The papaya, a member of the Annonaceae family, is a juicy fruit that ripens to a purplish-black or dark purple color, having initially been a greenish-yellow. This fruit is very familiar to Vietnamese people and is known for its distinctive sweet and refreshing taste, with soft, tender flesh. Today, let’s join us in discovering how many calories are in one papaya and whether eating a lot of papaya will make you fat!
1 Nutritional Value of Papaya
Nutritional Value of Papaya
Nutritional Value of Papaya
Not only does papaya have a refreshing, delicious taste, but it also provides many essential nutrients for the human body. Notably, it contains:
- 14.65 g of dietary fiber
- 9.1 mg of iron
- 1.137 mg of vitamin E
- 0.49 mg of vitamin B6
- 1.92g total fat
- 0.049 mg of Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- 1.52g of protein
- 0.038 mg of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- 18.95 mg of niacin
Health Benefits of Papaya
Health Benefits of Papaya
- Improves Digestive Health: Papaya is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. The fiber in this food softens the stool and facilitates its passage through the intestines.
- Rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in collagen production, wound healing, immune system enhancement, and improved vision, among other benefits.
- Controls Diabetes: Papaya helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an ideal food for diabetics.
- Aids in Weight Loss: Papaya is a low-fat, low-calorie fruit, making it perfect for a weight loss diet. Additionally, the high fiber content of this fruit helps increase satiety, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
- Antioxidant Properties: According to a study, papaya contains an alkaloid compound called eleagnin, which exhibits strong antibacterial properties. This compound has also been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The seeds of the papaya tree have been used to make antiseptic ointments.
For further reference:
2 How Many Calories Are in 100g of Papaya?
How Many Calories Are in 100g of Papaya?
According to the National Institute of Nutrition, 100g of papaya contains approximately 32.2 calories, which is relatively low compared to the daily caloric requirement of an adult. However, the number of calories can vary depending on the other foods you combine with papaya to create different dishes.
3 Does Eating Papaya Make You Fat?
Does Eating Papaya Make You Fat?
A healthy adult typically requires an average of 2000 calories per day, distributed evenly across meals. Given that 100g of papaya contains only about 32.2 calories, it would take at least 1kg of papaya to provide approximately 322 calories, meeting the body’s caloric needs for a meal. Therefore, it can be concluded that eating an appropriate amount of papaya will not make you fat.
4 Healthy Ways to Eat Papaya
Papaya Smoothie
Papaya Smoothie
To make a delicious papaya smoothie, you’ll need ripe and fragrant papayas, along with some other easily accessible ingredients. Cut the papayas in half, then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, discarding the seeds before putting it into a blender. Add a suitable amount of fresh milk, condensed milk, and crushed ice to the blender and blend until smooth.
Papaya with Condensed Milk
Papaya with Condensed Milk
After washing the papayas, use a knife to peel and cut them into small pieces. Add a small amount of condensed milk, fresh milk, and crushed ice according to your preference. This way, you’ll have a delicious and creamy papaya treat that’s not overly sweet and will keep you wanting more until the last spoonful.
Papaya, Pomegranate Seed, and Tapioca Pearl Dessert
Papaya, Pomegranate Seed, and Tapioca Pearl Dessert
To save time and effort, you can buy ready-made pomegranate seeds and tapioca pearls. Simply grate the papaya flesh, discarding the seeds, and mix it with the pomegranate seeds, tapioca pearls, and white sugar. Then, place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill, and before serving, pour a small amount of coconut milk over it and enjoy!
5 Notes on Eating Papaya for Weight Loss
Notes on Eating Papaya for Weight Loss
- Avoid eating too close to the papaya’s skin, as the latex can cause constipation and a bitter taste.
- Don’t eat the papaya by holding the stem with your mouth, as the stem often contains worms.
- Don’t be tempted to eat overripe or spoiled papayas as they can cause stomachaches.
Hopefully, the information provided has helped you understand more about papayas and answered your questions about whether eating papaya can make you fat and how to eat it healthily.
Source: International Medicine Poly Clinic
The sweet and succulent fruit that is a lifesaver for diabetes and effective against aging.
Papaya is not only loved for its delicious taste but it also has the ability to lower blood sugar, effectively fight aging, and keep you healthy and radiant.
