Eating papaya to lose weight: True or not?

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Papaya is a nutritious food that brings health benefits to people. This fruit has a sweet taste when ripe, low in calories but contains many vitamins and minerals, especially eating papaya for weight loss is very effective.

1. The origin of papaya?

Papaya is a soft, yellow-orange tropical fruit. This fruit belongs to the family Caricaceae, has a round, plump shape. Its flavor depends on whether you are eating ripe or unripe papaya. When ripe, papaya is sweet and has a flavor comparable to that of a melon. Unripe papaya has little or no flavor.
Papaya is native to tropical America, with original origins in Mexico and South America. This fruit was introduced to the Caribbean by indigenous peoples, eventually reaching Europe and the Pacific islands before being introduced to Hawaii in the 1800s.

2. Nutritional composition of papaya

Similar to other fruits, papaya is healthy as part of a balanced and relatively low-calorie diet, according to the US Department of Agriculture's MyPlate guidelines. The nutritional facts in papaya include:
2.7 g fiber or 10% DV. 31 milligrams (mg) of calcium or 3.1% DV. 33 mg of magnesium or 8% of the DV. 286 mg of potassium or 6.08% of the DV. 0.13 mg of zinc or 0.9% DV. 95.6 mg of vitamin C or 106.2 percent of the DV. 58 micrograms (mcg) of folate or 14.5% DV. 1,492 international units (IU) of vitamin A or 30% of the DV. 0.47 mg of vitamin E or 2.4% of the DV. 4.1 mcg of vitamin K or 5.1% of the DV. 68 calories.

3. Can you lose weight if you eat papaya?

Eat papaya to lose weight because of its low calories. In addition, this fruit also provides abundant fiber, complete nutrition for the body and helps to feel full for longer. As a result, you can consume fewer calories during the day.
In particular, the fiber in papaya also promotes a healthy digestive system. With improved digestion, you will feel less bloated, helping to flatten your stomach.
So does eating green papaya lose weight? In fact, green papaya contains a high amount of latex, so people with latex allergies should not eat it. It is important that you avoid eating green papaya if you are pregnant, as the latex can cause uterine contractions and early labor.

4. What are the potential health benefits of papaya?

In addition to eating papaya to lose weight, this food also helps:
Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that kills brain cells. It causes memory problems and a gradual loss of intellectual ability.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. But oxidative stress plays a role in causing this condition. One study found that fermented papaya pulp extract could help counteract the effects of oxidative stress in people with Alzheimer's disease and slow the progression of the disease.
Helps protect against certain types of cancer Free radicals and oxidative stress have been implicated in the cause of different types of cancer. Because papaya is rich in antioxidants, it can help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
The lower risk of cancer is also due to the active ingredient lycopene in papaya which has anti-cancer properties. Lycopene is a natural pigment that gives some vegetables and fruits their color. In addition, papaya contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which protects against prostate cancer.
Strengthen your immune system As an excellent source of vitamin C, eating papaya can strengthen the immune system and protect the body from a variety of diseases and infections.
Protects the heart Papaya contains vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, which help keep your arteries healthy and promote blood flow. This can also lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Aids in lowering blood sugar If you have type 2 diabetes and are looking for ways to help lower your A1C (average blood sugar level over two to three months), papaya can help you reach your goal.
Plays a role in fighting inflammation Papaya can also act as a natural pain reliever thanks to the enzyme papain. This enzyme increases the body's production of cytokines, which are a group of proteins that help regulate inflammation.
Can help protect eyes In addition to eating papaya to lose weight, the nutrients contained in this food such as: Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E can protect eyes and help prevent macular degeneration caused by macular degeneration. age.
Improves Digestion The high water content in papaya can also help improve digestive symptoms by reducing bloating and constipation. The fiber in papaya helps to increase bowel movements, reducing the risk of colon cancer.

5. How to choose and store papaya for the best quality and taste

You will find this fruit in the grocery store year-round. However, for the best taste of papaya, buy the fruit only when ripe, or wait until ripe.
Unripe papaya has a mixed color between yellow and green, and when ripe, it is bright yellow and firm (lightly pressed, it may feel soft). If you buy ripe papayas, avoid the ones that are too soft, and choose ones with few or no blemishes.
A green papaya from the grocery store will ripen in a few days. Once ripe, store fruit in the refrigerator to help slow down ripening.

6. What are the possible health risks of eating papaya?

Although papaya is healthy and low in calories, some possible side effects are as follows:
Be aware that green papaya contains a high amount of latex, which decreases as it ripens. It is important that you avoid eating green papaya if you are pregnant, as the latex can cause uterine contractions and early labor. If you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy, it is possible that you are also allergic to papaya. Signs of a latex allergy include hives, itching, stuffy nose, wheezing, and chest tightness. In the case of a severe latex allergy, eating papaya can lead to anaphylaxis or severe breathing difficulties. Papaya is a good source of fiber and good for digestive health, but eating too much can cause 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. In addition, some evidence suggests that papaya seeds may act as a killer and reduce sperm motility. Therefore, men and women should avoid eating papaya seeds if they are planning to become pregnant. In short, eating ripe papaya can lose weight, supplement nutrients needed by the body. However, eating papaya should have a suitable level, should not be used too much because it can cause counterproductive effects.

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Reference source: Everydayhealth.com