Dried Papayas: Uses and Nutritional Benefits

• Hypocholesterolemic (fiber): Papayas reduce cholesterol levels thanks to the fibers they contain. Fiber traps cholesterol from food, which limits cholesterol absorption. In addition, they have a low content of saturated fat, which helps keep cholesterol levels normal.

• Contributing to energy metabolism (carbohydrate, vitamin C): dried papaya, like other dried fruits, is mainly made up of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuels. In addition, certain cells only use carbohydrates to function, we are talking about glucodependent cells: red blood cells, neurons, etc. On the micronutrient side, vitamin C participates in energy metabolism.

• Digestive (papain): dried papaya contributes to the digestion of proteins.

• Contributes to tissue growth (vitamin B9, vitamin A): dried papayas are vectors of vitamin B9 and vitamin A. Both have an action on the genetic system by stimulating cell multiplication.

• Anti-fatigue (vitamin B9, vitamin A, vitamin C): Papayas offer a whole cocktail of anti-fatigue vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and B9.

• Dental protector (vitamin C): dried papayas are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin contributes to the formation of collagen, a protein constituting dental tissues (except enamel) and gums.

• Anti-anemic (vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B9): the three vitamins most represented in dried papayas prevent anemia (abnormally low hemoglobin levels). Vitamin B9 ensures the formation of red blood cells. Vitamins C and A increase absorption and contribute to iron metabolism. Iron is a trace element that also contributes to the formation and functioning of red blood cells.

• Vasculoprotective (vitamin C): thanks to vitamin C, dried papayas contribute to the normal formation of collagen. This collagen is a component of vascular walls. Papayas maintain the integrity of blood vessels.

• Laxative (fiber): dried papayas are a source of fiber. Generally speaking, fiber increases the volume of salts, leading to an acceleration of intestinal transit.

• Photoprotector (vitamin A): Papayas are rich in vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for vision: its pigment derivatives constitute photosensitive cells and allow twilight vision, differentiation of shapes and lights. In addition, vitamin A protects the cornea.

• Immunomodulating (vitamin A, vitamin B9, vitamin C): dried papayas contain vitamins A, C and B9. All three positively influence the immune system. Vitamins A and B9 stimulate the synthesis of leukocytes (white blood cells, immune cells). Vitamin C participates in the functioning of leukocytes.

• Anti-oxidant (vitamin C): dried papayas are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, it is an antioxidant agent.

• Protector of the osteoarticular system (vitamin C): vitamin C in dried papaya participates in the formation of collagen. This protein, which acts like a real glue, is an essential constituent of bone and joints.

• Firming (vitamin A, vitamin C): dried papayas carry vitamins C and A. True anti-wrinkle vitamins, dried papayas stimulate the synthesis of collagen (a constituent that modulates the appearance of the skin).

The Papaya tree is an exotic tree from the Caricaceae family. It is found mainly in Brazil, the West Indies, India and Malaysia. Its scale resembles the palm tree: it reaches 3 to 7 m in height and has a tuft of leaves measuring 70 cm each. The Papaya tree grows quickly and has a short lifespan.

There are three sexual types of Papaya: male plant, female plant and hermaphrodite plant. Hermaphroditic plants and female plants produce fruit. These fruits are inserted in clusters directly on the trunk, it forms large oval berries with green skin which turns orange when ripe. The latter, Papaya, has flesh whose color varies depending on the variety: from yellow to red. In the center, a cavity forms in which there are multiple small black seeds covered with mucilage.

Papaya is widely cultivated for its fruit, other parts of the plant such as latex, leaves, roots or seeds are also known to have medicinal properties. The Papaya tree likes warm, humid climates, well-drained soils, rich in calcium and a basic pH.