Papaya is a tropical fruit that is grown in various parts of the world and has several benefits for the body, given its high concentration of vitamins A, B and C, fiber, potassium and folate, also known as folic acid.
“Fruit consumption is associated with a decreased risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or some types of cancer. Papaya is a fruit, and as such, its consumption helps reduce the risk of these diseases,” Alma Palau, president of the General Council of Dietitians-Nutritionists (CGDN), told the Cuídate Plus health portal.
Likewise, according to Palau, papaya serves to increase the body’s natural defenses, since it provides vitamin C in large quantities, almost 100 grams more than other foods, even more than orange, which helps not only to strengthen the system immune, but to form collagen and activate the absorption of iron.
This fruit also stands out 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.
Along the same lines, this fruit is ideal for combating constipation, as it has a high fiber content. “Fiber helps improve intestinal transit time, improving constipation. It helps control blood glucose and cholesterol and causes these components to be absorbed more slowly into the blood. Hence, there is speculation regarding the possibility that it protects once morest colon cancer and certain cardiovascular diseases”, Vanesa León García, member of the Press Committee of the Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists of Madrid (Addinma), said, quoted by the portal Cocina Vital.
That is why if papaya is eaten for breakfast and dinner every day, all the properties of the fruit will be obtained, but it is important to point out that the first thing to do is consult a health expert so that he or she can guide the process and indicate what is most appropriate for each person, because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the exact composition of a varied, balanced and healthy diet will be determined by the characteristics of each person (age, sex, life habits and degree of physical activity), the cultural context, the foods available in the place and eating habits.
But it should be noted that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) together with the WHO pointed out that fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, and Sufficient daily consumption might contribute to the prevention of important diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.
A recently published WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report recommends a population goal of consuming a minimum of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day (excluding potatoes and other starchy tubers). ).
The purpose of such consumption of fruits and vegetables is to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes or obesity, as well as to mitigate various micronutrient deficiencies, especially in less developed countries.
However, the consumption of fruits and vegetables in most countries of the world still does not reach the recommended daily minimum of 400 grams per capita.
Nutritional information per 100 gr of papaya
- Water: 90,40 %
- Calories: 35,01 Kcal
- Proteins: 0,50 g
- Fats: 0,09 g
- carbohydrates: 7,10 g
- Fiber: 1,90 g
- Soccer: 21,00 mg
- Iron: 0,42 mg
- Magnesium: 11,00 mg
- Match: 13,00 mg
- Potassium: 200,00 mg
- Vitamin A: 152.50 ug
- Vitamin B3: 0,41 mg
- C vitamin: 80.00 ug