Papaya fruit benefits cannot be overlooked and naturally, the fruit needs to be part of one’s daily diet. Eating papaya benefits for skin can do wonders to one’s dull skin.
The papaya, papaw, or pawpaw happens to be the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Its origin is understood to be in the tropics of the Americas, perhaps from Central America as well as southern Mexico.
Papayas are mildly sweet, soft, greenish, and yellow fruits shaped similar to large pears, weighing in at about 1 to 2 pounds. On account of their sweetness, at times people doubt whether it is a healthy choice or not. Papayas are high in fiber and full of important nutrients such as vitamin C and A.
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Papaya fruit benefits and nutrition facts
The fruit can be puréed for sweet as well as savory sauces, soups, or sorbets. Papayas also are useful for a good marinade, as they have an enzyme referred to as papain which does help tenderize meat by breaking down proteins.
One cup of fresh papaya chunks (145 grams) has 62 calories and about 2.5 grams of fiber. Papaya is indeed rich in vitamins A and C with lots of health benefits.
- Sodium
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
Most of the calories in papaya are derived from carbohydrates. There are almost 16 grams of carbohydrate in a serving of papaya that includes fiber (2.5 grams) and naturally occurring sugars (about 11 grams). The glycemic index of papaya happens to be is 60, and the glycemic load is 9.
Fats
There is almost nil fat in papaya, with each 1-cup serving almost containing less than 1 gram.
Protein
Papayas do provide less than 1 gram of protein per serving.
Vitamins and Minerals
Papaya is no doubt rich in vitamin C. Papayas are known to be also an excellent source of vitamin A and the carotenoid lycopene
Calories
One cup of fresh papaya chunks (145 grams) has 62 calories, 91% of which are derived from carbs, 4% from fat, and 4% are in the form of protein.
Eating papaya benefits for the skin are also manifold.
Also Read, 7 Health Benefits Of Dried Papaya.
Health Benefits
Improves Skin
Vitamin C helps manufacture collagen which aids the skin in the ability to repair itself. In order to build strong connective tissues and also heal properly from wounds, the bodies do depend on vitamin C.
Protects Vision
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, and papayas contain plenty of it. Beta carotene is the form of vitamin A.
For people who are suffering from macular degeneration, adequate beta carotene intake helps as it reduces the risk and severity of the disease progression.
Aids Digestion
Papayas are rich in fiber, which is essential for good digestion.
Papain has also aided gluten digestion in people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Supports Heart Health
The fiber in papayas does help support heart health. Papayas do provide potassium, magnesium, and pantothenic acid, all of which contribute to cardiovascular health.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Plant-based foods are high in fiber and aid cancer prevention. The combination of vitamins A, C, and E in papayas does provide powerful antioxidant effects that perhaps may reduce free radicals and also reduce overall cancer risk.
Conclusion
Papaya fruit benefits do make it a fruit that cannot be avoided in one’s diet. It is tasty and nutritious and healthy to eat.
Prior to cutting into fresh papaya, it is important to wash one’s hands and also rinse the papaya under running water in order to clean off any bacteria or dirt on one’s skin that can transfer onto the knife while cutting.0 Once the papaya is cut, then store it in the refrigerator and use it within a span of a few days.