Ten Reasons you should eat or Drink Papaya Fruit Juice.

Last updated on November 21st, 2024 at 02:15 pm

5 minutes read.    

In this article:

Ten Reasons you should eat papaya

Easy papaya recipe idea

Side Effect

Drug Interactions with Papaya Juice

Conclusion

Overview

Pawpaw fruit, sweet like Fanta, is an incredibly healthy tropical fruit that virtually everyone claves for. The Igbo-speaking people call it ofuruero meaning beautiful okra.

It’s rich in vitamins C, and A, and loaded with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, fight disease, and help keep you looking young. It had been found to have anti-aging properties.

Pawpaw also known as papaya with the scientific name ” Carica papaya” has been used in many cosmetics products such as soap and body cream.

You may not be a fan of papaya, but it’s such a nutrient-dense fruit to stay healthy.

This article tells you Ten Reasons you should start eating papaya daily if you have not been doing that before.

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Ten Reasons you should eat papaya

1. Yummy and Loaded With Nutrients

Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant.

You can find this beautiful fruit in all tropical regions of the world, especially parts that have enough rainfall and sunshine within the year.

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can break down the tough protein chains found in muscle meat. Because of this, people 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 is high in latex, which can stimulate contractions. (1)

Papayas are shaped similarly to pears and can be up to 20 inches (51 cm) long. The skin is green when unripe and orange when ripe, while the flesh is yellow, orange, or red.

The fruit also has many black seeds, which are edible but bitter.

One small papaya (152 grams) contains: (2)

• Calories: 59
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Fat 0.4g 0% DV.
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin C: 157% of the RDI
• Vitamin A: 33% of the RDI
• Folate (vitamin B9): 14% of the RDI
• Potassium: 11% of the RDI
• Calories 62 3% DV
• Sugar 11g 23% DV.

Trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B1, B3, B5, E, and K.

Papayas also contain healthy antioxidants known as carotenoids, particularly one type called lycopene.

What’s more, your body absorbs these beneficial antioxidants better from papayas than from other fruits and vegetables. (3)

2. Has Powerful Antioxidant Effects

Free radicals are reactive molecules created during your body’s metabolism. They can promote oxidative stress, which can lead to disease.

Antioxidants, including the carotenoids found in papayas, can neutralize free radicals. (4)

Studies note that fermented papaya can reduce oxidative stress in older adults and people with prediabetes, mild hypothyroidism, and liver disease. (5, 6, 7 , 8 )

Also, many researchers believe that excessive free radicals in the brain are an important factor in Alzheimer’s disease. (9)

In one study, people with Alzheimer’s given a fermented papaya extract for six months experienced a 40% drop in a biomarker which indicates oxidative damage to DNA  and is also linked to aging and cancer. (10, 11)  

The reduction in oxidative stress is attributed to papaya’s lycopene content and ability to remove excess iron, which is known to produce free radicals. (12, 13)

3. Has Anticancer Properties

Research suggests that the lycopene in papaya can reduce cancer risk. (12)

It may also be beneficial for people who are being treated for cancer. (14)

Papaya may work by reducing free radicals that contribute to cancer.

In addition, papaya may have some unique effects not shared by other fruits.

Among 14 fruits and vegetables with known antioxidant properties, only papaya demonstrated anticancer activity in breast cancer cells. (15)

In a small study in older adults with inflammation and precancerous stomach conditions, a fermented papaya preparation reduced oxidative damage. (16)

However, more research is needed before recommendations can be made.

4. May Improve Heart Health

Adding more papaya to your diet may boost your heart health.

Studies show that fruits high in lycopene and vitamin C may help prevent heart disease. (17, 18 )

The antioxidants in papaya may protect your heart and enhance the protective effects of “good” HDL cholesterol. (19, 20)

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 people given a placebo.

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 people given a placebo.

An improved ratio is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. (20, 21)

5. May Fight Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, and unhealthy foods and lifestyle choices can drive the inflammatory process. (22)

Studies show that antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like papaya help reduce inflammatory markers. (23, 24, 25, 26 )

For example, one study noted that men who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids had a significant decrease in CRP, a particular inflammatory marker. (26) 

6. May Improve Digestion

The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest.

People in the tropics consider papaya to be 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 had significant improvement in constipation and bloating. (27)

The seeds, leaves, and roots have also been shown to treat ulcers in animals and humans (28, 29)

7. Protects Against Skin Damage

In addition to keeping your body healthy, papaya can also help your skin look more toned and youthful.

Excessive free radical activity is believed to be responsible for much of the wrinkling, sagging, and other skin damage that occurs with age (30)

The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya protect your skin and may help reduce these signs of aging (31)

In one study, supplementing with lycopene for 10–12 weeks decreased skin redness after sun exposure, which is a sign of skin injury. (32)

In another, older women who consumed a mixture of lycopene, vitamin C, and other antioxidants for 14 weeks had a visible and measurable reduction in the depth of facial wrinkles. (33)

8. Delicious and Versatile

Papaya has a unique taste that many people love. However, ripeness is key.

An unripe or overly ripe papaya can taste very different from a perfectly ripe one.

When optimally ripe, papaya should be yellow to orange-red, although a few green spots are fine. Like an avocado, its skin should yield to gentle pressure.

Its flavor is best when cold, so it’s a good idea to keep it refrigerated whenever possible.

After washing, it well, you can cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and eat it out of the rind with a spoon, like a cantaloupe or melon.

As it’s incredibly versatile, it can also be combined with other foods that complement its flavor.

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Easy papaya recipe idea

Here are a few easy recipe ideas using one small papaya:

Breakfast: Cut it in half and fill each half with Greek yogurt, then top with a few 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 lime juice and mix well.

Smoothie: Combine the diced fruit with coconut milk and ice in a blender, then blend until smooth.

Salad: Chop papaya and avocado into cubes, add diced cooked chicken, and dress with olive oil and vinegar.

Dessert: Combine the chopped fruit with 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of chia seeds, 1 cup (240 ml) of almond milk, and one-quarter teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well and refrigerate before eating

Related:

What are the Medicinal Benefits of papaya (pawpaw-ofuruero) Seed?

Why you should not Eat Unripe Papaya (pawpaw) during Pregnancy?

What are the health benefits of Pawpaw (papaya) leaf juice? Plus Recipe Tips

Side Effects

Ripped pawpaw fruit is considered generally safe for most people.

But you should not eat ripped or unripe pawpaw fruit on an empty stomach.

Reason: Pawpaw fruit contains vitamin C and increases digestion if it gets into your empty stomach and there’s nothing to digest your intestinal walls may be affected, so it may result in stomach gas which is not good for your gut health. 

This can most affect people who have IBS or IBD. I have experienced stomach gas times without number each time I ate pawpaw fruit early in the morning before a meal.

And I know someone who has complained to me about this symptom. Perhaps you may have experienced similar effects, but never knew why such a thing is happening to you.  

I advise you to eat papaya fruit after a meal. It will help digest the food fast and still keep your satiety for a long.

If you normally eat or drink pawpaw fruit juice on an empty stomach, watch out for these symptoms:

• inflammation of the gut lining after some years of forming this as a routine meal.
• wheezing
• nasal congestion
• stomach gas
• irritation of the stomach

Pregnant women should avoid eating unripe papaya.

Some people may generalize that eating papaya fruit isn’t good for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers but in my opinion and observation, I don’t believe that because ripped papaya fruit was one of my mother’s favorite fruits during pregnancy and even while breastfeeding her baby.

She gave birth to eight children and had never had any birth complications or issues related to eating papaya.  However, she normally avoids unripe papaya fruit, leaves, and seeds

So don’t get confused ripped papaya fruit is a healthy fruit to behold during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but unripe papaya fruit isn’t recommended at all because it contains latex and papain.

The type of latex in unripe papaya should be avoided by pregnant women because:

• It might trigger marked uterine contractions, leading to early labor.
• It contains papain which your body may mistake for the prostaglandins sometimes used to induce labor.
•  It may also weaken vital membranes that support the fetus.
• If you have a latex allergy or papain allergy, you must be cautious before consuming papaya juice.

Latex is a common allergen that could trigger a dangerous reaction.

Drug Interactions with Papaya Juice

Can papaya fruit interact with any medications?

Answer:

Papaya juice may interact with the following medications:

• Papaya juice may interact with Amiodarone (taken in case of heart abnormalities). It may increase the blood level and adverse effects of Amiodarone.
• A large amount of papaya juice may reduce the effect of Levothyroxine.
• Papaya juice may cause the blood sugar level to drop too low if taken along with anti-diabetic drugs.
• Papaya juice may increase the effect of warfarin (which is taken to prevent the formation of clots). (6)

On the other hand, you should not stop or alter your ongoing medicines. Instead, consult your doctor before consuming papaya juice if you are taking any medications mentioned above. However, if you experience discomfort after consuming papaya juice, discontinue it right away.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of drinking papaya juice? 

There might be potential use of papaya juice for improving immunity, promoting digestive health, and healing wounds, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and microbial infections. (1, 3, 4)

Can pregnant women consume papaya juice? 

Pregnant women can eat or drink ripe papaya fruit juice provided nothing else that is not good for pregnancy isn’t added. Ripe papaya is a delicious fruit to behold during pregnancy. However, it is essential to seek medical advice from your doctor before drinking papaya juice during pregnancy if you have concerns.

Can papaya be used to heal a wound? 

Yes, papaya may be the potential natural fruit to heal a wound due to its wound-healing properties.

Can papaya juice be used for diabetes? 

Yes, papaya juice may be used for diabetes; however, if you are on anti-diabetic medication, you should avoid consuming papaya juice to avoid too much drop in blood glucose.

Which medicines interact with papaya juice? 

Medicines like Amiodarone, Levothyroxine, and warfarin may interact with papaya juice.

Conclusion

Papaya is rich in valuable nutrients and has a delicious taste.

Its powerful antioxidants like lycopene may reduce your risk of many diseases, especially ones that tend to come with age, such as heart disease and cancer.

It may also defend against the visible signs of aging, helping your skin remain smooth and youthful.

Try adding this healthy and delicious fruit to your diet today.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The content provided in Living Good Blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal doctor. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Living Good Blog takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person(s) reading or following the information in this educational content. Viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.