Eight properties and benefits of papaya

Eight properties and benefits of papaya

Papaya is a large tropical fruit native to Mexico and grown in several regions of the world, such as the Canary Islands. Its nutrients are mainly sugars of rapid absorption (the more the more mature the fruit is). The protein intake is low -as is common in fruits- and its fat content is low. It differs in this way from oleaginous fruits, which mainly contribute fats.

Alma Palau, president of the General Council of Dietitians-Nutritionists (CGDN) warns that papaya is not a food with unusual properties and equates its benefits to other fruits. "The consumption of fruit is associated with a decreased risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or some types of cancer. Papaya is a fruit, and as such, its consumption helps reduce the risk of these diseases. "

Taking into account this premise, but paying attention to the nutrients of the papaya and the quantities in which they are found, the experts value the properties and benefits of this particular fruit.

1. It is a good diuretic (water)
Being a fleshy type fruit has plenty of water, around 90 percent. Thanks to this high percentage in water is an excellent diuretic.

2. Increase natural defenses (vitamin C)
"Papaya provides vitamin C in such high amounts that 100 grams of food cover one hundred percent of the recommended daily amount for an average adult. It contributes even more vitamin C than the orange! ", Points out Vanessa Leon Garcia, member of the Press Committee of the Association of Dietitian-Nutritionists of Madrid (Addinma).

Among the benefits of this vitamin indicates:

• Helps increase the body's natural defenses.

• It favors the formation of collagen (the structural protein par excellence).

• Activates the absorption of iron.

• Has an antioxidant effect against free radicals.

3. Improves the health of the skin (vitamin A)
Papaya covers 25 percent of the recommended daily amount of this nutrient for an average adult. A nutrient that improves the health of the skin, mucous membranes and the immune system.

As Leon explains, beta carotene is the main precursor of vitamin A in the body. Among its benefits is the synthesis of melanin, a natural pigment in the skin that helps promote tanning and protects from solar radiation.

4. Antioxidant function (lycopene)
"More important than vitamin A in papaya is lycopene," says Luis Miguel Luengo, member of the management committee of the nutrition area of ​​the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition.

"Lycopene," he explains, "is a carotene that contributes to the coloration of papaya and has an antioxidant effect."

5. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases (flavoring)
Another of its compounds is the flavoring cryptographic, which "acts as an antioxidant against free radicals, responsible for the premature aging of cells," says Leon.

"Flavoring," he continues, "protect from the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is why they help prevent cardiovascular diseases."

6. Restores the acid-base balance of the organism (minerals)
Papaya contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, which help restore the acid-base balance of the body. Luengo points out that it contributes a slightly higher amount of magnesium and potassium, "although no more than other plant species."

7. Improves constipation (fiber)
León recognizes that other fruits provide more fiber, but he does not disregard the two grams of fiber per 100 grams of food that papaya provides. Luengo stresses that "it must be taken into account that 14 grams of fiber are recommended for every 1000 kilo calories of the diet, and that papaya contributes approximately three times what an average food should contribute to reach the recommended fiber target" .

"Fiber helps improve intestinal transit time, improving constipation. It helps control glucose and blood cholesterol and makes these components absorb more slowly into the blood. Hence, it is speculated that it may protect against colon cancer and certain cardiovascular diseases, "Leon adds.

8. Aids in the digestion of proteins (papain)
In papayas there is papain, an enzyme that helps the digestion of dietary proteins.

Leon adds that "there are some preliminary in vitro studies that suggest that the mixture of the components of the papaya (especially when it is not ripe, but green) can help to slow down the development of certain bacteria that cause intestinal diseases, that is, it has bacteriologist action ".