Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya trees grow like wildflowers in tropical oases like Costa Rica, Brazil, Hawaii, Thailand, and Mozambique. These oblong, vibrantly colored super fruits are host to a plethora of nutritional and medicinal properties. Papayas are incredibly rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, as well as beta-carotene, epsilon-carotene, and gamma-carotene. This fruit is an excellent antioxidant that will help your body eliminate free radicals, which can cause premature aging and cancer.
Papayas also contain an enzyme called papain, which is responsible for aiding in the breaking up of proteins and the promotion of a healthy digestive system. They are great when you are suffering from any type of upset stomach or have had a little bit too much wine to drink the night before. Papaya is also beneficial for your heart, eyes, skin, and immune system. The underlying message is that you should really be incorporating papaya into your everyday life!
The possibilities are endless with papaya! The fruit isn’t the only part of the tree that is host to some powerful healing components. Papaya leaf juice and tea are credited with reducing the symptoms and duration of colds, flus, and even the mosquito-transmitted dengue fever. The leaves can be muddled in a mortar and pestle and squeezed for juice, or the leaves can be dried, crushed, and steeped in hot water. They are bursting with A, B, C, D, and E vitamins and flavonoids, which help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Papayas are key for health and vitality!
Papaya Smoothie Recipes
Here are three simple, fresh, and delicious smoothie recipes that incorporate this tropical treasure. Alongside a few additional fruits, these smoothies are chock full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to keep you glowing, healthy, and gypsetting!
- 1 cup of papaya
- 1 cup of pineapple
- Juice of one lime
- ½ cup of fresh coconut water
- Ice
- Blend and enjoy the sweet freshness!
- 1 cup papaya
- 1 cup watermelon
- 1 banana
- ½ cup of fresh coconut water
- Ice
- Blend and feel empowered!
- 1 cup of papaya
- ½ cup of blueberries
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ cup of water, or fresh coconut water
- Ice
- Blend and have an invigorating morning!