This fruit high in vitamin C is papaya, whose scientific name is Carica papayaa herbaceous plant of the genus Carica in the family Caricaceae. Its fruit is also commonly known as papayón, fruit bomb, olocotón, papayo, mamón, lechesa or lechoza.
This fruit contains large amounts of vitamins and proteins that help prevent disease. It is particularly interesting because of its vitamin C content.
As the weather gets colder in the Southern Hemisphere, it is important to eat healthy and provide the body with all the nutrients it needs to boost immunity.
Papaya contains more vitamin C than oranges
One of the foods that contains more vitamin C than oranges is papaya. It is a soft fruit with a sweet and fairly fleshy taste from southern Mexico and Central America.
According to the University of Navarra Clinic, papaya contains 80 grams of vitamin C per 100 grams of this food. In comparison, oranges only contain 50 grams of this nutrient per 100 grams.
A medium serving of papaya provides 224% of this micronutrient’s total daily vitamin C requirement.
Additionally, it contains a total of 120 calories; 30 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 18 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein.
The medical sales portal confirms that, in addition to vitamin C, this food also contains large amounts of folic acid, vitamin A, magnesium, copper, pantothenic acid and fiber.
What properties does papaya have?
The doctors of Medical News Today They emphasize that papaya has a number of benefits: it prevents heart disease, reduces the risk of certain cancers, controls blood sugar, improves wound healing and lowers high blood pressure.
Papaya’s main nutrient is zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that filters ultraviolet rays. In addition, it protects vision and prevents macular degeneration from progressing with age.
Asthma prevention
Reduces the risk of asthma due to its contribution of beta-carotene to the daily diet.
Nutrients like beta-carotene, also found in apricots, broccoli, melon, pumpkin and carrots, may play an important role in preventing asthma.
prevent diseases
Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant found in papaya, may help reduce the risk of cancer, especially in young men.
According to a study published in the journal, research has shown that diets rich in beta-carotene may have protective properties against prostate cancer Biomarkers for cancer epidemiology and prevention.
Strengthens bones and maintains bone health
Papaya keeps bones strong thanks to its vitamin C and K content. This nutrient is essential for absorbing calcium and preventing bone fractures. Foods like papaya can help increase vitamin K levels in the body, thereby improving bone health.
Diabetes control
A diet high in fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A small serving of papaya provides a significant amount of fiber, which can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
Improve digestion
Papaya prevents constipation as it contains the enzyme papain, which is known for its digestive properties. In addition, the high fiber and water content helps maintain a proper and healthy digestive tract. Prevents heart disease: This food contains fiber, potassium and vitamins. These nutrients are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Antiparasitic
The seeds are vermifuge, emmenagogue. Particularly interesting against hookworms, roundworms, Trichuris and Strongyloides.
inflammation
Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in papaya that helps our bodies sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. This nutrient also helps maintain cell membrane structure, transmit nerve impulses, metabolize fats, and reduce chronic inflammation.
Skin and healing
When used topically, crushed papaya promotes wound healing and prevents infection in the burned area. Researchers believe that the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain found in papaya are responsible for these beneficial effects. Ointments containing the enzyme papain are also used to treat pressure points (wounds).
Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is necessary for the formation and maintenance of collagen, which is responsible for the structure of the skin.
Hair health
Papaya is also good for hair health as it contains vitamin A, an essential nutrient for sebum production that helps moisturize hair.
Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all tissues in the body, including skin and hair.
How to consume papaya
- It can be eaten fresh, in juice, smoothies, salads, desserts, etc.
- The seeds can be dried and eaten as a snack.
- Tea can be made from the leaves.
Papaya, once considered an exotic and rare fruit, is now available almost all year round. So look for it in the nearest market.
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