Papaya consumption can potentially reduce the risk of many diseases. According to the South Dakota Department of Health, USA, this fruit prevents heart disease and can exceed the recommended dose of vitamin C.
Among the characteristics of this fruit is that it is fleshy and mostly composed of water (around 90 percent). It is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, beneficial antioxidants for the body. because they protect it from free radicals (molecules that can influence the development of chronic diseases).
Also, its juice can help reduce freckles or brown spots caused by exposure to sunlight. It also has a positive effect on skin ulcers and severe burn wounds.
In addition, the extract of this fruit contains enough vitamins and antioxidants that make it a good dietary supplement. Even the Dakota Department of Health explains that this can be taken daily to aid in digestion.
Due to the above, the specialized portal better with health listed a series of benefits that comes from consuming a slice of papaya every day.
1. Reduces inflammation: Papain, a compound in this fruit, acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. It is recommended for those with joint problems such as arthritis, edema, gout, among others.
2. Protects eye health: Papaya contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that influences eye health, preventing macular degeneration (an eye disorder that slowly destroys sharp, central vision) and cataracts.
3. Improves digestive health: Papaya’s fiber levels make it one of the best fruits to combat constipation. A serving of papaya supplies a quarter of the daily fiber intake.
4. Strengthens the immune system: papaya serves to increase the body’s natural defenses, since provides vitamin C in large quantities, almost 100 grams more than other foodseven more than orange, which helps not only to strengthen the immune system, but also to form collagen and activate the absorption of iron.
5. Prevents the formation of clots: “Papaya contains a substance called fibrin that improves blood flow and decreases coagulation,” he explains. better with health, what avoids the obstruction of the arteries and a possible heart attack.
6. Fight stress: Thanks to the vitamin C in papaya, the production of cortisol is slowed down and at the same time the feeling of well-being in the body is increased.
It should be noted that this fruit is also noted for its high potassium content, which is present in almost all the functioning of the body, it is even vital for the good performance of the kidneys and the heart, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Therefore, it is important to know that this mineral is found in many foods.
According to Vanesa León García, member of the Press Committee of the Association of Dieticians-Nutritionists of Madrid, the best way to consume this fruit is raw. “Generally, the central black seeds are removed, since they have a certain bitter taste. You can also add papaya pulp to salad, for example, or prepare it in natural juicealthough in the latter case it loses part of its dietary fiber, “said the portal take care of yourself.