Gut Loving Papaya Bowl
These orange ovals of goodness contain papain, a digestive enzyme which breaks down proteins and aids digestion.
Papaya has shown to support a healthy digestive tract and relieve digestive disorders such as IBS, constipation and indigestion.
Your body will also thank you for giving it a good dose of fibre and folate in addition to a small amount of riboflavin, calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamine.
Papaya (also known as paw paw) also has anti inflammatory benefits which assist in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the common cold, recovery from sport injuries and more serious diseases.
Papayas are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, A and E. Antioxidants help fight free radicals which defend the body against diseases such as cancer.
Top your papaya boat with:
Granola (Click here for my Christmas Spice granola recipe)
Coconut yoghurt
Chia seeds
Cherries
Berries
Scoop out the papaya seeds (throw them away or either store them in an air tight container and eat a few a day - dont chew the seeds, swallow them whole as they taste like pepper if you bite them).
Fill the papaya boat with coconut yoghurt.
Place 2 tbsp chia seeds in a cup with 1/3 cup water, let the water absorb for about 5 minutes before topping your papaya boat.
Place a few table spoons of granola on top of the coconut yoghurt.
Cut your cherries or preferred fruit, place them on top of the coconut yoghurt.
Once your chia seeds have fully absorbed the water, dollop this on top of your coconut yoghurt.
Benefits of Papaya Seeds:
Papayas have so many amazing benefits for the body (see my last post for them). Now let’s talk about PAPAYA SEEDS:
💪🏼 Papaya seeds contain Isothiocyanate, these enzymes can prevent both formation and development of cancer cells- most predominantly in breast, lung, leukemia and prostate cancer.
🚫 Can stop the growth of cancer cell, stop metastasis (the spreading) and normalize the cell cycle.
🦠 Carpaine, present in papaya seeds, has the capability to destroy intestinal parasites. Air dried papaya seeds with honey have shown significant effect on human intestinal parasites without any significant side effects.
💛 The seeds of papaya are believed to have strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on our digestive system, studies have shown papaya seeds have been successful in killing E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococus and other dangerous bacterial infections.
👊🏼 Supporting a healthy liver and kidneys. Papaya seeds detoxify the body and these two vital organs
💫 Healthy, glowing skin: A regular intake of papaya seeds can help with maintaining smooth and wrinkle-free skin, skin whitening, skin lightening also slow the process of ageing.
A natural remedy to treat acne is to apply papaya seed paste, leave it for few minutes and wash your face with cold water.
❗️Please note the intake of papaya seeds shouldn’t be excessive if trying to conceive a baby.
Papaya seeds can be used as an alternative to any other means of contraception. However, it’s advisable to get the guidance of an expert, to be able to conceive in the future. Papaya seeds can be used in both males and females for birth control.
WAYS TO EAT PAPAYA SEEDS:
Raw (swallow whole): remove seeds from the papaya and eat a few a day, gradually increase your intake to built up your gut tolerance.
Dried and ground to a powder: use as a pepper alternative or in your smoothies, salads etc.
Papaya seed extract (store bought).