Papaya
Kilo: ₡840 ≈ $1.40
Serving 1 Cup: ₡157.92 ≈ $0.26
Papaya is one of the cheapest fruits you can find in Costa Rica. It can be eaten alone or used in fruit salads and smoothies. The yellow, green, and red skin of the papaya covers an extremely vibrant, orange meat, with a center full of black seeds. Use a large spoon to remove the seeds and then simply chop into chunks. You can eat it alone, or add it to a fruit salad. The papaya flavor is somewhat similar to a melon but is not as sweet. The meat texture is also similar to a melon, but less firm.
Papaya is not only appealing to the eye, but has a ton of health benefits. Additionally, it can improve your overall health, when eaten on a regular basis.
Some health benefits of the papaya include:
1. Lowers cholesterol-Papayas are rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which have been shown to hinder cholesterol build-up.
2. May help aid weight loss – Papayas are very low in calories, but high in fiber, so they aid in digestion.
3. Boosts your immunity – Papayas are nutrient dense and very high vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system.
4. Great for your eyes –Papayas are rich in vitamin A, so are beneficial for eyesight.
5. Protects against arthritis – Papayas are very high in vitamin C and are anti-inflammatory, so they are beneficial for suffering from arthritis.
6. Improves digestion –Papayas are rich in fiber, which aids in the digestions process.
7. Helps ease menstrual pain – Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which helps regulate and ease menstrual periods.
8. Prevents cancer – Papayas are a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and flavonoids that help prevent free radical damage to cells.
9. Helps reduce stress – Papaya contains high levels of vitamin C, which studies show help regulate the flow of stress hormones.
*Sameer Jha - Health.India.com
1 servings
1 Cup (188g)
- Amount per serving
- Calories81
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat .5g1%
- Saturated Fat .1g1%
- Sodium 15mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g8%
- Dietary Fiber 3.2g12%
- Total Sugars 15g
- Protein .9g
- Vitamin A 36mcg4%
- Vitamin C 190mg212%
- Calcium 2.9mg1%
- Iron 2.6mg15%
- Potassium 341mg8%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.