After recently being on holiday in Mexico and eating copious amounts of papaya I wanted to know more about its health benefits.
Being a Nutrition Consultant I do a lot of research on the benefits of certain foods, here is what I found out about papaya…
Papaya is a tropical fruit that was first discovered in Mexico and Central America, now India produces a high amount of the world’s supply.
You can also buy it in most UK supermarkets and many local greengrocers.
Papaya and Digestion
Papaya has many benefits. One of its main values is that it is great for digestive health.
It contains the naturally occurring digestive enzyme papain, which helps digest protein, especially the tough protein chains found in meat.
Due to its digestive health benefits, you can buy papaya extract in supplement form from various health food stores to help with protein digestion.
Antioxidant
Papaya has powerful antioxidant effects. Free radicals are molecules produced by the body, during the body’s metabolism, they are also produced in abundance during intense exercise.
Free radicals promote oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation in the body and eventually disease.
Copious amounts of antioxidants found in papaya can help neutralize these free radicals.
Therefore, good Sports Nutrition practice is to consume lots of antioxidants in the diet to reduce inflammation and therefore promote better recovery from exercise.
Anti-Cancer
Researchers believe that excessive free radicals in the brain are important in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In a study where people with Alzheimer’s were given papaya extract for six months, there was a 40% drop in a biomarker that shows oxidative DNA damage.
Early research has also shown that antioxidants found in papaya may reduce the risk of cancer and reduce the progression of this disease.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Some of the antioxidants papaya contains are vitamins A and E.
These antioxidants prevent cholesterol oxidation, a chemical reaction that happens when cholesterol reacts with oxygen.
When Cholesterol becomes oxidized it is more likely to lead to blockages that ultimately can cause heart disease.
Anti-Aging
Two further antioxidants papaya contains are lycopene and vitamin C, these powerful antioxidants strengthen the immune system and help protect the skin and possibly reduce the signs of aging.
How to Eat it!
Papaya is a very versatile fruit. It can be eaten at breakfast, by cutting it in half and slicing it into small chunks, before topping with natural yogurt and a sprinkling of nuts.
The natural yogurt also being loaded with probiotics adds to the gut health benefits of such a meal.
It can also be added to smoothies or combined with avocado to make a salad.
Read my blog on probiotics.
Take Home Message
Papaya is a delicious fruit that can be eaten on its own or combined with other foods.
Eating papaya won’t drastically change your health on its own, but in combination with other healthy food choices and and regular exercise, it’s a great addition to your diet to help improve your well-being.
Check out my blog on how to improve your nutrition.
Its powerful antioxidant properties mean it’s a great food source to help reduce overall inflammation in the body, which in turn can lower the risk of several diseases.
It would be a great addition to the home and office fruit bowl, something I promote in my Corporate Nutrition Workshops.
If you would like to know more about how you can improve your diet to increase your well-being I offer Nutrition Consultancy online, meaning you can work with me from the convenience of your own home.
Also if you’re based in the Birmingham area and would like help with an exercise routine please take a look at my Personal Trainer Birmingham page.
