Papaya: Nutrition tips from experts

By The Inspirer writer.

Health tips from the experts

According to Felicitas Bouche Ocampo, Nutrition Professor, Bachelor’s Human Nutritional Sciences, “Papaya helps to fight inflammation”.

Experts say that regular consumption of papaya prevents eye blindness among children.

Julia Rocha, a nutrition expert from Brazil says: “Papaya being a fruit, can be consumed more often, even every day if you want, but the best option is to always consume all the fruits you find in your area and vary, to have access to a greater amount of nutrients. My recommendation is to consume a medium slice per day, which can be consumed every day,”

Papaya has fibers that are related to reducing the absorption of toxins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. Fibers also stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria present in the intestine, which are related to the regulation of intestinal permeability, thus facilitating the functioning of the intestine.

Papaya is a juicy fruit with low glycemic index, few calories and a rich source of fiber, it is always present in weight loss diets. Regular consumption is associated with better digestion, good bowel function and increased satiety.

Benefits of taking papaya

Luciana M. Cherubin, a nutrition expert from Argentina says that papaya has a powerful antioxidant effect. “Free radicals are reactive molecules created during your body’s metabolism. Antioxidants, including the carotenoids found in papayas, can neutralize free radicals.”

Reducing cancer risks

Papaya has anticancer properties. Research suggests that the lycopene in papaya can reduce cancer risks.

Papaya may improve digestion. The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest.

Side effects  

Vilte Puisyte from United Kingdom says that people with latex allergy may also be allergic to papaya because papayas contain enzymes called chitanases.

They can cause a cross-reaction between latex and the foods that contain them.

“Papaya may be harmful for pregnant women. An unripe papaya fruit has high concentration of latex that can cause uterine contractions,”