While you may already be aware that papaya is excellent for digestion and detoxifies the liver, did you also know that it could aid in weight loss? Yes, you’re right! As a fruit with few calories, papaya makes a good, tasty and healthy snack.
A year-round fruit, papaya is versatile as it can be used in main course, appetizers and desserts, apart from simply being eaten as it is! The fruit’s unassuming exterior conceals its sweet flavour and benefits as it is packed with antioxidants, vital minerals and vitamins.
Health Shots got in touch with naturopathy specialist Dr Santosh Pandey to understand how papaya for weight loss can be an ideal dietary choice.
9 health benefits of papaya for weight loss
Papaya can be a boon for people on a weight-loss journey. Here are some advantages of papaya that make it a fruit that is best for losing weight!
1. High in fiber
“Foods high in fiber are excellent for digestion and can help you feel fuller longer, reducing the urge to eat more frequently. This helps in weight loss,” says the expert.
2. Fights inflammation
The papaya fruit is high on papain, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation in the body. According to scientific research, inflammation may prevent people from losing weight.
3. Papaya aids digestion
Papaya contains papain and chymopapain, both of which aid digestion and fight constipation. It can also help in the prevention and healing of stomach ulcers. A healthy gut and digestive system have also been linked with healthy weight loss, says the expert.
4. Helps in detoxification
Papaya is rich in natural fiber that help to detoxify the system and cleanse the colon.
5. Helps in absorption of protein
Some people have a weak stomach and run low on stomach acid. For those people, the papain present in the papaya comes to the rescue. It helps in digesting the meat and absorption of the protein from the meats. Protein is one of the most recognised nutrients when it comes to fat and weight loss.
6. Fights infections
The expert says, “Some people suffer from certain auto-immune diseases that hinder the normal functioning of the body and lead to weight gain. Papaya boosts anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties that help in fighting diseases and infections”.
Also read: Is eating papaya during periods safe?
7. Helps increase the metabolism rate
You can found papain in papaya. Papain is a digestive enzyme, good for protein digestion. When papain accelerates the digestion process, the body’s metabolism rate increases. So, good digestion helps to increase the metabolism rate.
8. Low-calorie fruit
As per the expert, “The calories are low in Papaya. There are 43 calories present in every 100 grams of papaya. Alongside, papaya is rich in vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, and potassium. Due to its high fiber content, papaya is also a great source of water. Fiber maintains the fullness and flushes the fat molecules.”
9. Helps in breaking down fat
Papaya is known as the world’s best fat burner. This delicious and highly nutritious fruit helps cut down extra fat. Not only does it help in breaking down and eradicating the harmful trans fat and lipids, but also nourishes the body.
So, don’t think twice. Slice your papaya, and take those bites!
