Papaya is one of the most prized tropical fruits, cherished not only for its flavor but also for its impressive nutritional and medicinal value. This large, fleshy fruit—technically a hollow berry—weighs between 600 grams and 2.5 kilograms. Shaped like a cylinder or pear, its central cavity is packed with numerous black seeds, although some seedless varieties also exist.
As the fruit ripens, its smooth skin changes from green to a vibrant yellow or orange hue. Inside, the soft, juicy flesh—ranging in color from golden yellow to pink—offers a delicate aroma and melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes it a delicious treat.
Nutritional Value of Papaya (per 100g)
- Energy: 32 kcal
- Moisture: 90.8 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Minerals: 0.5 g
- Calcium: 17 mg
- Phosphorus: 13 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
- Vitamin C: 57 mg
- Vitamin B Complex: Present in small amounts
Papaya is especially rich in vitamin C, which increases as the fruit ripens. The fruit also provides easily digestible carbohydrates in the form of invert sugar—a type of natural, pre-digested sugar that’s quickly absorbed by the body.
Health Benefits of Papaya
1. A Natural Digestive Booster
Papaya is well-known for aiding digestion. The fruit contains papain, a powerful enzyme found in its milky latex, which helps break down proteins—similar to the digestive enzyme pepsin. Papain enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and supports energy production and muscle repair.
2. Supports Gut Health
Raw papaya is especially helpful in addressing digestive issues like indigestion, stomach irritation, and excessive mucus. Eating ripe papaya regularly can also help relieve constipation and chronic diarrhea naturally.
3. Effective Against Roundworms
Papain also acts as a natural anthelmintic—meaning it can destroy intestinal parasites like roundworms. This makes raw papaya juice a valuable traditional remedy.
4. Skin Care and Healing
The juice of raw papaya can be applied topically for various skin conditions. It can reduce inflammation, prevent pus formation in wounds, and treat corns, warts, and pimples. It’s even used cosmetically to lighten sunspots and improve skin texture.
5. Relief for Throat Issues
A blend of raw papaya juice and honey can be applied to soothe sore throats, inflamed tonsils, and diphtheria. This mixture helps dissolve infected membranes and prevent the spread of infection.
6. Beneficial for Spleen Health
Ripe papaya is considered helpful in reducing spleen enlargement, making it valuable for overall immune and blood health.
How to Use Papaya
Papaya is versatile and enjoyed in many forms:
- Ripe papaya is commonly eaten fresh at breakfast, in fruit salads, or as a dessert.
- It’s also used in juices, jams, and even ice creams for a tropical flavor.
- Unripe papaya is often cooked and used as a vegetable in savory dishes.
- Papain, extracted from the latex of immature fruits, has many applications—it’s used to tenderize meat, produce chewing gum, make cosmetics, and support digestion in supplement form.
Conclusion
Papaya is more than just a sweet tropical fruit—it’s a natural remedy and nutritional powerhouse that supports digestion, skin health, immunity, and more. Whether eaten fresh or used for its enzyme-rich latex, papaya offers a wide range of benefits that have been valued since ancient times.
