Is it good to eat ripe papaya?

Papaya is a mildly sweet, soft, green/yellow fruit shaped like a large pear, weighing about 1kg. Papayas add versatility to recipes and can be used to make sauces, soups or sweet and savory dishes. So is it good to eat ripe papaya? The following article helps you better understand whether eating ripe papaya is good or not.

Papaya is an extremely healthy tropical fruit. Papayas are high in fiber and contain many important nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A. Papaya is packed with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, fight disease and help us look younger. Here are 8 health benefits of papaya.
1.1. Delicious taste and full of nutrients Papaya is native to Central America and Southern Mexico but is now grown in many other parts of the world. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can break down tough protein chains found in muscle meat. Because of this, humans have used papaya to tenderize meat for thousands of years.
If the papaya is ripe, it can be eaten raw. However, unripe papaya should always be cooked before eating - especially during pregnancy, as the unripe fruit contains a lot of latex, which can trigger contractions. The papaya fruit has a pear-like shape and can grow to more than 50 centimeters in length. The skin is green when unripe and will turn orange when ripe, while the flesh is yellow, orange, or red. The fruit also has many black seeds in it, which are edible but have a bitter taste. One small papaya (152 grams) contains:
Calories: 59 Carbohydrates: 15 grams Fiber: 3 grams Protein: 1 gram Vitamin C: 157% of the DV Vitamin A: 33% of the recommended Folate (vitamin B9): 14% of DV Potassium: 11% of DV In addition, ripe papaya also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 , vitamin E and vitamin K . Papayas also contain healthy antioxidants called carotenoids – specifically one called lycopene. Furthermore, your body absorbs these beneficial antioxidants from papaya better than from other fruits and vegetables.
1.2. Has a powerful antioxidant effect Free radicals are reactive molecules produced during your body's metabolism. They can promote oxidative stress, which brings on a variety of diseases. Antioxidants, including carotenoids found in papaya, can neutralize free radicals.
Studies note that fermented papaya has the ability to reduce oxidative stress in older adults and people with prediabetes, mild hypothyroidism, and liver disease. In addition, many researchers have come to believe that too many free radicals in the brain are an important factor in Alzheimer's disease. In one study, people with Alzheimer's disease who were given fermented papaya extract for six months experienced a 40% reduction in a biomarker of oxidative damage to DNA - and which is also linked to aging and cancer.
The reduction in oxidative stress is also attributed to the lycopene content of papaya and its ability to remove excess iron, which is known to produce free radicals.
1.3. Has anti-cancer properties Research shows that lycopene in papaya can reduce the risk of cancer. It may also be beneficial for people being treated for cancer. Papaya may work by reducing free radicals that contribute to cancer. In addition, papaya may have some unique uses that other fruits cannot provide. Of the 14 fruits and vegetables with known antioxidant properties, only papaya has antitumor activity against breast cancer cells.
In a small study in older adults with inflammatory and precancerous stomachs, a fermented papaya preparation reduced oxidative damage. However, more research is needed before recommendations can be made in this regard.
1.4. May Improve Heart Health Adding papaya to our diet can boost our heart health. Studies show that fruits rich in lycopene and vitamin C like papaya can help prevent heart disease. The antioxidants in papaya may protect the heart and enhance the protective effects of “good” HDL cholesterol.

In one study, people who took a fermented papaya supplement for 14 weeks had less inflammation and a better ratio of "bad" LDL to "good" HDL than those who took a placebo. Improved rates are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
1.5. Can fight inflammation Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases and unhealthy lifestyle and food choices can promote inflammation.
Studies have shown that antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like papaya help reduce markers of inflammation. For example, one study found that men who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids had significantly reduced CRP, a specific inflammatory marker.
1.6. Helps promote digestive system health The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest. People in the tropics consider papaya a remedy for constipation and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In one study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days experienced significant improvements in constipation and bloating. The seeds, leaves, and roots have also been shown to treat ulcers in animals and humans.
1.7. Protect skin from damage In addition to keeping the body healthy, papaya can also help your skin more firm and youthful. Overactivity of free radicals is thought to be responsible for many of the wrinkles, sagging, and other skin damage that occurs with age. Vitamin C and lycopene found in papaya protect your skin and can help reduce these signs of aging
In a recent study, lycopene supplementation for 10-12 weeks reduced skin redness After sun exposure, this is a sign of skin damage. In another case, older women who consumed a blend of lycopene, vitamin C and other antioxidants for 14 weeks experienced a visible and measurable reduction in the depth of facial wrinkles. measureable.
1.8. Delicious and easy to combine in dishes Papaya has a unique flavor that many people love. However, ripeness is key. An unripe or overripe papaya can taste very different from a fully ripe fruit. At optimal ripeness, the papaya should be yellow to red-orange in color, although a few green spots are fine. Like an avocado, its skin is subjected to only gentle pressure.
Its taste is best when cold, so you should keep it in the refrigerator whenever possible. After washing, you can cut in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, use a spoon to scrape off the skin like cantaloupe or melon.

Since it is extremely versatile, it can also be combined with other foods to complement its flavor. Here are a few simple recipe ideas using just one small papaya:
Breakfast: Cut in half and fill in half with Greek yogurt, then top with some blueberries and chopped nuts. Appetizer: Cut it into strips and wrap a slice of ham or prosciutto around each strip. Salsa: Chop papaya, tomatoes, onions and cilantro, then add lemon juice and mix well. Smoothie: Place diced fruit with coconut milk and ice in a blender, then blend until smooth. Salad: Cut papaya and avocado into cubes, add diced cooked chicken and mix with olive oil and vinegar. Dessert: Combine chopped fruit with 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of chia seeds, 1 cup (240ml) of almond milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well and refrigerate before serving.

Although papaya is healthy and low in calories, some side effects may occur in some people. Be aware that unripe papaya contains a high amount of resin. This amount of resin gradually decreases as the fruit ripens. It is important for mothers to avoid eating papaya if pregnant, as the latex can cause uterine contractions and premature labor.
For people who have been diagnosed with a general resin allergy, they are at high risk of also being allergic to papaya sap. Signs of a papaya latex allergy include rash, itching, nasal congestion, wheezing, and chest tightness.
In case of severe resin allergy, eating papaya can lead to anaphylaxis or severe breathing difficulties.
While papaya is a good source of fiber and good for digestive health, eating too much can have a laxative effect, causing diarrhea and upset stomach. If you experience loose stools or stomach problems after eating papaya, consult your doctor and consider cutting back on your intake to see if your symptoms improve. . In addition, there is some evidence that papaya seeds can act as a spermicide and reduce sperm motility. Therefore, men should avoid eating papaya seeds if they are trying to have children. Papaya seeds can interfere with conception.

Papaya contains a lot of valuable nutrients and has a delicious taste. Its powerful antioxidants like lycopene can reduce the risk of many diseases - especially those that tend to develop with age like heart disease, cancer. It can also fight visible signs of aging, leaving your skin smooth and youthful. Although there are still some unwanted side effects, mainly an allergy to tree sap, papaya is still a food we should include in our daily diet.
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