Myth Busters: 5 truths about papaya that you need to know right now

Health

Times Now Digital

Updated May 22, 2021 | 15:30 IST

Papaya is yet another fruit that has been masquerading as an unhealthy food choice for some due to certain myths linked with it.

Myth Busters: 5 truths about papaya that you need to know right now | Photo Credit: Pixabay

Key Highlights

In India, papaya is commonly known as papita

The derivation of the word papaya comes from ababai, a Carib word

Here are some truths about the papaya fruit that you need to know

New Delhi: Among the variety of fruits and vegetables available for consumption, we may find ourselves confused about what to eat and what to avoid. Several fruits have a number of adverse effects associated with them which makes people even more fearful of their consumption. More often than not, these side effects are not backed by evidence and are myths that are passed on through generations in the name of information. It is necessary to verify the credibility of any information before acting upon it. Papaya is yet another fruit that has been masquerading as an unhealthy food choice for some due to certain myths linked with it.

Papaya - Myths vs Facts

Here are some busted myths about papaya:

Myth: Eat the pulp, ditch the seeds
Fact: The juicy, puppy flesh of the papaya fruit is eaten and loved by everyone. The seeds of the fruit are discarded because they're said to be unhealthy. This, however, is false information because the papaya seeds are rich in several vital micronutrients. Studies have also shown its benefits for cancer prevention and kidney health. However, it must be noted that they must be consumed in adequate amounts.

Myth: Low nutrient value
Fact: Papaya is a rich source of fibre, vitamin C folate, and antioxidants that can offer immense health benefits. Vitamin C can help boost the immune system which is an essential need during the pandemic. The presence of lycopene can help boost heart health.

Myth: Pregnant women must avoid papaya
Fact: This is one of the most common myths about papaya. The truth about this statement is both true and false. Ripe papaya is indeed a healthy food option for women, however, the part about the papaya being 'ripe' must be true. Unripe papaya is a source of latex that can be dangerous for women as it can induce early labour due to triggering uterine contractions.

Myth: Papaya causes an allergic reaction
Fact: Latex allergies are a common phenomenon. Unripe papaya contains latex which can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to latex. However, ripe papaya is safe to eat and is a healthy food choice.

Myth: Do not eat it on an empty stomach
Fact: Papaya is excellent for digestive health due to the presence of an enzyme called papain. It can help improve symptoms such as bloating and constipation. This implies that papaya is a healthy breakfast option you can eat on an empty stomach.