Papaya
Overview
The papaya, papaw, or pawpaw is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Its origin is in the tropics of the Americas, perhaps from Central America and southern Mexico.
Nutrition Facts
Calories (100g): 206 cal
Macronutrients (% Daily Value*)
Total Fat · 0.6 g (0%)
Total Carbohydrate · 56 g (18%)
Dietary fiber · 1.5 g(5%)
Sugar · 52 g(0%)
Protein · 0.1 g (1%)
Health Effects
Benefits
- Papaya has a powerful antioxidant effects. Free radicals are reactive molecules created during your body’s metabolism. Antioxidants, including the carotenoids found in papayas, can neutralize free radicals.
- Papaya has anticancer properties. Research suggests that the lycopene in papaya can reduce cancer risks.
- Papaya may improve digestion. The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest.
Possible side effects
- Papaya might harm the esophagus. Unripe papaya fruit contains papaya latex, which contains an enzyme called papain. Eating a lot of papain might damage the esophagus.
- Papaya can trigger a reaction in people allergic to latex.
Quantity recommendations
- Papaya is a nutritious fruit, with fiber and vitamins. Eat too much of it, however, and you may increase your risk for gas or bloating due to papaya’s fiber content.
