There’s no better time to enjoy a tasty fruit than on a sunny summer day. If you’re looking for your new favorite snack to enjoy while you’re hitting the beach, picnicking in the park, or just sunbathing in your backyard, papaya is a great option—especially if you want to give your digestion a boost.
Whether you’re struggling with occasional indigestion or want to improve your gut health, experts say papaya is one of the best fruits you can add to your plate. To learn about some of the benefits of this tropical ingredient, we checked in with health experts Yvette Hill, RDN, IBCLC and Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN. Find all of their expert insight below.
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Benefits of Papaya
When it comes to improving digestion, papaya is one of the best fruits for the job. "Papaya contains an enzyme called papain," explains Hill. "Studies have shown that this enzyme can help increase gastric motility and improve the digestion of proteins." That means your digestive system may be able to break down food more efficiently, helping you avoid post-meal bloating. Hill adds that papain has been shown to be beneficial for a range of digestive issues when it's part of a regular diet.
In addition to its digestive perks, papaya is also great for your heart. "Papaya is a heart-healthy addition to your diet because it is rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene," says Routhenstein. These nutrients help support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and may even help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. Sign us up!
How to Enjoy Papaya
One of the best things about papaya? It’s super versatile. Hill suggests adding it to smoothies or salads or using it to top Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a gut-friendly, nutritious breakfast or snack. Slice it up or add it to your go-to smoothie recipe. No matter how you enjoy it, it's a great way to give your digestion a boost.
