Papaya is a fruit native to Mexico, although today it is already cultivated in many places. Surely you did not know that papaya is a source of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, papain, thiamine, niacin and vitamins. In addition, it is one of the richest fruits in antioxidants, since only half of it provides 28 mg. of carotenoids. It has fundamental nutrients and, above all, it is a fruit very low in protein and fat, so it is used in many diets. What are you waiting for to include it in your usual diet? If you are still not convinced, we break down the benefits of papaya.
10 benefits of papaya
+Increase our defenses: for its contribution of Vitamin C strengthens the defenses of our body. To get an idea, 100 grams of papaya cover 100% of the daily needs of Vitamin C of an adult, that is, papaya contains more Vitamin C than orange.
+Prevents cardiovascular diseases: It contains flavonoids, antioxidants that prevent against free radicals and protect our body from ‘bad’ cholesterol.
+It is antioxidant: due to its lycopene content, a carotenoid that gives it its characteristic color and that, in addition, decreases the negative action of free radicals and acts against the oxidation molecules that age our skin. Beta-carotene helps synthesize melanin to tan us in a healthy way. It also provides Vitamin A that improves skin health.
+Diuretic: due to its high water content -90%-, it is an excellent diuretic that acts against fluid retention.
+Improves constipation: papaya in juice, fresh or salad also has a high fiber content, which stimulates bowel movement. Fiber also acts as a detoxifier and helps the body eliminate toxins.
+Improves digestion: thanks to an enzyme called papain, papaya facilitates the digestion of the proteins we eat on a daily basis. That is why it is a fruit that people who produce few pancreatic enzymes and have poor digestion should include in their diet.
+Good for the eyes: papaya contains a type of carotenoids that protect against solar radiation and against the development of cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases.
+Contains folic acid: therefore controls blood levels of hemocysteine.
+Eliminates intestinal parasites – not only the meat of papaya contains beneficial elements for health. Its seeds increase the levels of proteolytic enzymes, effective in eliminating parasites from the intestine.
+Healing: papaya is also used to treat inflammations, suppurations, corns, warts, pimples and other skin diseases. In the most remote places of Central America, where there are no pharmacies, its leaves are used as compresses on infected wounds to clean and heal.
It also does not fatten anything and is delicious. Do you need more reasons to take papaya? If you want to start taking papaya but do not know how to prepare it, here we leave you with a rich recipe for papaya smoothie with oatmeal