Red papaya is a food rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and a series of antioxidants that are good for health. To know what benefits this fruit has for the body, let’s explore with us right after this.
Nutritional value of red papaya
According to nutritional studies, red papaya is a fruit with many nutrients that are good for health. Specifically, on average, 1 medium-sized red papaya provides about 120 calories, 30g of carbohydrates (including 5g of fiber) and 2g of protein. In addition, red-fleshed papaya is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, pantothenic acid, etc. Nutrition experts also added that regularly eating red-fleshed papaya provides the body with alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, etc. and many other antioxidants that have the effect of reducing inflammation, enhancing resistance, slowing down the aging process and preventing many dangerous diseases.
Red papaya is sweet and delicious and contains many vitamins A, B, C, E, K,…
Health benefits of red papaya
Like other papayas, red papaya is rich in nutrients and good for health. Below are the wonderful benefits of this fruit.
Improve immune system health
Red papaya is a rich source of vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that enhances the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of immune cells, including the ability to increase the destruction of bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and pathogens.
In addition, red papaya also contains high levels of antibacterial and antiviral substances such as lycopene, beta-carotene, quercetin. The active ingredients found in red papaya are proven to prevent the growth and development of bacteria and viruses in the body, thereby reducing the risk of inflammation and infection.
Reduce inflammation
Papaya in general and red papaya in particular contain a lot of papain enzyme – a substance that acts as a natural pain reliever for the body. This enzyme also increases the production of cytokines that help reduce inflammation, even helping to reduce pain caused by arthritis or similar chronic inflammation.
The abundant antioxidants in red papaya help fight inflammation and boost immunity.
The rich choline content in red papaya also supports the brain and muscles, enhances memory, maintains cell membrane structure, supports nerve impulse transmission, increases fat absorption and reduces chronic inflammation.
Improves and prevents aging
Red papaya contains a number of antioxidants that are highly valued for their effects such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. These substances have the effect of protecting the body from the negative effects of free radicals – one of the factors that damage cells and contribute to accelerating the aging process, even increasing the risk of cancer.
The antioxidants in red papaya are also proven to help protect the body and protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight. Not only that, red papaya also improves cell health, giving you youthfulness from the inside out.
Fast wound healing
The proteolytic enzyme chymopapain in papaya has the effect of decomposing dead cells, while stimulating the production of new cells, thereby helping to speed up the wound healing process, minimizing inflammation. Not only that, the natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances in red papaya also help reduce inflammation, protect wounds from the negative effects of free radicals, helping wounds heal faster.
Beautify skin and hair
Is red papaya good to eat? The answer is yes, red papaya is not only good for health but also improves skin and hair from within the body. Vitamin A is abundant in red papaya, a vitamin necessary for the production of sebum, reducing dry skin and dry hair. In addition, vitamin A is also necessary for the maintenance and development of most muscle tissues, anti-aging and keeping skin bright and smooth.
Regularly eating papaya helps you have bright, smooth skin.
Support the digestive system
A study on the effects of red papaya shows that this food is beneficial for digestion, improving digestive disorders such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, etc. Moreover, the papain enzyme in red papaya also supports the breakdown of protein from food, speeds up the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and reduces pressure on the digestive system.
Weight loss
Papaya has a sweet taste, is nutritious but contains relatively low calories. Every 100g of ripe red papaya has only about 42 calories, so this is a food that should be added to a weight loss diet. In addition, eating red papaya as a snack also supplements the body with the necessary amount of fiber, reduces hunger and cravings for snacks, and increases nutrients, vitamins and minerals for the body.
Note how to eat red papaya properly
Although red papaya has many benefits for health and beauty, eating it the wrong way will cause side effects on health. Therefore, you should not eat too much red papaya during the day, you should only eat according to your body’s nutritional, sugar and fiber needs. When should you eat red papaya? Some suitable times for you to eat red papaya include:
Eating about 30 minutes before breakfast helps reduce hunger and increase energy for the new day.
Eating with or about 30 minutes after lunch helps increase vitamin A absorption and improve uncomfortable symptoms in the digestive system.
After dinner, you can also eat red papaya or drink red papaya smoothies combined with other vegetables and fruits.
Absolutely do not eat papaya seeds because they contain the toxin capine that causes poisoning, heart rhythm disturbances, nervous breakdown, etc.
You should remove all the seeds when eating papaya because this part contains toxins.
In general, red papaya is a delicious and nutritious food for the body. However, people with high blood pressure or diabetes should consider eating a moderate amount of ripe red papaya as recommended by their doctor, avoiding eating too much as it can have negative effects on health.
