Fruits are proven to be a part of a balanced diet. It is said that fruits provide all necessary nutrients that help the human body to grow, recover, and function throughout the day. Fruits like papaya, which is rich in high fiber content, low glycemic index, sweet taste, and vibrant color offer numerous health benefits. From boosting immunity to enhancing the digestive health and metabolism, this humble fruit offers that makes it a must-have fruit for all age groups. Having said that, experts feel that to gain maximum benefits of papaya, one should avoid pairing it with certain types of food. Scroll down to find out.
Benefits of eating Papaya daily
How much papaya is good
As per experts, an adult can eat at least two slices of papaya per day to help break down protein and it is found that a medium papaya has about 120 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams protein.
Why to avoid excess consumption of papaya
As per experts, it is a rich source of fiber and enzymes like papain, which when consumed in excess quantity, may irritate the stomach lining or cause loose stools. Fiber absorbs water, so insufficient hydration coupled with high fiber intake can lead to constipation instead of promoting regularity.
Take a look at foods one should avoid pairing with papaya
Citrus fruits
People often make fruit salad where they mix papaya with citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. It is suggested to avoid such practice, as they both are rich in vitamin C, and combining them together may lead to acidity or heartburn.
High-protein food
Papaya is rich in enzymes that help break down protein, and when you add them together with high protein foods, they might interfere with the digestion of certain high-protein foods. It is suggested to avoid pairing papaya with large amounts of meat, fish, or tofu to prevent digestive issues.
Fermented foods
As per experts, fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut should not be mixed with papaya. They contain probiotics, and when the enzymes of papaya get mixed with them, they might disrupt digestion or lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Milk and dairy products
If you have been making papaya shake or smoothie, stop the practice. As per experts, mixing dairy products and papaya is not a good idea. Papaya contains enzymes like Papain and Chymopapain, which can curdle milk and disrupt the functioning of the digestive system. The combination may also cause bloating, gas, and cramps.
Spicy food
Spicy foods are known for irritating the stomach lining and combining them with papaya is a bad idea. As per experts, combining them may cause digestive discomfort and lead to gastrointestinal issues. It is also said that the combination may lead to stomach cramp, heartburn or acid reflux. Also the cooling property of papaya when mixed with heat of spicy food, might cause reactions in the gut leading to other health issues.
Fat foods
Combining papaya with fatty foods like fried dishes, faty meats, and creamy sauces may lead to digestive discomfort. It is proven that papaya is a low-fat fruit and combining it with high fat foods might cause bloating and indigestion.
Raw Eggs
As per experts, the combination can be risky as raw eggs may carry salmonella, and the enzymes in papaya might not mix well.
Red Meat
As per experts, combining papaya with red meat can slow digestion and may cause discomfort.
Pickled Foods
The high salt content in pickles might not complement papaya and might cause health issues and reactions.
Starchy Foods
Foods like potatoes or corn might not digest well with papaya and hence it is suggested to avoid eating them together. Papaya contains digestive enzymes like papain, which work best in the absence of heavy starches. Starchy foods may slow down the digestive process, causing bloating or discomfort when eaten together with papaya.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Foods like broccoli and cauliflower may cause gas when eaten with papaya, due to their high fiber content.
Is there any side effect of papaya?
Some individuals may be allergic to papaya, leading to symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Also, consuming large amounts may cause digestive discomfort, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps. Papaya can also interfere with certain medications, particularly anticoagulants and medications metabolized by the liver.