Pawpaw, also known as papaya, is a tropical fruit that is widely grown in the tropics. This juicy fruit is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. In recent years, pawpaw has gained popularity thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This article explores the anti-inflammatory benefits of pawpaw, including its impact on bones and nutritional value.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Pawpaw
Inflammation is essential to the body’s immune response; however, chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Pawpaw contains enzymes known as papain and chymopapain, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. These enzymes help to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Research has shown that pawpaw can help to reduce inflammation in the colon and improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, pawpaw has also been found to decrease inflammation in the airways of people with asthma, thus improving their breathing.
Pawpaw and Bone Health
Pawpaw is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential minerals for bone health. Vitamin K plays a vital role in bone metabolism, and studies have shown that individuals with higher vitamin K intake have a lower risk of bone fractures. Magnesium is also crucial for bone health, as it helps with the absorption of calcium. Pawpaw contains about 21 mg of magnesium per cup, making it an excellent source of this essential mineral.
Moreover, pawpaw contains calcium, which is the primary mineral in bones. Getting enough calcium in your diet is essential for bone health, and pawpaw can help you achieve that. One cup of pawpaw contains about 32 mg of calcium, making it an excellent addition to your diet for strong and healthy bones.
Nutritional Value of Pawpaw
Apart from its anti-inflammatory and bone-promoting properties, pawpaw is packed with numerous nutrients that are essential for overall health. One cup of cubed pawpaw (around 140 g) contains:
- Calories: 55
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 144% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 13% of the DV
- Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 9% of the DV
Pawpaw is also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and flavonoids, which help to protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells.
Conclusion
Pawpaw is not only a delicious fruit but also a nutritional powerhouse packed with numerous health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, and its bone-promoting minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K make it perfect for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Include pawpaw in your diet today and start reaping its many health benefits.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.