Papaya: benefits and harms to the body

Papaya is a woody plant belonging to the genus Karik from the dwarf family. It is a palm tree, the height of which can reach 10 meters. The homeland of the plant is the central regions of America and Mexico, where the plus temperature prevails. In conditions of subzero air temperature, papaya is not able to exist, but under artificially created optimal conditions it grows well.

What does papaya look like and where does it grow

Papaya - a tree with a straight trunk and the absence of side shoots. Outwardly, the plant resembles a palm tree; therefore, it is referred to as palm-shaped trees. Leaves fall six months after their appearance, and then new ones begin to grow. Papaya fruits are orange or yellow large fruits formed from peduncles - up to 8 kg, outwardly resembling the pumpkin or melon familiar to us. The fruits are arranged on branches in the form of clusters hanging from top to bottom, which looks very beautiful.

Papaya is widespread in tropical countries such as Brazil, Thailand, Cuba, Kenya, Vietnam and some others. The plant is cultivated in the surrounding areas, where there are necessary conditions for its growth. Papaya can also be found in the South Caucasus, on the Black Sea coast.

Composition and calorie content

Papaya, like any other fruit, has a fairly low calorie content - only 48 kcal per 100 g. Due to the abundant fiber content in papaya, it is a dietary product that energizes for a long time and gives a feeling of satiety.

Papaya fruits are tasty and juicy, but, in addition, they contain vitamins A, C, D and B, as well as fructose, glucose, iron, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium.

Useful properties of papaya

General benefit

Papaya has a number of beneficial substances for the body. Exotic fruits not only diversify the diet, but with regular use will have the following healing properties:

1. Healing of various skin lesions, the fight against inflammation.
2. Rid the body of parasites.
3. Improving digestion and accelerating metabolic processes.
4. Strengthening the body's vision and immune resistance to viruses and bacteria.
5. Purification of blood and liver from harmful substances.
6. Beneficial effect on blood vessels and protection of the heart from various diseases.

Thanks to its rich composition, papaya is an excellent remedy for anemia and vitamin deficiency, in addition, this fruit helps to overcome depression and strengthens the immune system.

For women

Papaya is a source of many vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the female body. This tropical fruit contains a sufficient amount of enzymes that stimulate metabolism, improve bowel function, and have a mild laxative effect. This property of papaya helps in the process of losing weight, which worries a considerable number of women. In addition to the listed beneficial properties of papaya for women, this fruit helps relieve pain during menstruation, as well as regulates the cycle and stabilizes the onset of ovulation.

For men

Papaya contains the most important element for the male body - arginine.It is especially important to eat this exotic fruit in the process of conception planning, as it is able to improve sperm counts and increase potency.

In addition, papaya is indicated for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the male genital area, and also resists the formation of prostate tumors. Papaya contains a large amount of carbohydrates, which are necessary for men involved in sports, as well as those who are engaged in physical or hard mental work.

During pregnancy

As you know, the most necessary vitamin for pregnant women is folic acid. It is especially important to consume it in sufficient quantities in the very early stages of pregnancy, namely, at the time of formation of the neural tube of the fetus in order to eliminate the disadvantages of the development of the nervous system of the unborn child.

Since papaya has a sour taste, it can easily eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis in the form of nausea and lack of appetite. Also, this exotic fruit gently regulates digestion, eliminating such a common problem among expectant mothers as constipation.

It is also known about such a property of papaya as the prevention of stretch marks, since the vitamins and microelements included in this fruit nourish the skin, making it more durable and supple. This property helps the speedy recovery of the skin after childbirth.

When breastfeeding

The lactation period is very responsible for every young mother. Any new product should be introduced into the diet carefully, in small doses, to avoid the manifestation of allergic reactions in the baby. Since papaya is orange in color and contains a large amount of vitamin C, it is quite allergenic. This must be borne in mind when using papaya during breastfeeding.

Trying papaya for lactating women is recommended after reaching the age of 6 months. In the absence of negative reactions, this fruit is able to benefit mom and baby, as it contains many essential vitamins and minerals, and also has the ability to increase lactation.

For kids

Papaya is useful not only for adults, but also for children. In the absence of allergies, this fruit can strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and prevent constipation. You can give exotic fruits to children for tasting no earlier than 8 months, starting with a small piece and gradually bringing up to 50-100 g per day. Young children need to turn fruit into mashed potatoes, for this you can use a blender or mashed papaya with a fork. In any case, before the introduction of such an exotic fruit as papaya, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, as in some cases it can be strictly contraindicated.

When losing weight

Papaya is the leading fruit in terms of nutrients. The fact that it is quite low in calories (only 48 kcal per 100 g) makes the exotic fruit in question suitable for consumption during weight loss.

The antioxidants contained in papaya help cleanse the body of toxins and harmful substances, and a sufficient amount of fiber contributes to comfortable digestion. Papaya contains carbohydrates in the form of fructose, which maintain energy at the right level, which allows you to actively engage in sports - the most important component of the weight loss process.

To achieve quick results in losing weight, you should eat papaya fruits for breakfast, as well as snacks between main meals. It is enough to eat from 50 to 200 g of papaya per day to get from it all the beneficial properties that are important when losing weight. In addition to eating in its entirety, dried fruits, various desserts and smoothies can be prepared from papaya, adding it to any fruits and berries.

Papaya seeds: benefits and applications

Many papaya seeds are simply thrown away, forgetting or not knowing that they, too, can bring significant benefits to the body. The seeds of this fruit have an interesting taste, vaguely reminiscent of mustard or black pepper.For medicinal purposes, it is necessary to consume half a teaspoon of papaya seeds per day. Their benefits:

• contribute to overcoming cancer;
• possess antibacterial and antiparasitic properties;
• help in the treatment of liver diseases, including cirrhosis;
• increase general immunity;
• contribute to better protein digestion.

In order to get the maximum beneficial properties from papaya seeds, without using them raw, you can use the following recipe for the preparation of a folk medicine for many ailments. Crush 4-6 seeds in a mortar, add a tablespoon of lime and insist for half an hour. Use the composition twice a day for one month. This composition is especially useful for patients suffering from cirrhosis and other diseases associated with impaired functioning of this organ.

The benefits and harms of dried papaya

Delicious and healthy dried fruits are prepared from papaya, which also retains all the beneficial properties of the original product. Dried papaya can be prepared on its own or purchased at a store where it is sold in the form of long sticks by weight or in separate packages.

The composition of dried papaya contains useful substances in large quantities. So, it is enough to eat only 50 g of these dried fruits per day to saturate the body with vitamin A, as well as some other vitamins and trace elements - magnesium, potassium, copper, etc.

Vitamins E, K, B5 and B9 contained in dried papaya are supported by the nervous system. They contribute to the proper functioning of the brain and are especially useful during periods of hard mental work and in case of nervous overvoltages.

The content of a sufficient amount of dietary fiber (fiber) can improve the composition of the blood and reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Also, in the dried papaya fruits, a large number of carotenoids are preserved, especially useful for vision and the cardiovascular system. But the content of vitamin B in dried fruit from papaya is at a low level, unlike fresh fruits.

Papaya in medicine

Such an exotic fruit, like papaya, is capable of triggering the most important processes in the body - cleansing, general healing and cure of a number of diseases. Due to the high value of the fruit, it is recommended to include it in the diet in the presence of some health problems.

With diabetes

Papaya is one of the fruits that you can eat with diabetes. Exotic treat has a low glycemic index, which allows you to maintain a constant level of sugar in the blood. The benefits of papaya for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are to increase insulin levels in the blood, protect liver and pancreas cells, and antioxidant action. Papaya is also useful for diabetics who monitor their weight (an actual problem with diabetes), as it contains a small amount of calories (48 kcal per 100 g) and enough fiber.

With diabetes, you need to be very careful about eating any fruit, including papaya. Diabetics need qualified medical help and medical support, otherwise complications such as gangrene, hypoglycemia, nephropathy and even cancer tumors can occur. That is why it is extremely important to continuously monitor the condition of the body, as well as use sugar-containing products with caution. The benefits of papaya for diabetics are a large number of vitamins and minerals contained in this fruit: vitamins A, C, iron, potassium, etc. Since the diet of diabetics is strictly limited, inclusion of papaya on the menu will bring only positive results.

With pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, not all fruits can be consumed.The choice of a product with pancreatitis should be based on the phase in which the disease is located - acute, chronic remission or chronic exacerbation. In the first two phases, the use of papaya, like any other fresh fruits and berries, is not prohibited, but with a chronic exacerbation, you will have to refuse such a treat.

The use of papaya is possible only with a complete absence of pain, which indicates that the disease is in remission. Fruits and berries are important for pancreatitis, as they make up for the lack of nutrients in the body, while eliminating inflammation of the pancreas. However, it is still desirable to heat-treat the papaya to avoid the resumption of the acute phase of the disease.

With gastritis

Papaya is not recommended for patients with gastritis, which is in the acute stage of development of this disease, as well as with erosive form and high acidity. This is due to the property of papaya to irritate the intestinal wall and provoke the secretion of gastric juice.

During the period of remission, the consumption of certain fruits is allowed, including papaya. However, it is advisable to include papaya in a limited quantity of up to 50 g per day in the menu, while paying attention to your own well-being, and if you have any side effects, stop eating fruits for a while.

With gout

Papaya can and should be included in the diet for gout. This fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to overcome the disease. For therapeutic purposes, with gout, it is recommended to consume 100-200 g of fresh papaya per day or 50 g of dried fruits.

For the liver

Papaya seeds can help overcome most liver problems. This is a very valuable product used in Chinese traditional medicine since ancient times. Papaya seeds have the ability to remove toxins from the liver, as well as repair damaged organ cells.

Detoxifying the liver with papaya seeds is easy. To do this, you need to use a tablespoon of seeds per day, carefully chewing and washing down with liquid. Papaya is also known for its benefits for fatty liver.

Papaya in cosmetology

Papaya is widely used in the field of cosmetology, due to its surprisingly useful properties. Due to the abundant content of vitamins C, A and some trace elements in papaya, it is an especially valuable fruit for healthy skin and hair.

Some cosmetics use papaya extract, which has anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Papaya is also known for its ability to stimulate metabolic processes in cells, which prevents premature aging of the skin, and also helps to eliminate age spots, warts and corns.

Papaya seeds are part of some scrubs, gels, peels and soaps with an exfoliating effect. On top of that, papaya extract is found in remedies for unwanted hair growth and is often used in creams designed for skin care after depilation.

Consider a few beauty recipes using papaya.

For face

1. Exfoliating peeling mask. To prepare the mask, you need 2 tbsp. papaya puree, 1.5 tbsp oatmeal, 1 tsp Sahara. All ingredients must be mixed and applied to the skin of the face, leave the mask for 15 minutes, and then rinse with water.
2. Moisturizing mask is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. pureed papaya mix with 1 tbsp. avocado (also mashed) and 1 tsp. olive oil. Keep the resulting mixture on your face for half an hour, then rinse with water.
3. Whitening face mask. To cook it, you need to take 1 tbsp. Papaya puree, the same amount of natural live yogurt, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 0.5 tsp olive or other vegetable oil. Mix all ingredients and apply on face, rinse after 15-20 minutes.
4. Purifying and anti-inflammatory mask based on papaya oil: you need to take 5 ml of oil, mix with 10 g of black clay and 20 g of gelatin. Mix the ingredients, apply on face, rinse off after half an hour.The result is clean skin without black spots, inflammations and acne.

For hair

1. A mask of papaya (half ripe fruit), two yolks, natural yogurt (2 tablespoons) is an excellent tool for dry hair. Beat the listed ingredients with a whisk or in a blender and apply on hair. Keep the mask for 45 minutes under a hat and a towel. Such a mask makes the hair moisturized and shiny, and also prevents split ends and other damage.
2. A blonde mask is suitable for such a mask: 2 tbsp. papaya puree, 0.5 tbsp flax seed oil, 2 tbsp honey, 1-2 tbsp oatmeal and a few drops of sandalwood oil. Mix the ingredients, apply the resulting composition in massaging movements to the hair roots and spread over the entire length. Keep the mask for about an hour, then rinse with warm water.

Papaya oil makes hair stronger and healthier, and also stimulates hair growth. Papaya oil can be bought at the pharmacy. Its composition includes such auxiliary substances as palmitic, oleic and stearic acids, which also favorably affect the beauty and health of hair.

Harm and contraindications

Although papaya has a huge list of beneficial properties, in some cases it can harm the body. First of all, the danger arises from an overdose. Due to the content of alkaloids, heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea can occur with excessive use of papaya. You can not eat unripe fruits, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset, and also cause inflammation of the walls of the stomach and esophagus.

It is unsafe to use papaya for some diseases:

• individual intolerance to the fruit;
• frequent digestive upsets;
• pancreatic disease;
• stomach ulcer or acute gastritis.

In order not to harm the body and not make it worse for yourself, if you have any significant health problems, you should first consult a doctor, and then begin to introduce exotic fruit into your diet. Checking for the presence or absence of an allergic reaction to papaya is simple: you need to try a piece of fruit and analyze your condition after 2–4 hours. If no signs of allergy have appeared, then this fruit can be eaten.

How to choose and store papaya

When choosing papaya, you must be guided by the following rules:

1. Fruits should be smooth, not beaten, not too soft, or too hard.
2. The color of ripe papaya is yellow, close to orange. But the greenish and dull shades indicate that the fruit either has not ripened or has grown under adverse conditions and has very low taste.
3. The skin should be thin, and the flesh immediately below it should be soft, but not falling. Too soft fruits are usually fibrous and not very tasty.
4. The area where the “tail” of the fruit was attached is solid and does not fail in a quality fruit, and also produces a pleasant fruity aroma.

After the papaya is brought home, you can eat it immediately (the most correct option) or make preparations with it. Storage of chopped papaya is allowed for 3-4 days. The whole fruit is stored much longer, however, it must be ensured that the fruit is not in the sun, and also that liquid does not get on it.

If an unripe papaya was purchased, it is not necessary to throw it away, since even such a fruit can be saved. For ripening, you can put papaya in the room (not in the refrigerator), next to a ripe banana. Periodically, you should turn the fruit over so that it ripens evenly. After the papaya has a rich yellow-orange color, it can be considered mature.

The best option for long-term storage of papaya is drying.To do this, peel papaya from the skin and seeds, cut into small pieces and leave to dry, avoiding direct sunlight and open air.

Is it possible to freeze

Papaya is a fruit that should not be frozen. Firstly, there are few useful substances in frozen fruits, and secondly, the taste of this fruit is significantly affected by freezing.

How to eat papaya

Sweet and ripe papaya is a delicious treat for children and adults. This fruit can be eaten both fresh and as part of various dishes and drinks. Papaya must first be peeled, seeds removed and cut into cubes or bars. If you get too soft fruit, you can eat it with a spoon without peeling off the peel.

Papaya heat treatment is allowed. So, it can be baked, boiled and even fry. Papaya is added to salty and sweet dishes, as this fruit has a neutral taste and is not too sweet. There are many recipes for salads, main dishes, pastries and drinks with the addition of papaya, which will be discussed below.

How much can you eat per day

In the absence of allergies, papaya is allowed every day. As a rule, it is enough to eat at least a slice of this fruit per day to get all its useful components. In some cases, it is possible to consume papaya in large quantities, for example, there is a diet on this tropical fruit or fasting days when the amount of papaya eaten reaches 1-2 large fruits per day. In any case, the amount of papaya that can be consumed per day should depend on the individual characteristics of the person, the presence of certain diseases and the desired result from eating this fruit.

Can I eat bones

Not only the flesh, but also the papaya seeds have a beneficial effect on the body. However, it should be borne in mind that only small amounts of seeds should be eaten - 1-2 teaspoons of seeds per day is enough to get all their beneficial properties.

Papaya seeds are found in large quantities in polyphenols and flavonoids - compounds that have an antioxidant effect, which improves all health indicators, eliminates oxidative stress and related chronic diseases.

Monounsaturated fatty acids, which are present in sufficient quantities in papaya seeds, are very useful for the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole. And the abundance of fiber in the seeds has a beneficial effect on the intestines, reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, preventing the occurrence of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and obesity.

How to clean

Peeling papaya is not difficult if a really ripe and high-quality fruit was chosen. In order to clean the papaya, it is necessary to cut it lengthwise into two parts, then remove the seeds and peel the knife, after which it can be cut into cubes or bars. If you get too ripe and soft fruit, peeling and chopping it will be problematic. In this case, it is enough to cut the papaya in half, remove the seeds and eat the pulp with a spoon.

What can be prepared from papaya: recipes

Tropical Papaya Salad

Dice 250 g of peeled papaya skin and seeds, add the same amount of pineapple, cherimoya and lychee (all cut the same). Mix all the fruits and leave in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, then put lettuce on the dish (lettuce is suitable), season the fruits with natural yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice and put on top of the leaves.

Papaya with Parma ham

An amazing dish will appeal to real gourmets. It is necessary to take one ripe fruit (but not too much so that there is no excess sweetness) of papaya, cut in half, remove the seeds and cut into slices.Then put it on plates, sprinkle with black pepper and sprinkle with lemon juice, put on top papaya sliced ​​Parma ham, garnish with cheese and walnuts.

Papaya & Coconut Smoothie

To prepare a refreshing and nutritious drink you will need 150 g of papaya, 15 g of coconut, 125 g of any berries, 125 g of natural yogurt. Beat all the ingredients in a blender, if the consistency is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of water.

Jam

From tropical fruits, an interesting and tasty jam is obtained, which can be a substitute for the usual dessert of strawberries, raspberries and other berries. To make papaya jam for the winter, you need to take ripe fruits, peel them from the skin and seeds, cut into cubes, and cover with sugar (in a 1: 1 ratio). After the fruits give juice, you can put the future jam on a slow fire. After boiling, remove from the stove and wait 1–2 hours. Then bring it to a boil again, add lemon juice (2 tablespoons per liter of jam), cook for about half an hour until the foaming stops. Pour jam into dry sterilized jars and seal.

Candied fruit

Candied papaya is a favorite tea treat for many. But it is not necessary to buy candied fruits in the store, you can make them yourself. To do this, you need to prepare the papaya: take ripe enough, but not ripe fruits, peel them from the skin and seeds, cut into bars or cubes. Separately, boil sugar syrup, put papaya and a small amount of lemon juice there, cook together for about 5-7 minutes. Then remove from the stove, cool and cook for another 5 minutes. Repeat this 3 times, then throw the papaya into a colander or sieve until the syrup drains completely (it takes at least an hour). After that, you can sprinkle candied fruit with icing sugar and enjoy an amazing dessert.

Interesting Papaya Facts

1. By its chemical composition and taste, papaya is similar to melon, due to which some even call this plant a melon tree.
2. The plant is called "bread tree" due to the fact that when baking papaya, the aroma of freshly baked bread is felt.
3. Unripe fruits are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, since the substances that make up green papaya can cause an abortion.
4. Papaya fruits can reach incredibly large sizes - up to 7 kg. However, this applies for the most part to wild plants, but cultivated papaya produces fruits weighing up to 3 kg.
5. About one thousand seeds can be inside one fruit.
6. Papaya stalks and bark are used to make ropes, which are quite strong and durable.
7. The most valuable substance in papaya is papain. This substance is very useful for the body, as it helps to prevent and treat many diseases.
8. Papaya is able to make fingerprints less noticeable. So, with prolonged interaction of hands with papaya pulp, fingerprints are erased over time.
9. In Florida, women use papaya leaves on the farm. With their help, you can remove almost any stains from the fabric.
10. Green papaya recipes are popular in Thailand. Unripe fruits are added to salads and hot dishes.

Papaya photo