Bright orange flesh and black kernels in the middle: The papaya is certainly one of the most exotic fruits that we can buy in Germany. We ask ourselves: is papaya healthy? And what exactly makes it a superfood?
What is a papaya and where does it come from?
The papaya belongs to the melon genus and occurs mainly in Central America and Mexico. The tropical fruit is particularly impressive due to its appearance. The flesh of the papaya is bright orange and is decorated with black seeds in the middle. These kernels can also be eaten, but they taste very spicy. Therefore, these are often either planted in or thrown away. The papaya meat, on the other hand, has a very discreet, slightly sweet taste – very refreshing in summer!
What makes papaya healthy?
The papaya kernels are not very popular because of their pungent taste. They are the healthiest part of papaya. The kernels contain a lot Papain. The enzyme papain helps in the processing of proteins and is said to support digestion in the stomach and intestines. In addition, it is said to help break down inflammation-promoting proteins and is therefore used for inflammation and swelling. There is also the option of eating the cores in powder form. The papaya meat contains many important minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C in particular is abundant, which strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases.
https://atlas.stroeermediabrands.de/admin/widgets/01E3MNAXPGX7S16FP9K95SJ7X1
Nutritional table
per 100 g papaya
Calories
43 kcal
carbohydrates
11 g
– Dietary fiber
1.7 g
– Fructose
8g
fat
0.3 g
protein
0.5 g
vitamin C.
60.9 mg
sodium
8 mg
potassium
182 mg
calcium
20 mg
The health benefits of papaya at a glance!
Contains vitamin C in a particularly high dose
Contains some minerals like iron and calcium
Supports the formation of healthy cells
Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth
The papaya contains papain, which helps with digestion and Inflammation helps
Is there a native alternative to papayas?
The papaya grows in tropical to subtropical countries like Thailand, China or Australia. In this country, the papaya can only be grown as a houseplant. This means that these fruits have to be imported from the producing countries for consumption. This has several disadvantages, because on the one hand it is very bad for the environment and on the other hand the fruit loses its taste on the trip because it often has to be frozen.
Unfortunately, there is no single, local fruit that comes close to the taste and healthy properties of papaya. Nevertheless, there are numerous local fruits and vegetables that can stand up to the properties of papaya:
Vitamin C: spinach, bell pepper, cabbage, currants and rose hips
Minerals: savoy cabbage, lentils, nuts, soy
Anti-inflammatory effects: ginger, garlic, green leafy vegetables, walnuts (omega-3 acids)
