Fast before the summer ends: All the reasons to eat papaya
It is colorful and beautiful, but also full of essential components that will improve your health. Among other things, papaya will do good for your eyes, your digestive system, and it will also reduce your chance of suffering from serious diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Does that sound like a good enough reason to start your lunch with a colorful papaya salad?
Papaya is a tropical fruit originating from Central America and Mexico. It is a type of tree, and by botanical definition, it is actually an herb. It is slender and tall, bearing large and beautiful fruits. When its fruits are still unripe, their color is green, and when they ripen, they turn yellow on the outside and inside with black seeds in the center. Papaya can be incorporated into many fresh salads and a variety of dishes, and of course, it serves as a sweet and refreshing healthy snack at any time. Keep it cut in the refrigerator so you won't be tempted to consume sweet snacks high in sugar and fat. Here are some good reasons to run and look for papaya at the greengrocer, just before the summer ends.
Reduces the risk of serious diseases
Papaya is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene. These components contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease, neurological diseases, and more. Papaya contains chemicals of the papain type that have been found effective in laboratory tests in inhibiting the development of malignant cells. In addition, it contains vitamin C in a high amount, which is known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Good for vision and growth
The beta-carotene that papaya contains is an important antioxidant, serving as the main source for vitamin A, which is essential for normal vision, maintaining immune system function, normal growth, maintaining skin health, and reducing the risk of malignant diseases.
Healthy for the heart
Papaya is very rich in potassium – a mineral that is healthy for heart and muscle health and is responsible for many processes in the body, including our metabolism. It is also linked to the transmission of nerve information and assistance in the muscle contraction process.
Assists in achieving a feeling of satiety and a normal digestive system
Papaya is rich in dietary fibers that are very essential for the population of intestinal bacteria that have a great influence on many aspects of our health, including immune system function. These fibers contribute to achieving a prolonged feeling of satiety and assist in normal bowel movements.
The author is Hadar Steinweg, a clinical dietitian for Clalit in the Northern District.
