Papaya is a tasty and healthy fruit, rich in fiber and nutrients such as vitamin C and lycopene. It is smaller in size than papaya formosa, but both have very similar composition and nutrients.
The main benefits obtained from the regular consumption of papaya are:
- Improve intestinal transit, as it is rich in fiber and water; Improve skin and vision, as it is rich in vitamin A; Strengthen the immune system by having good amounts of vitamin C; Assist the functioning of the nervous system, by having B vitamins; Help to lose weight, by having few calories and low glycemic index; Facilitate digestion, because it contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins; Prevent diseases such as cancer, heart problems and Alzheimer's, as it is rich in antioxidants.
The main difference between the two to be considered at the time of purchase should be only the size, as the papaya formosa is larger and can end up spoiling in the refrigerator, if it is not consumed within about 3 days after opening. However, a good solution is to freeze the papaya in small portions that can then be used in juices and vitamins.
Nutritional Information of Papaya
The following table provides the nutritional information for 100 g of papaya and papaya formosa.
| Nutrients | 100g papaya papaya | 100g papaya formosa |
| Energy | 40 kcal | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 10.4 g | 11.5 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g | 0.8 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| Fibers | 1 g | 1.8 g |
| Magnesium | 22.1 mg | 17.3 mg |
| Potassium | 126 mg | 221.8 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.03 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.04 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin C | 82.2 mg | 78.5 mg |
Papaya can be eaten fresh or in the form of juices, vitamins and fruit salads, and can even be offered in small quantities for babies who are constipated. See 4 recipes to combat constipation in the baby.
Recipe for Papaya in the Bowl with Granola
This recipe can be used for breakfast or afternoon snack, being a great option to help with intestinal functioning.
Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of granola, 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese.
Method of preparation:
In a bowl, place the plain yogurt in the base. Then add half the papaya, covering with 2 tablespoons of granola. Add the cheese on top, the rest of the papaya and, finally, the other 2 tablespoons of granola. Serve chilled.
Papaya Muffin
These muffins are great options for using papaya in an innovative and delicious way, which can also serve as a snack for children.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 mashed papaya papaya1 / 4 cup of milk1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter1 egg1 teaspoon of vanilla essence1 cup of wheat flour or oat flakes2 tablespoons of demerara sugar1 teaspoon of chemical yeast powder 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
Method of preparation:
Preheat the oven to 180 ° C and prepare the muffin pans.
In a bowl, combine the wheat or oatmeal, sugar, yeast and baking soda. In another bowl, add the mashed papaya, melted butter, egg, milk and vanilla, mixing everything. Add this liquid to the flour mixture, mixing gently with a spoon or fork. Place the mixture in the greased molds and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden, in an oven preheated to 180ºC.
