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Is papaya a laxative: Natural Laxatives: 10 Fruits That Fight Constipation

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Natural Laxatives: 10 Fruits That Fight Constipation

Fruits, such as papaya, orange and plum are great natural laxatives for getting rid of constipation, even in people with a long history of this condition. These fruits contain large amounts of fiber and water, which speed up intestinal transit and make the formation of stools easier.

These fruits can be consumed daily, both fresh and in natural juices or fruit salads, and can also be given to babies and children, but in smaller quantities so as not to cause diarrhea. 

1. Papaya

Papaya is very rich in water and fiber, and is well known for its power in helping with digestion. The “formosa” papaya variety is even more laxative than the common papaya, as it has almost twice as many fibers.

While 100 g of the Formosa papaya has 1.8 g of fiber, the common papaya has 1 g, which it’s still a good amount. The two varieties of fruit have about 11 g of carbohydrates and 40 kcal for every 100 g, in addition to nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.

2. Orange

Oranges are rich in water, which helps hydrating the intestines and stools, but they also provide a lot of bagasse (pulp, rind, and seeds), that is composed of fibers for a better digestion. One orange has about 2.2 g of fiber, which is a greater amount of fiber that the one found in 1 slice of brown bread, for example.

However, it’s important to remember that orange juice has virtually no fiber, because when the fruit is squeezed just for the juice, the bagasse ends up being wasted, along with the peel. Therefore in the form of juice, orange is not a good natural laxative.

3. Plum

The plum, both fresh and dried (prunes), is rich in fiber and is a great food for the intestine. Each black plum has about 1.2 g of fiber, in addition to providing phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins to the body.

An important tip is to look at the product label when eating prunes to check if there is sugar added to the product, which greatly increases the calories of the plum and hampers weight loss. So, prunes without added sugar are the best.

4. Acerola cherries

Acerola cherries have about 1.5 g of fiber for every 100 g of fresh fruit, and only 33 kcal, which makes this fruit a great ally for the overall diet and the intestine. In addition, this same amount of acerola has 12 times the daily recommended amount of vitamin C for an adult, so it’s richer in this vitamin than orange and lemon, for example.

5. Avocado

Avocado is a champion in fiber content: 100 g of this fruit brings about 6 g of fiber. It’s also rich in fats that are good for the body and that help with the passage of stools through the intestine, in addition to promoting cardiovascular health and improving levels of good cholesterol.

6. Banana

Although being known as a fruit that hampers digestion, each banana has at least 1 g of fiber. The secret is to eat this fruit when it’s very ripe, so that its fibers will be ready to help in intestinal transit. On the other hand, those who need to control diarrhea should eat the banana when it’s still half green, because, that way, its fibers will help to hamper digestion.

Even better than this fruit in its fresh state is the green banana biomass, as it has a high-fiber content and is a naturally prebiotic food, which helps the health of the intestinal flora.

7. Fig

Two fresh figs have about 1.8 g of fiber and only 45 kcal, which reduces the feeling of hunger for longer. As in the case of plums, when buying dried figs go for those with no added sugar and check the list of ingredients on the product label.

8. Kiwi

Each kiwi has about 2 g of fiber and only 40 kcal, making this fruit a great ally for the intestine and weight-loss diets. In addition, 2 kiwis provide an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement and have a high antioxidant power, helping to prevent diseases and improve the health of the skin.

9. Rose apple

Although not very common, the rose apple is one of the richest fruits when it comes to fiber: 1 rose apple provides about 2.5 g of fiber, an amount that is often found in 2 slices of whole grain bread. In addition, it has only 15 kcal per fruit, much less than most fruits, which is great for weight loss and reducing the feeling of hunger.

10. Pear

Each pear, when eaten with its peel, has about 3 g of fiber and only 55 kcal, which makes this fruit one of the most important to help the intestine. A good tip for weight loss is to eat a pear about 20 minutes before a meal, as this way its fibers will act in the intestine and generate a feeling of satiety, which reduces the feeling of hunger at the time of the meal.

Why you must start your day with papaya on an empty stomach

Summer is right here, so what better time than now to enjoy some summer fruits. While the list of summer fruits is long, one fruit that you must include in your diet, and consume it on an empty stomach, is papaya. Wonder why? Read on to know more.

The yellowish-orange coloured fruit is considered to be an excellent source of fibre besides being low in calories. This helps one reduce weight and even keep cholesterol in check.

Besides that, a cup of papaya when had on an empty stomach is known to clear the digestive tract of toxins and smoothen the bowel movement due to the presence of digestive enzymes. It is also known to keep away digestive disorders like bloating, upset stomach and constipation.

How does papaya help?

As a rich source of vitamin A and C, papaya helps boost the immune system by removing toxins from the body. This helps keep illnesses and infections away.

To aid you in your weight loss plan, include a cup of papaya in your morning routine. The low calorie content combined with fibre helps keep one fuller for longer by keeping unnecessary hunger pangs away.

The presence of vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and fibre in papaya helps keep the arteries healthy which promotes blood flow. This increased circulation is known to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body that helps reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

The presence of enzyme papain is said to act as a natural painkiller that helps reduce inflammation in the body. How does it happen? Papain is said to increase the body’s production of cytokines, a group of proteins, that help regulate inflammation.

ALSO READ | Why you must start your day with a teaspoon of ghee on an empty stomach

The nutrients in papaya including lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E are believed to be good for the eyes and for the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

While we are only talking about the consumption of papaya and how it helps one’s health, the fruit also has various benefits for one’s skin. Being one of the primary sources of vitamin C, it contains carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene which when added together, do wonders for the skin. They help protect the skin against free-radical damage, which results in wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

How should you have papaya?

The best way to enjoy the fruit is raw when it is ripe. Nevertheless, it can also be added to desserts, salads and smoothies to make for a filling treat.

Who shouldn’t have?

Due to the presence of latex in papaya which may cause early labour and uterine contractions, pregnant women are advised to avoid the fruit

6 Side Effects Of Papayas You Should Know

Add it to your salads or blend it into a glassful of juice or smoothie, papaya (or papita), makes for an excellent summer delight. This low-calorie fruit has many health benefits to offer. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, it is known to have antibacterial properties and promotes good digestion, and almost every part of the plant can be consumed. It is a good source of antioxidant carotenoids such as beta-carotene that helps protect eyesight. Moreover, papaya leaves have even been found effective against dengue fever. Papaya has long been used as a meat tenderiser too. High in fibre content, it is said to manage conditions like constipation. While the sweet orange delight is celebrated for its many benefits, it has certain side effects, too, if consumed in excess.

This all-rounder has some significant side-effects that you’ll need to watch out for. We list out some common side effects that may convince you to reduce the quantity of consuming papayas. Please note that the side effects may vary from person to person.

Side Effects of Papaya

1. May be Harmful for pregnant women

Most health experts advise pregnant women to avoid eating papaya as the papaya seeds, roots and infusion of the leaves can harm the foetus. An unripe papaya fruit has high concentration of latex that can cause uterine contractions. The papain component present in the papaya may damage certain membranes in the body that essential for foetal development.

(Also Read: 10 Foods You Should Avoid During Pregnancy) 

Most health experts advise pregnant women to avoid eating papaya

2. Could lead to digestive issues

Papaya has high amounts of fibre content; while it may be great for people with constipation, excessive consumption of it could lead to an upset stomach. Moreover, the skin of the fruit contains latex that can irritate the stomach and cause pain and discomfort. The fibre in the fruit can also bind with the stools and cause diarrhoea, leaving you dehydrated. (Read: Fruits that help better digestion)

3. May not go well with medications

According to the US National Library of Medicine, papaya may interact with blood thinning medications, which can lead to easy bleeding and bruising.

papaya may interact with blood thinning medications

4. Known to lower blood sugar significantly

Fermented papaya could lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for diabetics. It is always best to consult a doctor, especially if you are a diabetic who is on medications.

5. Can cause other allergies

The papain in the fruit or pollen from the flowers can lead to certain allergies. Some of the reactions may include swelling, dizziness, headache, rashes and itching.

(Also Read: Identifying Food Allergy: Know The Triggers And How To Prevent A Reaction) 

The papain in the fruit or pollen from the flowers can lead to certain allergies

6. Could cause respiratory disorders

The enzyme papain present in papaya is said to be a potential allergen. Excessive consumption could cause different respiratory disorders like asthma, congestion and wheezing. 

It is best to avoid eating papayas in large quantities in order to prevent health issues. In case you have any disease, consult a doctor who will be able to guide you better as to how much amount of the fruit is safe for you.

Is Papaya a Natural Laxative?

Is Papaya a Natural Laxative?

You may suffer from constipation now and then even if you are following a healthy lifestyle and taking a healthy diet. You might then look for the OTC laxative for curing constipation. However, it is good to look for a natural laxative which are completely natural, easy and simple to use and also absolutely safe. So why not try papaya fruit which is a natural laxative known to be excellent for your digestive tract and aids in relieving constipation.

Is Papaya a Natural Laxative?

Yes, Papaya is a natural laxative. Papaya, especially the green papaya is wonderful in straightening out the digestive tract and providing you relief from constipation. Now, what actually makes papaya such a great natural laxative? This fruit contain a large amount of fiber and is stuffed with a digestive enzyme known as Papain. The combined benefits of huge amount of fiber and the digestive enzyme Papain make papaya a great natural laxative for relieving constipation.

If you are taking papaya as it is, you need to try partially unripe papaya which contains the most papain and is beneficial in preventing from constipation as it safeguards the partially digested proteins in your large intestine. The rich amount of insoluble fiber present in papaya aids to bulk-up the faeces in your colon, and thus allowing it to move easier.

How Much Papaya Should You Eat for Constipation?

You can eat 2-3 cups or half of a large papaya fruit, if you have not passed a stool for one day. You can also drink papaya juice instead for relief from constipation. The juice as contain more water content is more an effective natural laxative. However it contains less fiber content which may not be good for relieving constipation. But again, if you simply blend the fruit then you can find the best benefit from the papaya juice. However, if you use a juice extractor then you will lose a lot of fiber.

It is thus known that papaya act as a natural laxative and can provide you relief from constipation and piles etc. however, it is essential for you to add dried or fresh figs for improving the laxative properties of papaya. However be very careful if you are pregnant as consuming unripe papaya can induce labor.

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Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Pramod Kerkar, M.D., FFARCSI, DA Pain Assist Inc.

This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer

Last Modified On: November 21, 2019

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Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions

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Papaya: Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, & Uses

Papaya is among the most popular fruits, known for its luscious, juicy taste. It is grown all over the world and is especially popular in tropical and subtropical areas. Although it is more commonly associated with Asian food, papaya is actually native to the Americas. Also known as pawpaw or papaw, the scientific name of papaya is Carica papaya.

Why You Should Eat Papaya?

Papaya fruit is packed with nutrients that aid in healthy digestion, boosted immunity, and heart health. Papaya in its raw form contains enzymes, which are used in the preparation of dietary supplements and chewing gums. Latex, derived from the raw papaya fruit, is used as a meat tenderizer. Papaya is also used in several cosmetic, skin, and beauty products like papaya soaps, as well as certain chewing gums.

Papaya Nutrition Facts

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, papaya is possibly rich in antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as some B vitamins (folate and pantothenic acid). It is also a good source of fiber and minerals such as magnesium. [1]

A 100 g serving of raw papaya contains only 43 calories and 10.82 g of carbohydrates. You can easily add it to your smoothies and salads without worrying about your weight.

Watch Video: 4 Surprising Benefits Of Papaya

4 Surprising Benefits Of Papaya And How To Eat It | Organic Facts

Watch this video on YouTube [2]

Health Benefits of Papaya

Let us look into the amazing benefits of papaya below.

Nutrition Facts


Papayas, raw

Serving Size : 100 g1 cup 1″ pieces (145 g)1 cup, mashed (230 g)1 fruit, small (157 g)1 fruit, large (781 g)
NutrientValue
Water [g]88.06
Energy43
Energy [kJ]179
Protein [g]0.47
Total lipid (fat) [g]0.26
Ash [g]0.39
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]10.82
Fiber, total dietary [g]1.7
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]7.82
Glucose (dextrose) [g]4.09
Fructose [g]3.73
Calcium, Ca [mg]20
Iron, Fe [mg]0.25
Magnesium, Mg [mg]21
Phosphorus, P [mg]10
Potassium, K [mg]182
Sodium, Na [mg]8
Zinc, Zn [mg]0.08
Copper, Cu [mg]0.05
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.04
Selenium, Se [µg]0.6
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]60.9
Thiamin [mg]0.02
Riboflavin [mg]0.03
Niacin [mg]0.36
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.19
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.04
Folate, total [µg]37
Folate, food [µg]37
Folate, DFE [µg]37
Choline, total [mg]6.1
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]47
Carotene, beta [µg]274
Carotene, alpha [µg]2
Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg]589
Vitamin A, IU [IU]950
Lycopene [µg]1828
Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg]89
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]0.3
Tocopherol, beta [mg]0.02
Tocopherol, gamma [mg]0.09
Tocopherol, delta [mg]0.01
Tocotrienol, beta [mg]0.07
Tocotrienol, gamma [mg]0.01
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]2.6
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]0.08
12:0 [g]0
14:0 [g]0.01
16:0 [g]0.06
18:0 [g]0
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g]0.07
16:1 [g]0.04
18:1 [g]0.03
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]0.06
18:2 [g]0.01
18:3 [g]0.05
Tryptophan [g]0.01
Threonine [g]0.01
Isoleucine [g]0.01
Leucine [g]0.02
Lysine [g]0.03
Methionine [g]0
Phenylalanine [g]0.01
Tyrosine [g]0.01
Valine [g]0.01
Arginine [g]0.01
Histidine [g]0.01
Alanine [g]0.01
Aspartic acid [g]0.05
Glutamic acid [g]0.03
Glycine [g]0.02
Proline [g]0.01
Serine [g]0.02
Sources include : USDA [3]

May Have Antioxidant Potential

Papaya fruit is a rich source of antioxidants. [4]

Multiple studies show that fermented papaya may help in reducing oxidative stress. This, in turn, helps in delaying aging, managing type 2 diabetes, and alleviating hypothyroidism. It has also been shown to help in fighting liver disease. [5] [6] [7] [8]

In vivo research also shows that using unripe papaya in a regular diet may help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. [9]

A 2012 animal study shows that papaya fruit extracts may help in boosting the immune system. [10]

For more information on papaya leaf, its benefits and uses, click here.

May Aid in Digestion

Papaya is a popular natural remedy for stomach disorders, such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, ulcers, and acidity.

A study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters found that papaya helped in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and relieving digestive problems. [11]

Papaya juice and the ripened form of papaya also aid in digestion. The fiber obtained from the fruit helps to increase bowel movements, says a study by a group of researchers from Austria. Improved bowel movements help ease the passage of stool, thereby reducing the effects of constipation. [12]

You can know more about the Benefits and the Recipe for Papaya Juice here.

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Improve Heart Health

Include papayas in your daily diet as a snack to keep your heart healthy and young.

The seeds of papayas are good for keeping your heart healthy. Papayas may contain three powerful antioxidants- namely vitamins A, C, and E. This means that they may help prevent atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. [13] [14]

Studies show that papayas may also help in lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the body. [15]

Here is a detailed article on the Nutrition Facts, Benefits, & Side Effects of Papaya Seeds.

May Have Anti-inflammatory Effects

Papayas help in reducing inflammation in your body. [16]

These fruits contain enzymes like papain and chymopapain, which help lower the inflammation in different parts of the body, according to research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. [17]

Research shows that papaya leaves showed an anti-inflammatory effect on many allergic conditions and they may also help relieve asthma. [18]

Papaya contains papain, an anti-inflammatory agent that has the potential to relieve joint pain. Because of this compound, a 2020 pilot study has included papaya in an anti-inflammatory diet (ITIS diet) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, more studies are yet to be conducted on this. [19]

May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder in which the ocular cells degenerate, resulting in blurred vision and sometimes blindness. [20]

According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, consuming fruits that are rich in carotenoids daily may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). [21]

An antioxidant named beta-carotene gives papaya its orange color. Just as carrots help improve the eyesight due to the presence of beta-carotene, papayas are also known to be effective in reducing the effect of macular degeneration. [22]

Papayas are also a rich source of vitamin A, which helps in keeping your vision healthy. [23]

Might Relieve Toothache

Different parts of the papaya tree and fruit have been used for dental problems.

Research shows that a solution made from the papaya leaf latex helps in relieving toothache, mouth sores, sore throat, and thrush. [24]

May Aid in Skin Care

Papayas can be great revitalizing agents, which is why they are used in many cosmetics and are even used in homemade face masks by many people. The papain kills cells and purifies the skin. [25]

Lycopene, present in papayas, may reduce wrinkle formation in postmenopausal women. A good facial massage using papaya is a fabulous remedy to remove dead cells. If you are a person who spends most of the time outdoors, then papayas can be a great help as they fight free radicals that age your skin. [26]

The beneficial properties and the healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin. The peels of papayas are also used to rub on the face and hands for healthy skin. Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, skin infections, psoriasis, and others. [27]

The latex obtained from papayas is used to treat the areas on the skin affected by acne. The fleshy side of the papaya skin can be used as a mask to treat acne. [28]

Know how papaya seeds benefit your health here.

May Regulate Menstruation

Papaya juice can be of great help for women with irregular menses. Moreover, papaya has been treated as traditionally been used as a natural contraceptive in the Indian subcontinent. [29]

Consumption of green, unripe papayas can normalize the irregularity in one’s periodic cycle. Papayas are considered a “hot food”, meaning that they may produce heat in the body. This excessive production of heat in the body is thought to stimulate the estrogen hormone, inducing periods in females. [30]

Know more about the Nutrition & Benefits Of Green Papaya (Unripe Papaya) here.

Add fresh papaya or dried papaya slices to your salads for a sweet treat.

Tips to Eat Papayas

These sweet fruits with musky undertones are a treat for every person. They can be added to salads, juices, smoothies, and sauces.

If you are wondering what papaya tastes like, it has a mild to extremely sweet taste. It has the flavors of cantaloupe melon and mango. Ripe papaya has a butter-like texture and it melts when you put a cube in your mouth.

Here are a few recipes you can make with papaya.

If you want to know how to choose, store, ripen, and cut papaya, follow this guide.

Side Effects of Papaya

Consumption of papaya in normal amounts is recognized as safe by the FDA. However, there are certain side effects of consuming papaya.

Pregnant Women: Papaya is classified as being harmful during pregnancy. Latex, present in high concentrations in raw and semi-ripe papayas, may cause uterine contractions leading to miscarriage. So, it’s best if you avoid eating papaya if you are pregnant. [31]

Gastrointestinal Irritation: Consuming too many papayas can cause a powerful laxative effect in the intestines. Avoid eating large quantities of papaya, especially if it is in its raw form. Unripe or raw papaya can cause pain in the intestines or stomach and can sometimes cause esophageal perforations.

Seeds: The black seeds of the papaya contain traces of an enzyme called carpine, which is a potentially toxic substance. According to the International BioPark Foundation’s information about medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon, this enzyme can make the nerve centers numb, which could lead to paralysis or cardiac depression. In some cases, the narrowing of blood vessels is also seen, which is caused due to carpine. [32]

Allergies: If you are allergic to papain, avoid having papaya, or confirm with your doctor before you consider it as a regular food in your diet.

Interaction with medicines: Papaya may interfere with blood-sugar-lowering medications. So, it’s best to talk to a medical expert about dietary additions if you are on medication.

Papaya Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

What is Papaya?

Papaya is a small, bushy tree with a hollow trunk, large palmate leaves, and oblong smooth-skinned fruits (melons). The melons are usually picked in a green state and allowed to ripen. When ripe, the flesh is sweet and juicy and similar in taste to other melons.

Scientific Name(s)

Carica papaya

Common Name(s)

Papaya is also known as pawpaw and melon tree.

What is it used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Papaya, a tropical plant believed to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America, is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. C. papaya is cultivated for its edible ripe fruit; its juice is a popular beverage, and its young leaves, shoots, and fruits are cooked as a vegetable. The fruits are a source of flavoring used in candies, jellies, preserves, and ice cream. Shallow cuts on the surface of fully grown but unripe fruits cause a milky sap or latex to ooze that is collected, dried, and termed “crude papain.” Papain has many industrial uses, as well as milk-clotting (rennet) and protein-digesting properties. Nearly 80% of American beer is treated with papain, which allows the beer to remain clear upon cooling. Papain is most commonly used commercially in meat tenderizers and chewing gums. Cosmetically, papain is used in some toothpastes, shampoos, and facial creams.

Miscellaneous uses

Papaya has been used widely in folk medicine for many ailments: the juice for warts, corns, cancers, tumors, and thickened skin; the roots or their extracts for cancers of the uterus, syphilis, the tropical infection, hemorrhoids, and to remove mineral concretions in the urine; the unripe fruit as a mild laxative or diuretic, and to stimulate lactation, labor, or abortion; the ripe fruit for rheumatism and alkalinizing the urine; the seeds for intestinal worms or to stimulate menstruation or abortion; the leaves as a poultice for nervous pains and elephantoid growths, or smoked for asthma relief; and the latex for psoriasis, ringworm, indigestion, or applied externally as an antiseptic or to heal burns or scalds, or applied to the cervix to contract the uterus.

General uses

In some developing countries, the traditional use of papaya is being investigated as an alternative to standard treatments for a range of ailments. C. papaya has a wide range of purported medicinal properties for treatment of diabetes, as birth control, as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, or diuretic, to control parasites, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. While there are only limited data to support most of these uses, there is some evidence for healing bed sores and other wounds and in treating intestinal worms in humans.

What is the recommended dosage?

A commercially produced ointment to debride wounds is available by prescription in the United States. Each 1 g contains 8.3 × 105 USP units papain and 100 mg of urea. There is very little data available to make specific recommendations regarding systemic doses of papaya. One study used a 4 g dose of air-dried papaya seeds in 20 mL of honey to treat helminthiasis. In the United States, the fruit is generally recognized as safe (GRAS status) when used as a food.

Contraindications

Papaya may cause severe allergic reactions and is therefore contraindicated in sensitive people.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Possibly unsafe depending on the part of the plant being used and dose administered. Avoid use.

Interactions

None well documented.

Side Effects

Papaya may cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive people. Papaya latex can be a severe irritant and vesicant on skin. Papaya juice and papaya seeds are unlikely to cause adverse effects when taken orally; however, papaya leaves at high doses may cause stomach irritation.

Toxicology

There are parts of the plant (eg, seeds) that contain benzyl isothiocyanate, which may cause poisoning at high doses.

References

1. Papaya. Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons [database online]. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc; December 2010.

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Papaya – “Deli”

Bananas, oranges, tangerines have long been known and are not new to our table. But there are also more exotic fruits. They beckon with an unusual shape and unfamiliar taste. What are these overseas guests really like?

The melon tree, or papaya, is a fruit tree that is grown in the tropics in the open field. The papaya fruit is similar in shape and weight to a melon – it weighs up to 5 kilograms, has the shape of an elongated oval. Among these fruits, there are also round ones that have the shape of a ball.They are green, yellow and pale red in color, but most often they are rich amber. The fruit has a bright orange flesh.

Some papayas taste like melon, others like pumpkin. Some, having tasted papaya, compare its taste to that of apricot, carrot or peach.

The birthplace of the melon tree is Central America, whose population has long been using fleshy juicy fruits for food.

Nowadays, the melon tree grows all over the tropics. The main supplier of papaya to the world market is India.

The main advantages of papaya

– The fruit contains a large amount of fiber – it is useful for enhancing the activity of the digestive system.

– Papaya has a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, helps in the prevention of the appearance of cancerous tumors, an excellent remedy for the prevention of diabetes and weight loss.

– The enzyme papain, which is very abundant in papaya, helps the breakdown of protein and is useful for those who have difficulty digesting protein foods.

– The papaya pulp is juicy, rich in potassium and magnesium, as well as other useful microelements and vitamins.

– A small amount of calories (only 48 kcal per 100 grams of product) and an exquisite taste allow the fruit to be used in dietary nutrition – with a low calorie content after eating it, the feeling of satiety is felt for a long time.

– The papaya contains a meat tenderizer. For effective weight loss, fashion models eat papaya with pineapple, and tea made from papaya leaves is used to treat cellulite.

– Fruit pulp and papaya juice are effective against internal and external burns and inflammation.

– Papaya is used in the pharmaceutical industry: its juice is included in medicines for the treatment of intervertebral hernia and joints. Strong ropes and ropes are made from the bark and stems of the plant.

The main cons of papaya

– Excessive consumption of fruit is fraught with manifestations of allergies. Particular care must be taken when using unripe fruits.The fact is that they contain the poisonous enzyme carpaine – an alkaloid, which in large doses can cause poisoning and allergies, as well as disorders of the digestive system and cutting pain in the abdomen. The enzyme is also dangerous in that it has the properties of inhibiting the processes of conducting impulses in the central nervous system. This is dangerous and can lead to depression of the heart and even to paralysis.

– Another unpleasant effect of carpain is the ability to cause vasoconstriction.I note that such consequences are possible only with the use of unripe papaya fruits in large quantities. Considering that in our latitudes papaya is an exotic and not at all a cheap delicacy, it is almost impossible to eat such a large amount of its fruits that it can lead to the above symptoms. But you still need to know about this effect of the fetus.

– Individual intolerance to papaya is extremely rare and is most often caused by the body’s reaction to unusual food.

– Doctors do not recommend eating raw papaya for pregnant women. And here is the reason. The enzyme latex, which is abundant in papaya, mainly in unripe fruits, causes involuntary contractions of the uterus. In addition, large amounts of latex can have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea.

How to use papaya?

For residents of northern latitudes, papaya is an unusual fruit, so it should be eaten carefully and not overly carried away.

Papaya is most often eaten raw, peeled and seed removed. This applies to ripe fruits, which can be a good ingredient in desserts and fruit salads. In vegetable salads, the fruit goes well with Parmesan cheese, and it is perfectly “reconciled” with all types of hard cheeses. A large amount of pectin allows you to prepare delicious jellies from papaya.

Unripe fruits should be cooked – stewed, used in curry sauce and salads.

If you choose a side dish for fatty meat, opt for a vegetable stew with zucchini, pumpkin and papaya.The meat can be soaked in the juice of this fruit – the marinade will turn out to be excellent, and the meat will be soft and delicious in taste.

Papaya is dried in an oven preheated to 60 ° C for an hour and a half. Before that, the fruits must be peeled, the seeds removed, and the pulp cut into thin slices.

How to choose a papaya?

When you are going to buy a papaya, first of all carefully examine the fruit. Do not take papaya if you find mold, dents, rot, or impact marks on the sides. Do not buy absolutely green and hard fruit – it is immature and will not ripen over time.Ripe papaya, although hard, should have yellow, amber or pale red color, or at least spots of such colors.

Whole fruit can be stored at room temperature for several days, and cut – only in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container.

Natalia VOLYNETS

Waste fruit – Money – Kommersant

NAVIGATOR
How to identify a fruit and why you eat it
Guava is a lumpy green apple.Inside is red. You can eat with the peel. Strengthens the lymphatic system, normalizes blood pressure, stimulates the heart.
Guanabana – large fruit (up to 12 kg). The outside is green. On the surface of the villi, the pulp is white, creamy, inside the seeds are similar to persimmon seeds. Prevention of arthritis, rheumatism, diseases of the colon, gout.
Durian is a fruit with thorns and thick skin. The pulp is yellow in color, has a very strong smell of rotten meat.Dangerous to drink with alcohol.
Figs (figs) – a small fruit with a lot of seeds, very sweet. Helps with coughs, has antipyretic effect, is useful for anemia.
Carambola is a small fruit that resembles a star in cross section. The rind and flesh are yellow. You can eat with the peel. Relieves hangover, has a laxative effect.
Kumquat is a very small orange.They are eaten with the peel. The pulp has antifungal effect, relieves hangovers, essential oils have a bactericidal effect.
Lychee – a fruit the size of a walnut, red-brown in color, with a bumpy skin. Inside is white pulp and a large bone. High content of PP vitamin, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
Mango is a fruit the size of a grapefruit. Yellow, soft to the touch, with a bone inside. Prevents the formation of mimic wrinkles, improves potency, has an antiviral effect.
Mangosteen – purple-black small fruit with rounded leaves at the cutting. Thick, dense rind with white lobules inside. Helps with diarrhea, has antipyretic effects, prevents the formation of cancer cells.
Passion Fruit – Fruit the size of an orange. Yellow on the outside, inside there are many seeds with a sour taste. It has antipyretic and laxative effects.
Mora is a fruit that looks very much like a blackberry.Deep purple or reddish. Eat whole. Helps with anemia, hypotension, diabetes, has bactericidal and laxative properties.
Papaya – a fruit that looks like a small oblong melon. Yellow or orange. The pulp is eaten without the peel. Helps improve digestion.
Pomello – large green grapefruit. They eat the slices without the peel. Breaks down fat, helps with hypertension, has a bactericidal effect.
Rambutan is a small hairy fruit, reddish brown or yellow.Eat white pulp. High content of vitamin C and calcium.

90,000 The 7 Best Fruits Against Aging

Papaya . Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that accelerates protein hydrolysis, thereby preventing heartburn, improving digestion and improving overall health. Papaya rejuvenates and helps the body absorb the maximum amount of nutrients.

Passion fruit . The so-called passion fruit (literally: in English, this fruit is most often called passion fruit) is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to maintain the elasticity and softness of the skin. By the way, you can also find vitamin A in passion fruit, which also actively fights aging.

Peaches . Peaches contain magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential for optimal brain function and good muscle function. They are also rich in vitamin C.In addition, peaches can have a slight laxative effect – and this may not be very pleasant, but it is good for the body, because in this way the intestines are cleansed and toxins are removed.

Avocado . Avocado pulp is rich in nutrients that help keep skin young and heart healthy. The pigment lutein contained in avocados (which belongs to the group of oxygen-containing carotenoids) prolongs the youth of the organs of vision, and also fights wrinkles and pigmentation caused by the sun’s rays.

Kiwi . Kiwis contain more vitamin C than oranges and are an excellent source of vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for beautiful skin. They help produce collagen, which is responsible for the firmness and elasticity of body tissues.

Bananas . These fruits contain all the same useful vitamin C, as well as potassium – an indispensable substance for youth and beauty of the skin. In addition, bananas help to improve the condition of the kidneys, preventing them from accumulating fluids.Ripe bananas are rich in fiber.

Watermelons . Watermelons help regulate the balance of fluids in the body, prevent them from accumulating, and also rejuvenate the skin. And, of course, this is another excellent source of vitamin C.

http://feelgood.ua

90,000 as is and how useful

Jun

29

2012

Healthy Papaya (Malakaw, มะละกอ)

Ingredients / Fruit

Papaya sprinkled with lime juice is my regular Thai breakfast, without which I suffer a lot in Moscow.Papaya in Thailand is the most common and cheapest fruit that is eaten raw, made of various necks, and the divine Som Tam is planted from unripe fruits.

Papaya grow on a long annual herbaceous “palm” with an umbrella of finger-like leaves at the top. The fruits hang under these leaves in a heavy and tasty bunch.

Papaya has been cultivated in South America since time immemorial, and from there it spread throughout the entire tropical belt of the planet.Since then, a great variety of varieties of this beautiful fruit have been formed, but in Thai markets, two types of papaya are mainly sold. The first has long, dark green fruits and firm reddish flesh, and the second has rounder fruits, thin yellow skin and soft orange flesh.

Inside the papaya contains many round black seeds covered with a soft shell. They are not consumed directly as food, but they are used as a medicine for traditional medicine – for worms, for dysentery and other intestinal troubles.Dried seeds are also often used in place of black pepper.

Papaya pulp is not only tasty, but also incredibly healthy. It contains a whole bunch of different rare vitamins, minerals and acids. In addition, papaya contains the magic enzyme papain, which accelerates the breakdown of proteins, fats and starches. Therefore, papaya is often used to marinate tough meat. Because of the same papain, papaya has some laxative effect.

Many farangs do not particularly like papaya because of its specific sour smell and taste that some fruits possess.This aroma is emitted by the whitish inner skin of the fruit, which holds the seeds. If you scrape it off with a spoon, the papaya will stop smelling. Well, to consolidate the result, it is good to pour the papaya with lime juice – they combine just perfect!

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Papaya | Thailand.FalkTime

(English Papaya, Lat.Carica papaya)

Papaya is consumed in different stages of ripeness – unripe is used in salads as a vegetable, and sweet ripe papaya is eaten as a fruit.Botanically, papaya fruits, like watermelon, are considered berries.

Papaya flavor

Ripe papaya has a rich sweet taste, without sourness. In the aroma of papaya, notes of pumpkin are clearly traced. The consistency of the pulp is very soft, reminiscent of boiled carrots, only very juicy.

Unripe papaya crunches like fresh carrots and has a neutral taste with a slight sourness.

Papaya comes in different varieties – the peel of ripe fruit is greenish to yellow-orange and orange, and the flesh is yellow, orange and red.The varieties almost do not differ in taste – the same sweetness, the same pumpkin aroma. In Thailand, you will often find ripe papaya with rich orange flesh.

Papaya looks decorative and unusual, so it can be found in any cities in Thailand

How to choose, transport and store

The fruit of the papaya is quite large and often weighs from 1 to 2 kg. Therefore, if you have not tried papaya, it is better to buy it in portions.

When choosing a whole ripe fruit, pay attention to the condition of the peel – there should be no dents (usually rotting areas).If you have already bought a papaya with such defects, you can cut them out: such a fruit is often just overripe and will be very sweet. But it will not lie at all, even in the refrigerator – eat it right away. But if the dents are covered with mold, then it is better not to buy such a papaya.

No matter how huge the dark green fruits are, they are unripe and can only be eaten as a vegetable.

Ripe papaya does not store well, so even if it has no defects, you should not store it in the refrigerator for more than a week.

Ripe papaya is quite soft and its delicate rind does not save you from anything. In Thai stores, you can often find fruits wrapped in a soft mesh made of foamed polyethylene, I recommend getting such nets and taking ripe papaya exclusively in hand luggage.

Sliced ​​in Big C – papaya and watermelon

How to eat papaya

Ripe papaya (fruit)

Papaya can be compared to a melon: the peel and seeds inside are inedible. The difference is that the skin of the papaya is soft.Therefore, there can be many options here, as with melon, for example:

  • Cut the papaya in half, lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, cut into scrapers and eat before reaching the rind,
  • First, remove the peel from the papaya (the same way as it is removed from potatoes), cut lengthwise and remove the seeds.

You should be careful with papaya and do not eat it in large quantities the first time: papaya is very useful for digestion, but has a slight laxative effect (like a plum).Therefore, before buying, think about your plans for tomorrow – if you are about to travel by intercity bus.

Large fruits emerge from such small and inconspicuous flowers

Unripe papaya (vegetable)

Unripe papaya is the main ingredient in the traditional Thai Som Tam salad. It is peeled and rubbed on a grater, before reaching the seeds. Unripe papaya is also cooked – for example, it is one of the ingredients of Keng Som (sour curry with fish).

Papaya contains papain, which is used in cooking to soften meat.

Papaya grows fast: fruiting begins in just 3 years

Season and where to look

Papaya (both ripe and for salad) can be found in Thailand all year round, and this does not affect its price. It is sold everywhere. You can often find papaya already peeled and cut into slices. Price from 20 bp for 1 kg.

The last time I was in Thailand, I bought a slightly overripe papaya weighing ~ 1-1.5 kg. for only 10 b. from local residents. They sold fruits from their garden, as we sell apples or potatoes – papaya, a price tag, a gate and not a soul around.Therefore, pay attention to the tables near the gates – sometimes it is an opportunity to buy ripe fruit for next to nothing. Papaya, by the way, turned out to be with a pleasant surprise – instead of hundreds of seeds, there was only one:

Young papaya trees, Silver Lake Vineyards in Pattaya

Aloe Vera

Description

A perennial evergreen herbaceous succulent plant with a short stem and a rosette of succulent hard leaves.The leaves are arranged almost vertically and reach up to 60 cm in length. Leaves are xiphoid, glaucous, with sharp teeth along the edge. The flowers are collected in a raceme inflorescence on an erect peduncle (up to 90 cm tall), usually yellow, sometimes red. The fruit is a capsule.

Composition

Aloe vera leaves and juice contain anthraglycosides (aloin is a component of aloe-emodin, nataloil, rababer-beron, homonathaloin), irritating the mucous membrane and enhancing intestinal motility; derivatives of resinous substances, essential oils, enzymes, nonessential and essential amino acids, vitamins (group B, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E), minerals – calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chromium, phosphorus, salicylic acid, polysaccharides, phytoncides.

Properties

Preparations of aloe and sabur (condensed aloe juice) have a laxative effect. When administered orally, anthraglycosides are split in an alkaline medium and in the presence of bile into arabinose and aloe-emodin, which after 8-10 hours cause abundant soft stools, selectively affecting the large intestine. Galenic preparations of aloe and sabur increase the secretion of the digestive glands, have a choleretic effect, improve appetite and digestion, have pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-burn properties.Aloe juice has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect against many groups of microbes: staphylococci, streptococci, diphtheria, typhoid and dysentery bacilli.

Application

Aloe is often called a “vehicle” for its ability to penetrate deeply into various tissues of the body. Penetrating deep into the cells 3-4 times faster than water, aloe vera removes toxins and toxins, cleanses the blood and lymph. The cleansing properties of aloe vera would not be so high without its bactericidal, antiviral, antifungal properties.

Aloe juice is rich in vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible form. In addition, it contains enzymes that help improve metabolism, fiber that cleanses the intestines, which explains its beneficial properties. The active substances of sabur cause an increase in the motility of the small intestine, therefore aloe vera has long been used as a laxative.

Aloe is prescribed for atonic and chronic constipation.In small doses, it improves digestion and bile secretion.

Also, aloe vera has a good anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect, removes radiation products. Aloe vera juice increases the resistance of the mucous membranes to the action of damaging agents and accelerates the regeneration processes.

Aloe vera helps to increase the protective properties of the body in the fight against infections, is an excellent biostimulant that contributes to the overall health of the body.

Part of the following preparations:

Papaya Kautabletten 100 pcs

Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Papaya, melon-like berry fruits of the melon tree (Carica papaya). Native to tropical Central and South America about 500 – 1000 grams of heavy fruit has thin skin and light yellow to orange-red, sousse-tasting raspberry pulp.

The first Spaniards who reached America, found before bewasserte fields with papaya crops already in the Inca empire. In our markets there Papaya Fruit, meanwhile, can be bought all year round. It can be obtained in the form of fruits or vegetables.

Papaya is rich in various enzymes (papain), amino acids (histidine), carotenoids (cc-carotene) and vitamins. As nahrstoffreich papaya, it is clear if we compare the content of vitamin A and C. Papaya contains exactly more vitamin A than carrots and more vitamin C than oranges.

Papain is similar in its action to the human digestive enzymes pepsin and trypsin, which some natural Volker use to get slightly soft with papaya flesh juice. Papain breaks down meat naturally and therefore helps in the disposal of food.

The extracts contained in the papaya supplement in chewable tablets are in demand due to its richness in papainahnlichen enzymes: pineapple (bromelain), kiwi (actinidin), mango (Mangain).

Vitamin C, vitamin E and biotin cut off the work of enzymes.

Ingredients:
Papaya fruit powder, full cloth: sorbitol, dextrose; DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate, L-ascorbic acid, Sauerungsmittel malic acid, release agent: magnesium stearate (Veg.), Flavors, thickener: xanthan, D-biotin – May be a laxative when consumed by ubermassigem. Lactose and yeast free.

composition for 4 tablets RDA *
Papayafruckt extract 800 mg
Vitamin C 901 150150

Vitamin E 90 140

24 mg 90 140

200% 90 140 90 141

Vitamin H 90 140

120 μg 90 140

240% 90 140 90 141 90 389 90 142 * RDA = GE Recommended Daily Allowance.EU directive

recommendation Consumption:
Take 2 tablets twice a day Nahrungserganzung

Notes:
The indicated daily dose must not be exceeded.

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