Green Or Ripe Papaya: How Is It Healthier To Eat It?
Papaya is a tropical fruit from Central America. It is consumed directly, in juices or other recipes and stands out for its impressive nutritional and medicinal properties.
Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit that has become popular all over the world thanks to its many medicinal benefits; It is a very nutritious food, rich in antioxidants such as carotene, vitamin C and flavonoids. On the other hand, it also contains B vitamins, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and dietary fiber.
Most people in the world prefer to consume it when it is ripe and sweet.
However, there are also those who consume it green, due to its particular flavor and properties. As a result of this, many have the doubt about how it is better to consume it, green or ripe?
The truth is that in both ways it is very beneficial and they have few nutritional differences, but there are some differences that are worth explaining.
Advantages of eating green papaya
Green papayas are richer in potassium, compared to papayas that are ripe. This is because this mineral is necessary for the development of the roots of the plant, as well as in the regulation of water and nutrient intake. Therefore, when papaya is ripe, it no longer needs so many amounts of this mineral.
Another plus for green papayas is that they are richer in papain compared to ripe ones. Papain is an enzyme that belongs to the protein family, which promotes the function of the digestive system.
Against them, they contain a latex fluid, which can cause allergic reactions and irritations in some people.
This fluid should be completely avoided in pregnancy as it could cause miscarriage.
9 beneficial properties of green and ripe papayas
Both green and ripe papayas are very good for good digestion.
In addition to this well-known green or ripe property, it has the following beneficial properties:
1. Anti-inflammatory.
Due to its papain content, papaya helps reduce inflammation. It can improve problems like osteoarthritis, asthma, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. High level of antioxidants.
Whichever way you consume it, it has a high antioxidant power that could help prevent clogging of the arteries and various cardiovascular problems, as this study published in The British Journal of Nutrition points out.
3. Fiber content.
One of the main benefits of papayas is its high fiber content. Besides being digestive, it could help fight malignant cells that cause colon cancer.
4. Digestive.
Regular consumption of papaya is ideal to prevent and combat digestive problems, such as chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea or bleeding, among others.
5. Remedy for irregular menstrual periods.
Women who suffer from irregular menstrual periods can consume green papaya juice daily to combat this problem. It should be avoided during pregnancy, as its juice helps to contract the muscles of the belly.
6. Source of vitamin A.
Papaya juice is highly recommended for smokers and passive smokers as well.
Its properties help reduce lung inflammation caused by toxic substances in cigarettes.
7. It is good for the eyes.
Papaya contains lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids. These components can protect the eyes against different eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
8. Improves blood circulation.
Thanks to its content of vitamin C and vitamin E, along with antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lycopene, papaya can help reduce cholesterol in the arteries and thereby improve blood circulation.
9. Low in calories.
The consumption of papaya can go very well in a diet to lose weight because, in addition to providing a feeling of satiety, it only has 30 calories per 100 grams.
Tips for consuming papaya
You already know and you can take advantage of the beneficial properties of papaya, whether you consume it green or ripe.
Finally, we leave you some tips that could help you choose the best option:
- If you like papaya sweet and smooth in texture, it is best to wait until it has a reddish-yellow color.
- To speed up the ripening process of papaya, you can put it in a paper bag, preferably along with a banana.
- If you like green papayas, maybe you can check out some recipes to make salads with them. You will love them!
- Some use to cook papaya to make desserts and different recipes. However, the ideal is to consume it raw to take full advantage of its antioxidant properties.
As you have seen, a fruit as healthy and tasty as papaya also has several options for consumption, preparation and properties, depending on its degree of maturity.
You prepare it as you prepare it, what cannot be denied is that it is a delicious gift of nature with many possibilities in the kitchen.
