by While you may already know that papaya is great for digestion and detoxifies the liver, did you also know that it can help with weight loss? Yes, you’re right! As a low-calorie fruit, papaya makes a good, tasty and healthy snack.
A year-round fruit, papaya is versatile since it can be used as a main course, starter and dessert, in addition to simply being eaten as is! The fruit’s unassuming exterior hides its sweet flavor and benefits as it is packed with antioxidants, vital minerals and vitamins.
Health Shots contacted naturopathy specialist Dr. Santosh Pandey to understand how papaya for weight loss can be an ideal food choice.
9 benefits of papaya for weight loss
Papaya can be a boon for people seeking weight loss. Here are some benefits of papaya that make it an ideal fruit for weight loss!
1. Rich in fiber
“Foods high in fiber are great for digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to eat more frequently. It helps to lose weight,” explains the expert.
2. Fights inflammation
The papaya fruit is rich in 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 combat constipation. It can also help in the prevention and healing of stomach ulcers. A healthy gut and digestive system have also been linked to healthy weight loss, says the expert.
4. Helps with detoxification
Papaya is rich in natural fibers that help detoxify the system and cleanse the colon.
5. Helps Protein Absorption
Some people have weak stomachs and lack stomach acid. For such people, the papain present in papaya comes to the rescue. It helps digest meat and absorb proteins from meats. Protein is one of the most recognized nutrients when it comes to fat and weight loss.
6. Fights infections
The expert specifies: “Some people suffer from certain autoimmune diseases which hinder the normal functioning of the body and lead to weight gain. Papaya boosts antiviral and antiparasitic properties that help fight disease and infection.”
Also read: Is it safe to eat papaya during menstruation?
7. Helps increase metabolism rate
You can find papain in papaya. Papain is a digestive enzyme, good for the digestion of proteins. When papain speeds up the digestion process, the body’s metabolism rate increases. Thus, proper digestion helps to increase the rate of metabolism.
8. Low-calorie fruits
According to the expert: “Calories are low in papaya. There are 43 calories present in 100 grams of papaya. Additionally, papaya is rich in vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, and potassium. Due to its high fiber content, papaya is also an excellent source of water. Fiber maintains fullness and removes fat molecules.
9. Helps Break Down Fats
Papaya is known as the best fat burner in the world. This delicious and very nutritious fruit helps reduce excess fat. Not only does it help break down and eradicate harmful trans fats and lipids, but it also nourishes the body.
So, don’t think twice. Slice your papaya and take these bites!
