Papaya is one of the favorite fruits of most Colombians, although there are some people who can’t stand its aroma or flavor. However, it is so soft and meaty that it can be used in various culinary preparations, as well as being a great ally for health.
Yes ok, possible benefits of consuming it include a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer; aid in digestion, improve blood glucose control, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and improve wound healing, according to the magazine Medical News Today.
In fact, half a papaya covers almost twice the daily need for vitamin C and a quarter of provitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. 38% of the contribution of folic acid is also satisfied, and almost 20% of vitamin E, according to the specialized health portal, Body and mind.
It should be noted that it is also rich in potassium. Half a piece provides the sixth part of this mineral that the body needs per day.
A study cited by the portal better with health, and which was carried out on mice, concluded that papaya pulp has a certain beneficial effect on glycemic control in hyperglycemic animals, due to the significant reduction in blood glucose levels in these animals.
In addition, a significant reduction in body weight was observed in normoglycemic animals that received papaya pulp.
Other properties of papaya
- Papaya is characterized by its high content of papain, a digestive enzyme that facilitates the digestion of proteins and other heavy substances for the colon.
- Thanks to its high fiber and water content, it helps prevent constipation, promoting regularity and the digestive tract, according to the portal GastroLabWeb.
- This fruit by itself has many properties so that the intestine is clean, thanks to its large amount of fiber and its detoxifying power, according to the magazine Sports world, in its beauty and health section.
Papaya and pineapple smoothie
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of papaya
- 200 grams of pineapple
- 1 cup of water
Preparation:
- Clean the papaya and pineapple, remove the skin, cut it into pieces and transfer them to the blender, add the water (you can use crushed ice or cold water to make it cooler) and grind until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- Serve the juice and drink as soon as it is ready.
- It is recommended to drink a glass in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach and wait 20 minutes before eating any solid food, and if the nutritionist recommends it (depending on each case), drink another glass at night, at least 1 hour before bed.
Papaya and oatmeal smoothie
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of oatmeal
- 3 slices of papaya without seeds and peel
- 1 cup of water
- Sugar or sweetener to taste
Preparation:
- In the blender, add the previously diced papaya, the tablespoons of oatmeal and the cup of water, in addition to sweetening the drink a little.
- Let blend for two minutes until it has a foam-like consistency.
- Serve in a glass and decorate with a few oat flakes.
Recommendation: It is important to know that the consumption of these drinks should be in moderation and it is always better to consult a nutritionist to determine what is best for each type of body.