Once considered a rare exotic fruit and available only to a very limited number of people, today we can enjoy the delicious papaya and its benefits all year round. The fruit and its seeds contain ingredients that have medicinal properties and nourish our body on many different levels. Papaya definitely stands out with its C and B Vitamin, folate, potassium, copper, and magnesium content. All these nutrients have a potential to promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also to protect against colon cancer.
Due to our metabolism and also some environmental factors, our body accumulates free radicals that could cause oxidative stress and lead to diseases and aging. The antioxidants in papaya, including carotenoids, bind with these free radicals and neutralize them so they can no longer damage our body. It’s important to note that these antioxidants are better absorbed from papayas than from other fruits and vegetables.
You would also be happy to know that Papaya is high in fructose. If you have diabetes, I suggest eating papaya in moderation and never in the morning. Some people who have allergies to Latex could experience an allergic reaction to papaya as well. Always listen to your body!
You can make salsas, salads, smoothies, and desserts from papaya. I have seen significant benefits consuming papaya first thing in the morning. Papaya’s cooling and cleansing properties definitely jump-start my digestion in the morning. I love making papaya, cucumber, cinnamon, and hemp seed breakfast smoothie.
First, choose papaya that has an orange-reddish skin and is slightly soft to the touch. Green ones take a few days to ripe and it’s totally fine to hold them at home until they are ready. All you need is:
– 1/2 papaya
– 1 medium cucumber
– pinch of cinnamon
– 1 tbsp of hemp seeds (optional)
– 1/2 cup of water
Blend everything together except seeds. Once ready, pour it into a glass and garnish with hemp seeds. Happy digestion!
Sophia Gigitashvili is a Certified Nutrition and Detoxification Specialist in New York City. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she facilitates health and wellness workshops and retreats, supports corporate and children’s health education and helps individuals reach their health goals. She holds certificates in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, nutrition, health coaching, cellular detoxification & regeneration (Dr Robert Morse’s method), and clinical iridology. Click here to follow her on Instagram.
Image courtesy: Pixabay and Depositphotos
