eyesight. The fruit is rich in vitamin A, which helps your eyesight tremendously. Eyesight is weakened a lot with age due to macular degeneration. Eating papaya helps prevent this, while also keeping blindness at bay.
8. Prevents wrinkles and signs of ageing
Papaya benefits you by making you look younger. With the fruit being an excellent source of Vitamin C, it helps build collagen in your body, resulting in your tissues binding together. Altogether, eating a bowl of papaya every day can ensure that you look at least five years younger than your actual age.
9. Reduces stress
Papaya health benefits also include your mental state of mind. It is recommended to have a bowl of papaya every day, especially if you have a stressful workplace. Papayas help in regulating the flow of stress hormones through Vitamin C.
10. Cancer prevention
Studies have shown that a build-up of cancer cells can be prevented through a daily dose of antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. Instances of colon and prostate cancer in people are shown to be reduced through daily consumption of papaya. However, these studies are still in their infancy. It would not be wise to start following them without proper research and consulting your oncologist.
11. Eases menstrual pain
Every woman can testify that menstrual cramps are the most dreaded time of the month. Women who suffer from severe cramps should eat papaya regularly. One of the main papaya benefits, especially for women, is that the fruit helps the flow of menstrual blood. Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which helps in the smooth passing out of blood from your uterus.
Papaya and weight loss
People are always on the hunt for a weight loss miracle that will help them lose their additional pounds without having to go to the gym or being on a restrictive diet. While such a miracle does not exist, some fruits and vegetables do help in curbing weight loss effectively. Papayas are one such fruit. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, papaya benefits weight loss candidates as the fruit is low in calorie content.
Losing weight in a calculative and holistic manner is important to ensure that you do not regain your lost pounds. Losing weight without a goal to keep it in control will only help in regaining weight in the future. Papaya benefits include helping you lose weight but without depriving you of other necessary nutrients. Your body learns how to lose weight and continue keeping it off. Remember to not go overboard with consuming papayas. Eat the fruit for 2-3 days a week for a few months for the best results.
Summary
Papayas are loaded with various antioxidants and enzymes that help in bettering the body in every way. Consuming papayas regularly can help body improve from the inside out, wherein, skin starts looking younger and the digestive tract gets improved drastically. In short, Papayas are beneficial for your whole body. It is recommended to include a dose of papayas in your daily diet for a better and healthy you.
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