There are many fruits that have sugar and nutrients. However, not many of them are available around the year but papaya is – making it a very popular healthy fruit worldwide. Let’s check out the various health benefits of Papaya fruit with its nutrition facts, value, and health properties that can fight various disorders and health problems.
What are the Benefits of Papaya? Papaya are High in Nutrition
Papaya nutritional value as per 100 g is as follows (Source):-
- Vitamin A, RAE – 47 µg
- Beta carotene – 274 µg
- Choline – 6.1 mg
- Folate – 37 µg
- Vitamin C – 60.9 mg
- Vitamin K – 2.6 µg
- Selenium – 0.6 µg
- Lycopene -1830 µg
- Zinc – 0.08 µg
- Iron – 0.25 mg
- Magnesium -21 mg
- Manganese – 0.04 mg
- Sodium – 8 mg
- Calcium – 20 mg
- Potassium – 182 mg
- Carbohydrates – 10.8 g
Papaya Health Benefits: The Fruit has Anticancer Properties
Papaya is rich in carotenoids such as lycopene which is known to help prevent some types of cancer in the body. According to studies, lycopene stops the growth of cancer cells in the body, preventing DNA damage and the enzymes that cause cancer.
Health Benefits of Eating Papaya? Well, It Increases Your Immunity
Papaya with a high amount of vitamin C can help improve your immunity. It also contains antioxidants which help to remove toxins from the blood. The fruit helps in getting rid of diseases and infection as it builds immunity.
Eating Papaya Fruit Can Defend Your Body From Heart Problems
As we know that papaya is high in lycopene and vitamin C, which may prevent heart diseases. Papaya contains high levels of antioxidants, so diets that are high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Beetroot: Nutritional Value, Uses and Health Facts
Why Should You Eat Fruit Papaya? They help in Digestion
Papaya contains two enzymes as papain, which means enzymes can help in digestion and reduce inflammation.
People will consider having papaya for constipation and some other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Bone Health
Vitamin K is important for maintaining good bone health and adequate intake is required to improve the absorption of calcium and may reduce the urinary loss of calcium as well. Inadequate Vitamin K can increase the chances of bone fractures and so Papaya comes as a great source to maintain strong bones.
Papaya and Diabetes:
Papaya is high in fiber and low in sugar, it is considered a healthy food for diabetes. And papaya is naturally sweet in nature. Papaya is beneficial for type 2 diabetes. The Glycemic index increases the level of glucose, which might be useful for diabetes who aim to keep their glucose levels.
Skin and Hair Health
Papaya is also known to increase hair health, due to its vitamin A content which is important for maturation in all parts of the body. Vitamin C is also crucial, as it is involved in collagen synthesis, which is the basic structure of hair.
Papaya can help you fight signs of aging as it consists of an enzyme called papain which promotes the healing of the skin and will also enhance the secretion of collagen.
So, how to add papaya in your diet? Well, very easy to add
You can make papaya smoothies combined with coconut milk or add it in your fruit salads. You can add it you’re your breakfast with Greek Yogurt
Surprised by so many health benefits of eating papaya? Well, we have a list of such healthy vegetables, fruits, seeds and herbs along with their nutrition. Explore all our sections – Healthy Vegetables, Healthy Fruits, Healthy Seeds, and Healthy Herbs.