Papaya-Benefits And Nutritional Facts

The papaya, papaw or pawpaw is the plant Carica papaya belongs to the family Caricaceae. They are grown in tropical climates. Their sweet taste, vibrant color made them a popular fruit. It originated in Central America and Southern Mexico but is now grown in many other parts of the world. It contains many nutritional facts and they provide a wide range of health benefits. Papaya is a previously rare fruit, is now available at most times of the year. Papayas are soft fleshy fruits and is important to add in your diet. Papaya can be eaten as raw and ripen. They can be added into many dishes. Papayas are shaped similar to pear. The fruit also has many black seeds, which are edible but bitter in taste.

Benefits

The nutrients present in papaya may help protect against a number of health conditions. Papayas contain healthy antioxidants known as carotenoids and lycopene. The antioxidants can reduce inflammation, fight disease and help keep you looking young.

  • Reduces cancer risk
  • Maintains blood sugar level
  • Prevents asthma
  • Bone health
  • Helps in digestion
  • Reduces cardiovascular disease
  • Inflammation
  • Helps in wound healing
  • Maintains hair and Skin health
  • Contains powerful antioxidants

Nutritional Facts

papaya is high in vitamins C and A and fiber. It contains 92 % of moisture

NutrientsAmount per 100 g (ripe)
Energy23.9 kcal
Carbohydrates4.4 g
Protein0.5 g
Fiber0.23 g
Fat2.28 g
Calcium22.72 mg
Phosphorus24.11 mg
Sodium7.55 mg
Potassium173 mg
Omega 3 fats9.6 mg
Folate (vitamin B9)29.79 mcg
Beta carotene164 mcg
Vitamin A27.33 mcg
Vitamin C20.73 mg
Magnesium15.03 mg

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can break down the tough protein chains found in muscle meat. Because of this, people have used papaya to tenderize meat for thousands of years. Papaya has been shown to improve constipation and other symptoms of IBS. The seeds and other parts of the plant have also been used to treat ulcers.

If the papaya is raw. Unripe papaya should always be cooked before eating especially during pregnancy, as the unripe fruit is high in latex, which can stimulate contractions.