Papaya is a tropical fruit that tastes like a melon. Hence the second name of the exotic plant - "melon tree". Unfortunately, on the shelves of our shops papaya appeared relatively recently. Meanwhile, nutritionists say that the fruits of this overseas fruit are unparalleled in their nutritional value. It is enough to look at what vitamins are contained in papaya: A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B5, K, β-carotene. A ripe papaya fruit can give a person 100% of the daily norm of vitamin C, and 60% of vitamin A. In addition, it also contains many trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron , phosphorus and others.
Papaya for weight loss
The papaya pulp is 88% water and is a source of fructose, glucose, fiber and organic acids. It promotes the acceleration of metabolism, better digestion of proteins and rapid breakdown of fats and starch in the stomach. A special role in the flesh of papaya is played by a plant enzyme - papain, which in its composition resembles the gastric juice of a person. This enzyme helps digest food, selecting for the body only the most valuable substances from the foods eaten. And if you consider how many calories in papaya (only 39 kcal / 100 g), then it is perfectly suitable for dietary nutrition.
Papaya - useful properties and contraindications
Choose papaya should be neat, because unripe fruits contain a substance that can lead to food poisoning. As it ripens, it gradually dissolves and disappears completely. A ripe fruit is not dangerous for human health, and even on the contrary - it helps to strengthen it. Specialists of the Scientific Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences have found out that:
- Papaya can reduce cholesterol, prevents blood clots and tones blood vessels;
- The papaya pulp is rich in antioxidants that fight with the formation of cancer cells and malignant tumors;
- frequent use of papaya juice helps to improve the intestines, purify the stomach, get rid of pus, mucus, pathogens and parasites;
- fruits of papaya are rich in vitamins, so they strengthen immunity, prevent beriberi, promote protection from stress and nervous exhaustion;
- papaya is also useful for women's health, because it reduces the painful condition of PMS, and also makes skin, hair and nails healthy;
- papaya juice is used for pain in the spine, as it promotes the regeneration of intervertebral tissues.
Separately I want to note the useful properties of mountain papaya, which are used in medicine, cooking and cosmetic production. Basically, of the unripe fruits of this wild plant, milky juice is extracted - latex, which copes well with warts, is a powerful anthelmintic and is used to treat atherosclerosis. Papaya juice is used to treat burns, removing freckles and other pigment spots.
It is not recommended to use papaya for people prone to allergic reactions and individual intolerance. Flesh and seeds of green papaya have contraceptive and abortive properties, so it should not be included in the diet of pregnant or wishing to conceive a child. Excessive use of papaya can color the skin yellowish, cause upset stomach and acute pain in the digestive system. In order to get the best effect from papaya, nutritionists are advised to use it systematically, but not more often 2-3 times a week.