Health Benefits of Papita (Papaya)

Health Benefits of Papita (Papaya)

• Papayas contain papain, a digestive enzyme, which helps in the breakdown of food. Hence, it is essential for breaking meat (larger proteins) into tiny pieces called peptides and amino acids.
• Rich in dietary fibers, papayas are important in the regulation of bowel movements and thus, prevents constipation. Besides this, the dietary fibers absorb toxins in the digestive tract and hence, prevent colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.
• Papayas are packed with three essential powerful antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A. These, when combined, prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that dangerously turn into plaques when oxidized, thereby leading to heart attacks and strokes.
• Antioxidants are significant in getting rid of free radicals in the body, which otherwise, damage cells and cause cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, premature ageing and other diseases. Including papayas in the diet are highly beneficial.
• Folic acid is required for the breakdown of homocysteine, a harmful amino acid that can damage blood vessels. Papaya is enriched with folate, which helps in reducing the levels of this protein in the blood and lowering the risk of cardiac arrests.
• Papaya contains carotenoids, such as lutein and beta-carotene, which are essential in maintaining the health of our eyes. They also macular degeneration, an eye disease which that causes loss of vision in elders.
• Being a rich source of lycopene, a compound that provides protection against prostate cancer, papayas are the best way to prevent the incidence of other cancers too. Studies reveal that men, who consume fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene, are less likely to develop prostate cancer as compared to those who don’t.
• Smoking is responsible for reducing the vitamin A content in the body, as this vitamin is involved in the elimination of toxins caused due to the cigarette smoke. Due to a deficiency of this nutrient, lung inflammation or emphysema can occur. Therefore, foods such as papaya need to be consumed in order to prevent the risk of lung diseases.
• Due to the presence of digesting enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, papayas help in lowering inflammatory responses and speed up the healing process of burns. They even reduce common symptoms of acute inflammation like arthritis and asthma.
• Rich in antioxidants like B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium and magnesium and fibers, the delicious papaya promotes the health of the cardiovascular system and provides protection against colon cancer.
• Papaya is used in prevention of illnesses such as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.
• Boosting the immune system, encouraging the renewal of muscle tissue, preventing cataract formation, curing nausea and constipation and alleviating pain and edema caused due to sport injuries are some of the other health benefits related to consumption of papayas.

Nutritional Value & Calories In Papaya 

Amount: 1 cup

Total Weight: 140 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Proteins	658 mg
Water	124 g
Ash	0.9 g
Calories
Total Calories	60
Calories From Carbohydrate	55
Calories From Fat	3
Calories From Protein	2.2
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	15 g
Dietary Fiber	2.4 g
Sugar	11 g
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	364 mg
Saturated Fat	113 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	101 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat	81 mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	66 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	15 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A	1330 IU
Vitamin C	85 mg
Vitamin E	420 mcg
Vitamin K	3.6 mcg
Thiamin	32 mcg
Riboflavin	38 mcg
Niacin	500 mcg
Vitamin B6	53 mcg
Folate	52 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	267 mcg
Choline	8.5 mg
Minerals
Calcium	28 mg
Iron	350 mcg
Magnesium	29 mg
Phosphorus	14 mg
Potassium	255 mg
Sodium	11 mg
Zinc	112 mcg
Copper	63 mcg
Manganese	56 mcg
Selenium	0.84 mcg

How many calories in papayas (per 100 gm)

Papayas have about 39 calories per 100 gm of weight