Papaya is a versatile fruit which is eaten as a fruit as well as a vegetable. It has numerous internal and external health benefits. Let us find out some ways to eat the papaya.
Papaya is a spherical or pear-shaped fruit with musky undertones. It has a butter-like consistency and is sweet to taste. On an average, papaya is about 7 inches in length and one pound in weight. Medical professionals often suggest eating papaya.
This is because, it has a high content of nutrients that are vital for the normal functioning of the body. To learn about the health benefits and a simple way to eat papaya, go through the following paragraphs.
Why Should You Eat Papaya You should eat papaya to derive numerous health benefits from it. The list of nutritional benefits that this fruit contains, is quite long. Papaya is rich in:
Antioxidants
Carotene
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Potassium
Magnesium
Pantothenic acid
Folate
Fiber
All these nutrients are essential for the smooth functioning of various systems of your body. The vitamins and minerals present in papaya act as great boosters for metabolism.
Since its regular intake accelerates the rate of metabolism, your body utilizes fat deposits fast to generate energy. In the process, loss of fat cells imparts you a leaner and more toned body.
As has been mentioned, papaya has a high content of fiber. Because of its fiber content, you feel full for a long period of time. This keeps you satisfied and prevents you from eating more than required. This is another way that papaya assists you in losing weight. Therefore, eat papaya to lose weight.
The vitamins present in papaya are essential for maintaining the health of your skin and strengthening the immune system of your body. Eat papaya everyday to get glowing skin. With a strong immune system, your body is able to fight and resist various diseases and illnesses. Papaya contains a digestive enzyme called papain.
It helps in curing digestive system problems, wounds and allergies. Thus, now you know that papaya is surely a wonder fruit that can help you lead a healthy life for long.
How to Eat Papaya Get a papaya which is ripe and ready to eat. To identify one, look at the skin. It should have just turned from green to yellow. Secondly, the papaya should feel mushy when you press your finger on it. Wash it nicely with water. Cut it into two equal halves with a knife. You will find lots of black seeds deposited inside.
Papaya seeds and skin health is an interesting subject on which research is on. Herbalists believe that papaya seeds help in detoxification, and thus enhance the radiance of your skin. Take a large spoon and with its help scrape out all the seeds. You can store these papaya seeds in a refrigerator for use as a salad or pudding garnish in future.
Cut the papaya halves into smaller pieces. The shape and size depend upon your choice. Take one piece and peel off the skin with the knife. Do it carefully and try to peel out only the outer skin. Make sure that you do not cut out much of pulp while peeling. Take out the peel from all the papaya pieces separately.
Place all the pieces on a plate or a bowl. Sprinkle a small amount of salt, only if you wish to. Take a fork, insert it into a papaya piece and eat. You will find the taste deliciously sweet.
Papaya is served in salads, and can also be made into jams, sauces, pickles and juices. As I have said, papaya is very versatile and therefore raw papaya can be eaten in the boiled form with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Papaya was once considered an exotic fruit, however, it is now available everywhere and throughout the year. So, start off your day with a big slice of papaya and a big smile on your face.