Fruit Breakdown: Papaya

Anatomy:
1. They are also known by its name “Carica Papaya” from the genus Caricaceae.
2. The supply of the plant is year round because of its high demand, due to its large concentration and macro-mineral absorption during cultivation.
3.  Once known as the “fruit of the angels”, it has a buttery soft texture, with anti-inflammatory and immune strengthening properties.

Potential Benefits:
1. The vitamins, fibers, and nutrients fight damaging toxins in the digestive system, promoting positive gastrointestinal and digestive support.
2. Carotenoid phytonutrients reduce inflammation, preventing cholesterol causing enzymes, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Papain, the digestive enzyme, along with the other fibers and vitamins, has been found to decrease the risk of arthritis, respiratory, and other degenerative diseases.
4. Its properties can support skin, nail, and hair regeneration, which can promote anti-aging effects.
5. They have anti-oxidant properties to fight oxidation, caused from toxins, within the body.

Nutritional Breakdown:
In one cup (145 grams):
·Fat- .4 grams
·Carbs- 16 grams (11 are sugars and the remaining 5 are dietary fibers)
·Protein- 1 gram

Final Recommendations and Takeaway:
1. Incorporate papaya in your diet. However, do not over-eat the super food. Relative to other fruits, they have a medium level sugar content, which can increase glucose/insulin levels. A couple of cups should be fine, but again, we should not overindulge.
2. We are all recommended to include a minimum of four servings of fruits to our diet. We believe that papaya, due to its nutritional integrity, should be included as one of those servings during the week.  
3. Again, overconsumption of anything is not good. To help optimize your health, we strongly recommend eating fruits. But there are a lot of fruits with high sugar contents, which although are natural, can pose complications.  Even though papaya sugar levels are low enough to enjoy, do moderate your intake.