Nutritional Facts & Health Benefits of Papaya

The papaya is a tropical fruit native to South America, and is ranked as the third most widely grown fruit worldwide. It has a smooth texture, pleasant taste, and distinct smell. Moreover, it has great nutritional value in addition to its delicious flavor. Papayas, like many other fruits, have high natural sugar content, thus you should only eat them in moderation. This article will examine the calories, nutritional value, and the various health benefits of papaya.

While most of the calories in papaya come from its sugar content, it also contains many important nutrients that keep the human body fit and active. Consuming papaya in moderation can lead to a variety of health benefits. Let’s take a look at the pie chart and table below to better understand the calories in papaya and all its nutrients.

 

A single, medium-sized papaya has about 130 calories, and it is also a great source of micronutrients, such as vitamin C, which boosts immunity and guards against a variety of illnesses. Moreover, it contains potassium, which is an essential electrolyte for our body.

However, one full papaya also contains approximately 18 grams of sugar, which make up approximately 70 calories out of the total 130 calories in papaya. In order to burn out 130 calories, you will need to run for around 15 minutes, cycle for approximately 20 minutes or walk for about 30 minutes.

Papaya is a fruit that can be eaten in a variety of ways, from eating it raw to adding it to fruit salads or making juices/shakes out of it. However, it is also important to understand how many calories papaya contains in relation to other fruits so you can plan your diet accordingly. Here is the comparison table:

Here are some important health benefits of consuming papaya that you should be aware of:

• Papaya contains antioxidants that help slow down the ageing process by reversing muscular degeneration, thereby protecting the body against many related illnesses

• Papaya contains a nutrient called beta-carotene, which may be helpful in reducing the risk of asthma

• According to a published study, beta-carotene also plays an active role in the body by reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men

• Papaya contains Vitamin K which is very helpful for maintaining bone health as it promotes calcium absorption and reduces the amount of calcium lost through urine

• Health reports claim that the high level of fibre in papaya helps combat diabetes and improves digestion. The dietary fibre also helps alleviate symptoms of constipation and other stomach related problems

• The fibre, potassium and vitamins found in papaya also help to improve heart health and keep heart diseases at bay

• Choline, a chemical found in papayas, is known to reduce inflammation, aid in sleep, muscle movement, and improve memory

• Papaya contains vitamin A and C, which promote hair growth and tissue growth. These vitamins help the body heal faster from injuries

• Papaya contains a lot of carbohydrates that are a good source of energy for the body

Besides their health benefits, papayas come with certain disadvantages as well. Here is a list of the possible adverse effects papayas may have:

• Consuming papaya may be harmful for pregnant women. As per studies, the roots and seeds of papaya may be detrimental to the development of the foetus. The latex in papaya may also cause uterine contractions

• Studies have shown that overeating papaya may lead to stomach and digestive related problems like diarrhoea, stomach pain, etc.

• Pollen present in papaya called papain may cause allergic reactions for some people. These could result in rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness, etc.

• As papaya is high in sugar, overconsumption of it may also lead to weight gain

When eaten in moderation, papaya is a wonderful and tasty fruit that offers numerous health advantages. Even though eating foods high in nutrients, like papayas, is a great way of taking care of your health, it might not be sufficient. Healthcare expenses have skyrocketed in recent years, and even a short stay in the hospital can have a significant financial impact on you.

If you want to stay protected, it is a good idea to look into getting a good health insurance plan that will keep you secured against various medical costs. Health insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets offers attractive premiums, cashless claims and hassle-free renewals.

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