Amazing Health Benefits Of Papaya In Your Diet

Amy Goodrich

11 years ago

I love papayas and can totally understand why some people call it “The Fruit Of Angels”. Although papaya grows in tropical regions, it is easily available and affordable in most non-tropical countries.

Today, I feel so lucky to be able to live in Cambodia, SE-Asia were this yummy fruit grows in abundance. In fact, they are so easy to grow and produce fruit in less than one year. Moreover, I can’t wait until our first harvest!

Amazing Benefits Of Adding Papaya To Your Diet

1. Packed With Health Promoting Nutrients

Papayas are a good source of vitamin A, C, E, K, folate, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants to promote overall health.

ALSO READ: The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Vitamin K And How To Up Your Intake

2. Low-Calorie Food

Papaya is low in calories, only 39 calories/100g and has no cholesterol.

3. Improves Digestion

To begin with, papaya is rich in fibers to keep your bowels moving and re-balance your gut-flora. Only one serving of papaya can pack up to a quarter of your daily fiber need. Furthermore, papaya also contains enzymes, chymopapain and papain, that break down protein and aid digestion.

ALSO READ: 5 Easy And Natural Ways Kick Start Digestion And Get A Flat Belly

4. Protects Against Cancer And Soothes Chemotherapy Related Symptoms

First, papaya is packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants. Second, papain can help you to relieve the symptoms of chemotherapy. Moreover, papaya has especially shown some great results in reducing the risk of developing colon or prostate cancer.

5. Improve Vision

Papaya is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin A which improve and protect your vision and prevent age-related macular degeneration.

6. Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Its unique enzymes, chymopapain, and papain, not only improve digestion but lower our body’s inflammatory reaction as well. Making papaya a great fruit to add to your diet when struggling with chronic inflammation.

ALSO READ: 16 Foods That Fight Chronic Inflammation And Taste Great

7. Heart-Friendly

Papaya has no cholesterol and even helps to reduce LDL levels. It prevents plaque formation, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

8. Healthy Skin

As a matter of fact, papaya is often added to cosmetic products or used as a facial mask to improve skin. Its high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E prevent cell damage and support collagen production to keep your skin elastic and wrinkle-free.

ALSO READ: 5 Easy Tips To Eat Your Way To Gorgeous And Glowing Skin

9. Immune Booster

Papaya is packed with vitamin C and A which strengthen your immune system and help to fight infections.

Scroll down for more papaya tips and delicious papaya smoothie recipes.

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FYI: Avoid Papaya When Pregnant

Although there is no scientific evidence that eating papaya while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriages, some cultures believe that papaya can be used to get rid of unwanted fetuses. So to play safe, avoid papaya when pregnant.

FYI: What To Do With The Seeds?

Most people throw away the black seeds. But did you know that they are packed with healthy fats, protein, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus? In fact, not only are they nutritious. However, they are an excellent natural way to get rid of intestinal parasites when combined with raw honey and have anti-cancer properties. Moreover, you can eat them as they are or sprinkle them over salads or add them to your smoothie recipes.