I’ll admit that as a kid I was always afraid to try papaya (or papaw), simply because of its unfavorable scent. The strong, potent smell would go straight up into my nostrils each time I’d walk into the kitchen to find my mother eating, what I only knew as, the grossest smelling fruit that existed. As much as she insisted that the flavor wasn’t so bad, I couldn’t bring myself to try it. I just couldn’t understand why anyone would want to eat a fruit that smelled so off-putting. However, as I grew older and became more open to trying new foods, I finally tried it, liked it, and began including it into my fruit bowls, smoothies, juices, and until recently, bread. (Try it. I promise you’ll love it).
Aside from its great flavor, its health benefits give far more reason why papaya should be in your everyday diet. Like most tropical fruits, papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Rich in various other antioxidants and nutrients, it’s no surprise that papaya is also known to fight infections, lower cholesterol and can even fight against heart disease. It’s no wonder that functional nutritionist Dana James recommends papaya as part of her slim-down, get-glowing meal plan for brides-to-be! Here’s more on why papaya is such a powerhouse fruit:
Whether you’re getting ready for your wedding or just wanting to boost your glow, there are several ways papaya can help.
1. It’s Great for Your Overall Health.
If you’re working on having a healthier lifestyle, papaya is the number one fruit you’ll want to introduce to your diet. Eating papaya daily can provide the following health benefits, just to name a few:
- Boost your immunity
- Prevent infections
- Reduce arthritis pain
- Help manage diabetes
- Reduce menstrual pain
- Reduce the risk of cancer
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
2. It’s Great for Your Skin.
If you’re on the hunt for a fruit that’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, papaya has it all. This super-fruit contains vitamins C, A, E, and K, so it’s no wonder daily intake of papaya can help get your skin glowing and feeling younger each day. Its natural skin bleaching properties help keep your skin clear from clogged pores, impurities, and can also prevent acne breakouts. Not only will it make your skin look and feel good, but papaya also contains papain (a powerful natural enzyme) that may help heal wounds or burns on the skin. Bring on the face mask!
Try this Papaya Enzyme Mask
3. It Can Help You Lose Weight.
“The denser the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more phytonutrients it contains,” Nutritionist Dana James says. The gorgeous hue of papaya is a clue that this fruit offers some serious full-body benefits.
Papain enzyme not only helps with skin healing or burns, but it can also help with digestion. Its high fiber content prevents constipation, and since fiber helps keep you full faster and longer, you’re more likely to stay away from other unhealthy sweets throughout the day. Adding it to your daily smoothies and fruit bowls will also help cut back on your calorie intake.
Are you a fan of papaya?
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Photo: epicurrence via unsplash, Omar Lopez on Unsplash, Alba Botanica
