Papaya is known for its abundance of health benefits, earning it the nickname “the fruit of longevity.”
Listed as one of the.longevity superfood” is eaten in blue zones around the world where people live very long and healthy lives.
heading They named it “the number one fruit eaten by the world’s oldest living people.”
Pearl Taylor, a 103-year-old woman who lives independently in Dayton, Ohio and shares life advice on TikTok, says she’s been eating papaya every morning for years.
“More people need to learn about papaya.” sheold today.com. “Papaya is a wonderful fruit.”
What is papaya?
Papaya is a tropical fruit with bright yellow or orange flesh and black seeds. The Florida Department of Agriculture says it is “aromatic, juicy, and has a pleasantly sweet flavor.”
It has a buttery, milky texture and is perfect for smoothies. american heart association I would add.
In the United States, papaya is grown in Hawaii, California, Texas and Florida, but most of the fruit sold in stores is imported from Mexico, according to the Western Food Safety Institute.
papaya nutrition
According to , 1 cup of chopped papaya contains: US Department of Agriculture:
Papaya contains no cholesterol and contains less than 1 gram of fat and protein per serving.
It is rich in nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, folic acid, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also contains small amounts of iron and calcium.
What are the benefits of eating papaya?
Papaya is “a great choice when it comes to fruit,” says R.D., of Brooklyn-based Maya Ferrer Nutrition.Eating from our roots: 80+ healthy home-cooked meals from cultures around the world”
“Papaya is an excellent source of various nutrients phenolic compoundsflavonoids,” Ferrer told TODAY.com, referring to bioactive molecules found in plants that have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to be beneficial to human health.
“They have very good antioxidant activity… Antioxidants really help counteract the effects of free radical damage.”
Free radicals Harmful particles produced when the body performs regular processes necessary for life. This damage can cause inflammation and increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. National Cancer Institute memoHowever, antioxidants can protect cells from it.
Papaya’s characteristic bright yellow or orange color is the result of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, a chemical that helps produce vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant, Ferrer points out.
Another carotenoid found in papaya is lycopene, which has been reported to potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. american heart association.
Carotenoids also have cancer prevention effects. research has discovered. Papaya is more bioavailable than tomatoes or carrots for humans, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize it. found in research.
Fruits contain dietary fiber, which supports intestinal health and helps lower cholesterol.
Because it is rich in potassium, lower blood pressure And “it could have a really beneficial impact on cardiovascular health,” Ferrer added.
She points out that people who eat papaya are also thought to have potential anti-diabetic effects because of how papaya affects glucose and insulin responses.
Is papaya considered a superfood?
Ferrer says he doesn’t call anything a superfood.
“All agricultural products have wonderful properties that work synergistically and are most effective when consumed over a wide range. This means that a person’s dietary pattern should include a wide variety of plants. “I mean,” she points out.
“When you tell people that papaya is a superfood, they start eating papaya, but if before they were eating oranges, lemons, limes, kiwis, bananas, pineapples, and only papaya, You’ll be missing out on the nutrients found in other foods. ”
Is it okay to eat papaya every day?
Yes, says Ferrer. She added that her family is Afro-Caribbean, she eats it every day, and they all have great labs.
But it also depends on how people enrich their diets, she points out.
“If you have papaya in your area and it’s ripe and delicious, buy it.”
Is it okay to eat papaya seeds?
People typically choose to scoop out the seeds, but Ferrer points out that the seeds have a slightly bitter, peppery taste and are “not very tasty.”
But they are edible and nutritious, she added. Eating dried papaya seeds can eliminate intestinal parasites in humans. research has shown.
papaya risks
Avoid unripe papaya. Papain contains enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and if eaten by pregnant women, it can damage the esophagus and harm the fetus. National Library of Medicine.
ripe fruit Contains no enzymes.
Unripe papaya also contains latex, which can cause reactions in people with latex allergies, authorities warn.
How to choose papaya
You can find this fruit in stores all year round, but its peak season is in summer and early fall. Advice from the Society of Nutrition and Nutrition.
Choose small papayas. They tend to taste better than larger papayas. Choose ones whose skin has already started to turn from green to yellow or orange, or has already reached its peak color. The Martha Stewart website recommends:.
Papayas are described as ripe when soft and have a “rich, slightly musky” aroma.
This article was first published today.com
