papaya calories. Calorie content and useful properties - papaya. Vitamin and mineral composition of fruits

03.12.2021Heading: Payment

In the tropics, papaya is considered quite tasty and important fruit. Almost everyone loves to eat the fruits of an exotic plant. They are somewhat reminiscent of . It is for this reason that papaya is called a melon tree. Sometimes fruits can reach about 7 kg, and cultivars generally 3 kilograms each. If the skin of the fruit is fully cooked, it is yellow-orange in color. When you buy it, be sure to pay attention to it. Green-skinned fruits should not be used, they are immature and can lead to serious upset. We note that inside the papaya contains a large number of seeds - about 700 pieces.

Description

Papaya belongs to the gourd tree. When baked over a fire, papaya will have a pleasant aroma of fresh bread, which is why some call it "breadfruit". Now papaya is actively used in cooking and medicine. Ropes are made from stems and bark. Ripe fruits are recommended to eat raw. Papaya is an excellent addition to fruit salads, desserts. The fruit can be paired with cheese and other hard varieties.

Due to the fact that papaya contains pectin, delicious jelly is prepared from it. Are you out of luck, did you buy unripe fruits? It is recommended to give the fruit heat treatment. Papaya is fried, stewed with vegetables, meat. Especially popular in Thailand. In addition, the fruit is rich in the enzyme papain, which helps to tenderize even tough meats. In ancient times, the Indians specially added the fruit when they marinated the meat of an old animal.

papaya seeds

In cooking, seeds are the best substitute, they are considered quite sharp. In Asia, they like to use the leaves of a young plant. They are often put in a salad, can be steamed, served as a side dish.

How many calories are in papaya? A fruit has no more than 75 calories. It all depends on the variety, and on how large the fruit is. Berries contain a lot of fructose, protein, glucose, fiber, beta-carotene, organic acids, vitamin B1, B2, B5. Papaya is rich in sodium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium. Nutritionists are sure that papain is a particularly valuable enzyme, which acts in much the same way as gastric juice. The fruit contains a lot of protease, vitamin A, E, C. This group of vitamins is considered an excellent antioxidant.

Benefit

Tropical fruit is rich in various nutrients. It is advised to use it for prophylactic purposes of bowel and stomach cancer. Please note that there are many properties of this useful tropical fruit, which is why it is advised to use it as a reliable remedy for various oncological diseases, as well as in order to prevent diabetes. Papaya has a large amount of dietary fiber that binds and removes harmful toxins from the body.

We note that the skin and pulp of the fruit have a regenerating effect, quickly heal various wounds. In addition, the fruit is part of various anti-aging,.

Can pregnant women eat papaya?

Tropical fruits contain a lot of folic acid. It is extremely necessary during the bearing of the baby, as well as during the lactation period. Due to this substance, it is possible to prevent anemia, to ensure the flow of fresh blood to the uterus. In case of a shortage of these substances, everything ends with birth defects, problems with the nervous system of the child.

Attention! Many nutritionists are against eating papaya during pregnancy. It contains papain, which is very harmful to the baby.

The healing power of enzymes

The fruit contains:

Arginine.
Karpain.
Papain.

Arginine is essential for the male reproductive system. Without papain, protein food is not digested in the body. And carpain helps to improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

In addition, papaya contains fibrin. It is a very important enzyme involved in blood clotting. We all know that the best vegetable for vision is, and so papaya is much more useful than it. With the help of fruit, you can improve your health. With regular use of the fruit, substances appear in the body that do not allow vision to decrease, protect against damage to the retina, and slow down the process of its aging.

Regular use of papaya:

Strengthens the body.
Restores strength.
Improves mood.
Accelerates the healing of wounds, burns.

The fruit is especially useful for the treatment of beriberi hernia. It makes it possible to maintain the body in good shape, reliably protect against cancer, influenza.

Unripe fruits are rich in papain, which perfectly breaks down protein, fats, and starch. Fruit should be on the menu of those who have poor digestion of protein. We note that daddy has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory properties. It is found in various medicines. Dentists love to use papain cream, it treats caries very well.

Tablets help to heal:

Ulcer.
Gastritis.
Relieve digestive problems.

Papain is actively used for cosmetic purposes. It is often added to various creams, ointments that remove freckles, remove excess hair on the body.

Papaya juice relieves herpes. It is enough to apply it several times on the affected skin. In addition, various diseases of the spine are treated with juice. We note that papaya contains an enzyme that regenerates connective tissues. Sometimes juice is used as an antihelminthic, it perfectly treats eczema, diseases of the intestines, stomach.

Please note that papaya is rich in various plant fibers. Due to them, you can quickly normalize cholesterol, protect yourself from thrombosis. The pulp of the product is an excellent antipyretic against high temperatures, because it contains salicylic acid. By eating fresh fruit, you get rid of, noticeably improve your condition.

So, papaya is an interesting exotic fruit worth trying. It's useful enough. It can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The main thing to consider contraindications to avoid an allergic reaction.

The tropical fruit papaya is available in our supermarkets almost all year round. And in the confectionery department you can buy dried pieces of this fruit. Meanwhile, the word "papain" is little associated with the exotic. It is known from a school biology course that this is one of the peptides, an enzyme involved in protein digestion. Children's encyclopedias even write that tropical travelers are happy to eat random game with fresh papaya to improve digestion. Whatever it was with the diet of travelers, an exotic fruit can be very useful for us.

The content of the article:

The main enzyme of this fruit is the papain polypeptide. In structure and action, it resembles the enzyme pepsin, which is naturally produced in the digestive tract. Papaya in fresh form, therefore, is able to improve the digestion of a healthy person, and promote the digestion and assimilation of “heavy” protein-rich meals.

The papaya itself is often referred to as the fruit of the melon tree, due to its similar shape. The fruit contains many seeds, and its weight sometimes reaches 6 kg, which only enhances the similarity. However, it differs chemically from cantaloupe and other types of melon. First of all, papaya contains more vitamins. Among them are vitamin A, E, C, D, and B vitamins. This composition explains the antioxidant properties of the fruit. In its natural form, it is often prescribed for those who want to improve the condition and appearance of the skin.

Papaya contains a fairly large amount of dietary fiber, and only 39 kcal per 100 g. Most of these calories, however, are “delivered” to us by carbohydrates. It is not known where the information that came from about the rich amino acid composition of papaya simply cannot be true - at 0.6 g of protein per 100 g of fruit, you will have to eat a whole kilogram to get a miserable 6 g of pure protein.

Classical domestic dietology recommends limiting papaya if a person wants to lose weight. This is due to the fact that the fruit can stimulate appetite. However, Western experts strongly recommend including the fruit in a diet, especially rich in protein. Regular consumption of papaya will not only “cheer up” a losing weight person who is tired of insipid foods, but will also help activate anti-catabolic processes in the muscles, which means keeping more muscles on low calorie diet. However, there is no “medical” amount of papaya for weight loss. Most often, 150-200 g of this fruit per day appears in diets for 1200-1500 kcal.

Dried papaya, when cooked in a dehydrator, contains all the health benefits of fresh papaya, and is rich in vitamins. But the candied fruits of the melon tree, which we often see in the confectionery departments, have nothing to do with healthy fruits except for the name. To prepare them, papaya is boiled in sugar syrup, so nothing but a quick glucose "sweets" do not give.

Natural papaya oil is obtained from the seeds of the melon fruit. They are pressed with a cold press, the finished oil is bottled in dark glass bottles without the use of preservatives. They are not needed. Thanks to papain in the composition, the product retains its properties without additional preservatives, and is considered an excellent antibacterial agent.

Papaya oil is not eaten, it can cause indigestion due to its richness in papain and other enzymes. The product has astringent disinfectant properties. In folk medicine, it is used as an analogue of a plaster and a means for disinfecting wounds. It is enough to lubricate the damaged skin with oil, and a film is formed through which pathogenic microorganisms cannot penetrate.

In cosmetology, papaya oil is used as a means of a wide spectrum of action:

they lubricate the areas affected by acne, the oil is softer than tea tree essential oil, but is also able to eliminate the causes of inflammatory processes;
used as one of the components of complex anti-aging and skin-tightening masks. Often papaya oil is mixed with white clay or pureed bananas and avocado to nourish the skin with both vitamins and healthy fats;
apply a hair product to fight oily seborrhea of the scalp and eliminate increased secretion of sebum;
it is used as a remedy for the prevention of fungal infections and diaper rash on the skin of the feet. The oil is applied at night, put on socks, and just left on the skin. In the morning, the oil will be absorbed, and there will be no discomfort.

Papaya oil is also included in the composition of massage anti-cellulite mixtures. Here it is used as a drainage and warming component. Many recipes combine papaya oil in small amounts with sesame and olive oil, as well as a few drops essential oils of citrus.

papaya juice

Papaya juice is simply delicious and healthy. It contains the enzyme papain, which improves digestion and protein absorption. Nutritionists do not recommend juices only to those who have difficulty with portion control. People seeking to lose weight should limit what is easy to eat in large quantities. Juices are usually drunk like water, and therefore this product should be limited.

Although on the Internet you can find the opposite point of view. Papaya juice should be drunk by anyone who wants to lose weight, as it burns fat. There is a change in concepts here. Improved digestion doesn't always mean that a certain food actually burns fat or changes metabolism. Enzymes in the composition of the juice only accelerate the absorption of protein and make it easier for those people who are forced to eat a lot due to the specifics of their sports activities. Therefore, papaya juice can rather be called a drink of bodybuilders and powerlifters, not slimmers.

How to peel papaya, how to eat it

Usually papaya is not peeled, but cut. Those who prefer peeled cubes should treat the fruit as melon or watermelon. First, cut into pieces, then separate and clean each separately with a sharp knife.

The fruit is eaten fresh, in its “pure form”, or in the form of fruit puree, salad, and also as part of various complex dishes. It is believed that papaya should not be in contact with air for a long time, the fruit pulp can change its color and even taste from this. The papaya is cut into 4 parts, and each slice is cut into cross-sections and broken. And the fruit itself is eaten just like a melon, cutting the flesh from the peel with a knife or just separating it with your hands.

Related video:

dried papaya

Finding a truly dried papaya in our "lands" is a problem. What they give us for her is pieces of papaya boiled in sugar syrup. Evil tongues say that this is not always papaya - you can find almost well-sweetened and flavored zucchini. But that's not the point. It is customary to be afraid of papaya with sugar, but this is not necessary. You should just perceive the product as candy, and not as the "alpha and omega" of a healthy diet. You can eat sweets, in moderation sometimes, but you shouldn't build your daily diet. That's all.

Salad with papaya and seafood

200 g each shrimp, mini octopus and papaya pulp, green leaf lettuce, any, a spoonful of red balsamic vinegar, and a spoonful of olive oil, a pinch of dried ginger and salt.

Boil the seafood, cool it, cut the papaya into cubes, pick the salad with your hands, chop everything together and mix. Serve slightly chilled in the refrigerator.

Tropical ice cream cocktail

Banana, papaya, large red grapes, strawberries, mint, and 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla protein.

Freeze bananas until firm. Mix strawberries in a blender with protein and mint. Cut grapes into halves. Mash the papaya. Chop bananas too. Put in dessert glasses in layers - banana, papaya, strawberries, banana, decorate with halves of grapes.

Fruit puree soup

Plain pumpkin, 400 g, a liter of water, 2 cups of coconut milk, papaya, pineapple, and red grapes for decoration.

Boil the pumpkin in a mixture of water and coconut milk. Together with the remaining water, grind in a puree with a blender. Finely chop the rest of the ingredients and add on each plate separately.

In modern Western dietology, the theory is widespread that the human digestive system is genetically tuned to feed only on those fruits, vegetables and fruits that grow in the area of \u200b\u200bits birth. The theory does not explain what to do with emigrants and settlers, but it is she who most often justifies indigestion, stomach pain and other troubles after eating exotic fruit.

In fact, in order not to suffer from a stomach after papaya, you should follow the simple rules for eating tropical fruits:

do not mix them with products containing a lot of starch, including breakfast cereals, oatmeal, potatoes, and various muesli, as well as with bread;
try not to eat fruit salad, but take only one type of fruit at 1 meal;
do not eat a new fruit for yourself on an empty stomach. It is best to combine papaya with protein dishes, and lean game, poultry and fish are more “safe” here than cottage cheese and kefir;
thoroughly wash and clean the "sample", do not eat the fruit with the skin, as it may be chemically treated for better transport.

You should not use papaya for patients with both types of gastritis, colitis, gastroduodenitis, and other diseases of the digestive tract. People with inflamed oral mucosa should also avoid papaya. After eating, you should use dental floss and rinse your mouth to get rid of the fibers stuck between the teeth.

The fruit is rather poorly combined with another supplier of plant enzymes - pineapple. You should not eat papaya with fresh milk.

An allergy to the fruits themselves, or the artificial wax with which they are coated for transportation, is also possible. Moreover, an allergic reaction can be confused with a common cold - most often, lovers of tropical fruits swell up the mucous membranes, and they are tormented by a runny nose. If you experience symptoms, visit an allergist, and don't forget that tropical fruits should be consumed in moderation.
Pear

Video about the benefits of papaya

Especially for – fitness trainer Elena Selivanova

For our latitudes, papaya is an exotic fruit. To some it resembles a melon, to others - a pumpkin. It really looks like our native gifts of nature.

There was controversy regarding the species of the fetus. It was decided that at the household level, papaya should be called a fruit or a vegetable, depending on the condition of the fruit. Unripe or stale - a vegetable. Fresh ripe specimens are considered fruits. Although according to the botanical classification it is a berry.

What does papaya look like and where does it grow?

The undoubted advantage of papaya is that it can always be consumed fresh. The fruits ripen all year round.

Distribution area

It is believed that the birthplace of the tree is Mexico. Today it grows in tropical countries on both sides of the equator: Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Cuba, and others. They are trying to cultivate it in the surrounding areas. Pilot plantations have been established on the Black Sea coast of the South Caucasus.

What does it look like

Papaya grows in clusters on trees up to 9-10 m tall, resembling a palm tree. The crop is harvested in the first year after planting seedlings. The fruits are oval in shape, similar to a melon, 12-35 cm in diameter, up to half a meter in length. Weight - 0.5-4.5 kg, giants up to 6-7 kg are not uncommon.
High-quality ripe papaya brings the greatest benefit:

bright, evenly colored, without black dots or grayness;
yellow or orange, preferably with pink barrels;
elastic, soft, but not squeezed under the finger;
the flesh is pink-orange, red, salmon-colored, green in some varieties;
aroma like that (some compare with forest raspberries).

The peel must be whole, not damaged. Wet or sticky means processed to artificially preserve the presentation. There is no benefit from such fruits.

fruit taste

The taste depends on ripeness: unripe specimens are almost tasteless. As for the ripe ones, everyone has their own opinion:

Someone sees a melon, others boiled sweet carrots, zucchini, apricots.
Connoisseurs advise trying papaya holland. It is medium-sized, yellow, with pink barrels, it tastes like notes of coffee or chocolate. In Indonesia, the variety is known as "california".
The second "exotic among the exotic" is a red embossed papaya. It has a sweet, but unbanal taste and red flesh: scarlet or slightly muted.
There are varieties with green flesh (like apples). Benefits bring soft specimens.

Baked at the stake or in the oven, the fruits smell like freshly baked bread. No wonder papaya is called melon or breadfruit.

The concept of "papaya season" is irrelevant, you can go to its tasting at any time of the year.

How to Peel and Eat Papaya

When you first get acquainted with tropical exotics, the question of how to eat papaya is inevitable. There is nothing complicated.

How to clean and eat

Only the pulp of the fruit is edible. They consume it like a melon:

wash;
cut in half lengthwise (especially large specimens - into quarters);
a tablespoon or dessert spoon remove the fibers with bones.

The remaining pulp is processed in different ways:

cut or take out with a spoon from the peel;
peel off and cut into slices;
cut into slices on the skin of the slices, then carefully cut down on a plate.

They eat directly from the half with a spoon, fork or holding onto skewers stuck in pieces.

Culinary assortment

You can appreciate the taste of fresh papaya in a salad, as a smoothie or juice. In processed form, these are jams, marinade, soft ice cream. In Thailand, tourists are treated to the number one national dish - spicy Tam Som salad. These are dried shrimp flavored with garlic, chili peppers, green papaya.
Some "life hacks" from the inhabitants of the country will come in handy at home:

Ripe papaya drizzled with lime juice or green lemon juice is a substitute for a full breakfast.
Especially good with exotic seafood.
A spoonful of juice or a couple of pieces of fruit is added to the broth so that the meat melts in the mouth.
For a change, the fruit is combined with orange or lemon juice.
Green fruits are added to fish, meat dishes, soups. Before cooking, they are cut to glass the liquid. The pulp can be fried, stewed, boiled. Pieces are baked like a barbecue, or stewed like a zucchini.

Traditional Thai dish - papaya with meat, rice and spices. Fruits of medium maturity make the baked dish refined and refined.

How to store

Almost all tourists bring this exotic as a gift or for themselves. The question of how to keep papaya at home comes up with an edge. Fresh fruits are stored, like melons, in the refrigerator. But only two weeks. For months, dried or dried fruit does not deteriorate and benefits.

Calorie content and chemical composition of papaya

The tropical fruit has a well-deserved reputation as a storehouse of health-boosting elements.

vitamins

Emotional Latin Americans dubbed the papaya "fruit bomb" for a reason. It really is a bomb.
The champion in this section is vitamin C (two-thirds of the total composition). The second in volume is A. They are supplemented by vitamins: groups B (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9), D, E, K, PP, β-carotene, choline.

Micro and macro elements

First up is potassium. Other components (in descending order by volume):

copper;
magnesium;
calcium;
phosphorus;
sodium;
selenium;
iron;
zinc;
manganese.

Potassium is more than the rest of the elements combined.

Other components

The fetus also contains:

almost two dozen amino acids;
a dozen fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6;
carbohydrates: fructose, glucose, mono- and disaccharides.

Dietary fiber is also beneficial.

calories

100 grams of pulp contains (g):

water - 86-88;
carbohydrates - 8-11 (including mono- and disaccharides - 5.9);
fat - 0.14-0.26;
proteins - 0.47-0.62;
fiber - 1.8-2.2;
ash - 0.5-0.7;
saturated fatty acids - 0.04.

Depending on what variety and how ripe the papaya is, the calorie content is 38-47 kcal / 100 grams.

Uniqueness

The “chip” of the fruit is the plant enzyme named after it. In the stomach, papain breaks down everything that is problematic to digest: fats, starch, proteins.
Useful as a softener for the toughest meats. This was established by the American Indians, who roasted game. Their experience is used by modern chefs and housewives.
From other papaya enzymes, the benefits and harms are determined by the degree of maturity of the fetus.

Benefits of papaya

From a fruit such as papaya, the benefits are palpable in various forms. The main thing is that in the early stages, the papain enzyme destroys the protein present in cancerous structures.

Benefits of Candied Papaya

Candied papaya is useful, like fresh pulp, but less, because they are boiled.
Product advantages:

useful substances are stored longer;
you can have a hearty and quick snack;
lovers of candied fruits have less cholesterol in the blood, the liver works better, skin rejuvenation is underway;
antipyretic for flu, sedative for insomnia.

They are easy to prepare at home. In a purchased product, you need to pay attention to the composition and color. If there are dyes, flavors, other additives, the benefit is zero.
Candied papaya has a calorie content of 320-330, that is, seven to eight times more than a fruit without "sugar" processing.

The benefits of seeds

Papaya seeds (there are up to 700 pieces in the fruit) are not consumed fresh, but are beneficial as raw materials:

The bitter, pungent taste of the seeds has made them a popular oriental spice, similar to black pepper.

The benefits of dried fruit

For residents of non-tropical regions, dried or dried papaya is a godsend. The benefits are like from a fresh product, but it is stored for months. The fruit is washed, cleaned of seeds and peel, cut into thin slices, sent to a non-hot oven (60-65 ° C). Stored like ordinary dried fruits - at room temperature, without sealing tightly.

Useful properties for the body

The benefits of papaya for the body are evaluated as therapeutic and prophylactic in the following areas:

skin problems: eczema, insect bites, thermal burns;
blood: cholesterol level decreases, thrombosis is prevented;
teeth: prevention of caries, reduction of bleeding gums.

The main benefit of papaya is the prevention or inhibition of oncology.

Papaya strengthens the eye muscles, helps maintain vision. This is important for older people and those who sit at the computer (that is, almost everyone). With it, youth is prolonged, immunity is strengthened.

What is useful fruit for women

Fruit exotic is useful for the female body in every sense:

the skin becomes radiant, smooth, elastic;
eases the condition with PMS;
you can sleep less, but better;
the emotional state is improved, a barrier of depression is put.

Dieters need to be vigilant: the fruit benefits as a low-calorie, but increases appetite. Zealous is also not worth it, so that the skin does not turn yellow.

papaya consumption during pregnancy

As a storehouse of nutrients, it is desirable for women during pregnancy:

anemia becomes impossible or inhibited;
toxicosis, constipation is prevented, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized;
folic acid is of particular benefit for the proper development of the fetus; provides blood circulation between the body of the mother and the child;
cleanses the body of toxins;
relieves skin stretch marks.

However, unripe hard-skinned specimens are "stuffed" with peptin. It provokes an increase in the intensity of uterine contractions, so even a lobule can "organize" an unplanned birth.
The use of half-ripe papaya (pulp and seeds) provokes a miscarriage.

Papaya extract in cosmetology

World cosmetic giants have appreciated the advantages and benefits of exotic. Its extract appears in almost the entire range of beauty products:

skin: preparations for whitening, removing warts, bleaching freckles, post-epilation care;
hair: shampoos, masks, conditioners, balms;
toothpastes.

Oil is a separate line:

skin: cleanses, moisturizes, removes acne; suitable for ladies with any type;
hair: treats ends, strengthens follicles.

If there are no products with these components on sale, a few drops added to the main product will also be useful.

Benefits for a man

Papaya contains arginine, a natural aphrodisiac that has a beneficial effect on potency. 150-250 g of pulp daily help maintain sexual health, increase male strength. The benefits of papain are in the destruction of keratin and slowing down hair growth. Therefore, shaving products with this component are popular.

Application in traditional medicine

African sorcerers, Peruvian brujos, healers of East Asia have studied and used the healing properties of papaya for centuries. Different parts of the tree are beneficial:

The juice of immature specimens heals open, deep, festering wounds.
They also neutralize poisons from insect bites. The remedy is considered an anesthetic, helps with eczema, problems with the spine (hernia, osteochondrosis).
Seeds are used for anthelmintics.
Leaves are used to instantly heal wounds.
Infusions from flowers treat colds.

Drugs of a wide range of action are prepared from the pulp.

Papaya contraindications

Regarding papaya, the benefits and harms to the body are determined by the degree of maturity and consumption rules:

Only ripe fruits are beneficial.
The juice should be white, uniform in consistency. Watery, colorless occurs in spoiled specimens.
Juice and pulp of green fruits are dangerous. They contain carpain. Even small doses of this alkaloid provoke intoxication of the body, pain in the abdomen, and indigestion.
Freshly picked from the tree, ripe fruits abound in latex juice. It is recognized as an allergen. Their immoderate eating can cause burns - internal and external.
A ripe specimen is also tried carefully: for a start, a small slice or piece is enough.
Unripe papaya (pulp and seeds) acts as a contraceptive.

If there are doubts about the maturity of the fruit, and it is a pity to throw it away, process it: fry, boil or steam.

Allergy sufferers should be especially vigilant. A person may experience individual intolerance, an allergy to papaya. But only tasting allows you to find out.

Conclusion

The benefits of papaya are obvious. It can be consumed by almost everyone, given to children from two years old, especially if they eat poorly.
For us, this is still a curiosity, so you need to get to know each other gradually. If we are talking about children, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician.
This exotic is worth a try to be enriched with new taste sensations, to become healthier.

Papaya (Carica papaya)

Papaya, melon tree, breadfruit, or pawpaw - is a thin tree up to 10 m high, with an umbrella of long (up to 70 cm) leaves. The fruits develop in the axils of the cuttings and reach 45 cm in length. Ripe papaya fruits are pear-shaped and have soft, aromatic amber-yellow flesh.

History and distribution

Papaya was known to the Indians of Mesoamerica many centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Today, papaya trees are grown in all tropical countries: Brazil, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines and Jamaica. Papaya is very fond of heat and humidity, so it is very difficult to grow it outside the tropics.

Application

Papaya is used in cooking and medicine, and the stems and bark of trees serve as raw material for ropes.

Ripe papaya fruits are usually eaten raw, peeled and de-seeded, added to fruit salads and desserts. In salads, papaya goes well with Parmesan and other hard cheeses. Due to the high content of pectin, papaya can be used to make jelly.

Unripe fruits are subjected to a variety of culinary treatments: stewed and fried with vegetables and meat. Green papaya fruits are especially popular in Thai cuisine.

The papain enzyme found in green papaya can tenderize even the toughest meats. This property was known to the American Indians, who marinated the meat of old animals in the pulp of papaya.

Papaya seeds have a spicy flavor and can replace black pepper. In some Asian countries, young papaya leaves are also eaten. They are steamed and served as a side dish or added to salads.

Compound

The nutritional value of papaya is very high: it contains a lot of sugar and fiber. Papaya is rich in vitamins A and C. One medium-sized fresh fruit contains 3 daily intakes of vitamin C and about 60% of the daily intake of vitamin A. In addition, papaya contains B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus.

Properties

Papaya stimulates digestion and stimulates appetite. Papaya juice slows down the growth of tumors and can be used to treat early stages of cancer. Papaya seeds have antibacterial properties and prevent kidney disease.

Papaya leaves are used to prepare a drink that prevents malaria infection.

Attention!

Green papaya and its seeds have contraceptive and abortive properties!

Unripe papaya can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Interesting Facts

When roasted over a fire, papaya fruits smell like fresh bread, which gave this plant the name "breadfruit".

By 2010, 80% of all papayas in the Hawaiian Islands are harvested from genetically modified plants. The new varieties Sunup and Rainbow have been created to resist a dangerous virus that is destroying papaya trees.

Garrison Ford, during the filming of "Indiana Jones", got rid of a herniated disc by injecting papain, a substance isolated from the pulp of papaya.

Calorie and nutritional value of papaya

papaya calories - 39 kcal.

Nutritional value of papaya: proteins - 0.61 g, fats - 0.14 g, carbohydrates - 8.01 g

Such an exotic fruit as papaya has become famous in our latitudes relatively recently. Papaya is a palm plant native to the rainforests of South America. The fruits of the fruit have a bright yellow, orange color. The skin of the papaya is greenish. The pulp of the fruit is very juicy, and the juice has special benefits for the human body. Fresh papaya pulp has truly healing properties. Fortunately, today the fruits can be found on the shelves of large supermarkets all year round. What are the health benefits of papaya?

Vitamin and mineral composition of fruits

The birthplace of the fruit is South America, Mexico. Today, trees are grown in Thailand and other Asian countries. Therefore, the export of exotic fruit is established. Papaya is also called the melon tree. This is because the vitamin and mineral composition of the fruit pulp is very similar to the composition of the melon. So, first of all, it is worth noting multiple vitamins.

Only 100 grams of pulp or natural papaya juice contains the necessary daily rate of ascorbic acid. Therefore, this rate is 60 mg. In second place among the vitamin composition is vitamin A. It is fat-soluble, so a small amount of vegetable fat should be added to papaya juice for maximum absorption and benefit. Papaya fruits are saturated with folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, vitamins E, K.

It has been established that the fruits of an exotic fruit contain anabolic components. They saturate bone tissue with calcium, activate protein production in the body. Papaya is also famous for its high content of such minerals and trace elements:

Potassium;
Magnesium;
Calcium;
Iron;
Zinc;
Phosphorus.

Also, insignificant doses of beta-carotene, beta-crypto-xanthine, lutein-zeaxanthin were noted in the composition of the product. The benefits of the product for the digestive system are determined by the presence of dietary fiber, pectins, fiber.

papaya calories

Recommended for use during the diet. The product will help reduce body weight, as it is low in calories. 100 grams of papaya pulp contains only 47 kcal. This figure is average. The number of calories can vary from 24 kcal to 70 kcal. It all depends on the variety of papaya fruit. But still, nutritionists keep papaya in their arsenal of diet food.

A lot of healthy fruit water is found in fruits. So, the liquid makes up 86-88% of the total composition of the pulp. Also, it is worth noting the natural sugars - fructose, sucrose, glucose. There are also small amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Fats are only 0.1 g, proteins - 0.5 g, carbohydrates - 9.1 g. Contains papaya and ash, malic acid, resins, fatty oils, carpain.

Health Benefits of Papaya

The benefits of fruits can be traced not only due to the rich vitamin composition. The pulp of the fruit contains the natural enzyme papain. It got its name because of this fruit. The enzyme has the same effect as gastric juice. Therefore, the main beneficial property of papaya is the rapid digestion of food, the maximum absorption of nutrients. Also, papain contributes to the rapid breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which speeds up metabolic processes.

Among other beneficial properties of papaya, it is important to mention the dietary properties of the fruit. A large amount of dietary fiber and fiber improves intestinal motility. Due to this, toxins and slags are quickly removed from the body. It is useful to eat papaya for constipation. The record high level of ascorbic acid in the fruit contributes to the burning of excess fat. And in combination with physical activity, vitamin C will turn adipose tissue into muscle.

Medical benefits of papaya

Residents of countries where papaya is grown know that regular consumption of the juice and pulp of the fruit normalizes blood pressure. Therefore, doctors recommend eating the product for all hypertensive patients. In general, the product has a positive effect on the work of the heart. Thus, the restoration of the heart rhythm prevents the occurrence of heart attack and stroke.

Papaya juice with honey is very useful for diseases of the respiratory system. Doctors advise such a drink for the treatment of laryngitis, tracheitis. And for the treatment of tonsillitis, you need to drink the juice of unripe fruits. Such fruits contain high levels of antibacterial components. Papaya is a natural antioxidant. It helps fight the harmful effects of free radicals. And numerous laboratory studies have proven that the use of pulp helps to cure colon cancer at the initial stage of the development of the disease.

Vitamin A improves eyesight. It is enough to consume 2 servings of fruits per day to maintain high visual acuity until old age. What are other health benefits of papaya? Fruits are extremely useful for women's health. The juice of the product eliminates pain during menstruation, restores the normal menstrual cycle. In folk medicine, fruit juice is also used to eliminate some of the consequences of abortion. Papaya is suitable for people suffering from diabetes. And of course, the product increases the protective functions of the body.

The benefits of papaya in cosmetology

The pulp and juice of the fruit are actively used to cleanse and whiten the skin. Using juice as a lotion or tonic, you can get rid of clogged pores, acne. Therefore, plant extract is often added to cosmetics. Papain, which is part of papaya, relieves the skin of the face of dead cells. Due to this, the skin becomes lighter. Papaya is also good for hair. Plant-based masks relieve dandruff.

How is papaya used?

You can use papaya in any form. It is customary to peel the fruit, cut the pulp into cubes and eat. Also, the fruit is added to various fruit salads. Unripe fruits are suitable for cooking main dishes - stews, soups, roasts, curries. Papaya fruits are considered universal, as they go well with seafood, berries, other fruits, meat, nuts, milk, honey. The only thing that is unsuccessful is the combination of papaya with beans. The average allowable intake of papaya pulp is 100 grams per day.

Various face masks are prepared from the pulp of the product. It is enough to put the pulp puree on the face for 20-25 minutes. Such a simple mask will clear the skin, get rid of acne. In addition, the skin will be perfectly moisturized, it will become velvety. For all skin types, this option of a cosmetic product is also suitable:

Prepare 2 tablespoons of papaya puree;
Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey;
Apply to cleansed face skin;
Leave for 20 minutes;
Wash off with warm or cool water.

To give elasticity to the skin, you can mix the pulp of the fruit with rice flour. The mask is kept on the face for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. It is recommended to carry out this cosmetic procedure three times a week to obtain the most positive result. A mixture of 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a small amount of papaya pulp, 1 tablespoon of honey will act as an excellent body scrub.

How to choose a quality papaya?

Only a quality product will provide benefits to the body. But spoiled fruits are extremely dangerous to health. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the right fruit. There are two main types of fruit: Hawaiian and Mexican. In the first, the fruits are quite small, allowed to be eaten raw. Mexican papaya is larger, subject to heat treatment.

Ripe fruit has an orange or bright yellow color. The presence of small single red spots on the peel is acceptable. Also, some varieties have a green peel, which is also considered the norm. Necessarily, ripe fruits are elastic, without dents, dark blotches. You can also judge the quality of a product by its smell. A good papaya has a raspberry flavor. When pressing on the surface, it should not leave dents. Otherwise, this phenomenon will indicate overripeness, lethargy of the fetus.

Papaya with green spots on the surface is better not to buy. It speaks of her immaturity. And the unripe fruits of some varieties can be dangerous, as they have poisonous juice. If the fruit does not have any smell, this indicates the use of chemicals in the process of growing the plant. In general, good fruits have a flat, smooth surface, without dots, pits. Only such a product will bring maximum benefit to the body.