A healthy and serene life is often based on good intestinal health. And for good reason: our intestine not only influences digestion, but also immunity, hormonal balance and even our mood. In this quest for digestive well-being, dieticians agree on a fruit with amazing virtues, sometimes underestimated. And who is none other than papaya.
Papaya, complete natural digestive support
This fruit is first of all the American dietician Samantha Peterson, who plebiscite him in the media Real Simple. For what ? Because papaya combines soluble and insoluble fibers, digestive enzymes, and a richness in beneficial micronutrients for digestion and microbiota.
The soluble fibers present in the papaya nourish good intestinal bacteria, thus contributing to a balanced intestinal ecosystem. Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, increase the volume of stools and facilitate their evacuation, which is particularly beneficial for people with constipation or slow digestion.
The secret of papaya is also papaine, a natural digestive enzyme that helps to break down proteins. According to the expert, this enzyme acts as an internal enzymatic supplement, relieving bloating, post-repas heaviness, and supporting digestion, especially in the event of stress or low gastric acidity.
A nutritional wealth not to neglect for our expert
In a previous article, the nutritionist Raphaël Gruman also confirmed the benefits of papaya, highlighting its fiber content (more than 7 % of daily needs for 100 g of fruit) and its caloric lightness (42 kcal/100 g). He recalled that these fibers had several assets:
- Stimulate transit by absorbing water into the digestive tract;
- Nourish the microbiota, which improves the assimilation of nutrients and strengthens immunity;
- Participate in the prevention of certain cancers (colon, breast, stomach);
- Help regulate cholesterol.
“In addition, the papaya is very little calorie and rich in waterwhich makes it an excellent fruit to integrate into a slimming diet, while avoiding cravings thanks to its full fibers. “
An anti-inflammatory micronutrient cocktail
The papaya does not stop there. It is a precious source of vitamin C, beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A), flavonoids, magnesium and folic acid. These nutrients contribute to:
- Reduce oxidative stress to the intestinal wall;
- Fight against chronic inflammation;
- Correct certain frequent deficiencies in people with digestive disorders.
How to integrate more papaya into your diet?
Versatile, tasty and easy to prepare, papaya can be enjoyed in a thousand ways:
- Naturesimply peeled and cut into pieces;
- In fruit saladwith other tropical fruits such as mango or pitaya;
- In smoothieswith Greek yogurt, lemon, mint and chia seeds;
- In breakfast bowlsmixed with yogurt, oats, or even garnished with avocado and a drizzle of olive oil;
- Roast or grilledto enhance its natural sweetness;
So, for a happier stomach and color in the plate do not hesitate to put more papaya on the menu.