Discover the Hidden Benefits of Adding This Fruit to Your Salad

Many of us are committed to a healthy lifestyle—adding vegetables and fruits to our meals, reducing carbs and sugary drinks, and following professional health tips. However, what we may not always realize is that some seasonal fruits can significantly boost our health. For example, adding papaya to your salad can be great for your eyes, digestive system, and can reduce the risk of serious illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.

"Papaya is a tropical fruit originating from Central America and Mexico. It's a type of tree, but botanically it's actually a herb," explains Hadar Steinweg, a clinical dietitian at Clalit Health Services in the Northern District, to N12. "It appears slender and tall, bearing large and beautiful fruits. When still unripe, they are green, and when ripe, they turn yellow on the outside and inside with black seeds at the center. Papaya can be included in many fresh salads and a variety of dishes, and of course, it serves as a sweet and refreshing health snack at any time. Keep it sliced in the fridge to avoid the temptation of sweet, sugar-laden snacks. Here are some good reasons to rush to the grocer for some papaya, just before summer ends."

Moreover, it turns out the fruit reduces the risk of serious illnesses. "Papaya is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene. These components help reduce the risk of heart diseases, neurological diseases, and more. Papain, a chemical found in papayas, has been proven effective in lab tests for hindering the development of malignant cells and has shown improvement in sick cells. Additionally, it contains a high amount of vitamin C, known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory," she writes.

She further explains this fruit is good for vision and growth: "The beta-carotene in papaya is an important antioxidant, serving as a primary source of vitamin A, essential for proper vision, immune system function, normal growth, skin health, and reducing the risk of malignancies."

Additionally, papaya is heart-healthy. Steinweg explains: "Papaya is very rich in potassium—a mineral essential for heart and muscle health and responsible for many body processes, including our metabolism. It is also related to nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and more."

And there are more benefits. It helps achieve a feeling of fullness and supports a healthy digestive system. "Papaya is high in dietary fibers, crucial for gut bacteria that have a significant impact on various health aspects, including immune system function. These fibers contribute to a prolonged feeling of fullness and support regular bowel movements," Steinweg concludes.