Is Papain the digestive lifespan you need?

According to data from the American Gastroenterology Association in 2022, an estimated 40% of people in the United States have to suspend their daily activities sometime a year ago due to digestive problems. If you are in the middle of it, you might know how you might be able to deal with bloating, gasoline, and constipation, etc. when you are just trying to live your life. Those seeking quick relief may want to turn to natural digestive aids, such as Papain. While it may not be a household name, if you struggle with your digestion, Papain may be able to win a spot right in the supplemental lineup.

Read on to learn more about papaya – including where to find it, its main benefits, and recipe ideas for registered dietitians.

What is papaya?

Papain is an enzyme that is naturally found in immature papaya latex. “It is most abundant in green papaya and can also be found in the leaves and fruits of plants,” Christiane Matey, MSHS, RDN, integrated nutritionist and founder of Mooresville Mint Nutrition, North Carolina.

According to 2019 entries Enzymes in food biotechnologyPapain is a “highly efficient enzyme” that breaks down dietary protein. Therefore, it is also used in industrial environments to make the meat tenderer.

4 benefits of papaya

According to Matey, Papain offers some impressive health benefits.

1. AIDS digestion and protein absorption

“Due to its enzymatic nature, papain helps break down proteins to help digest and absorb amino acids,” she shared.

2. Promote bowel movements

When you enjoy papaya, you encourage regular, healthy BMS. Matey says the digestive exercise of papaya can provide its mild laxative properties, which can help people with occasional constipation and those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut.

According to the USDA, a small papaya provides less than 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is about 10% of the 25 grams recommended by women. Fiber famously supports gut health as well as digestive function and regularity – According to the 2020-2025 American dietary guidelines, an estimated 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended daily fiber intake.

3. Provide antioxidants

Studies have shown that both papaya and papaya juice have antioxidant effects. So Matey says both can help:

• Anti-oxidative stress
• Fighting inflammation
• Supports immune function

4. Accelerate wound healing

When applied locally, papain may enhance wound healing. (However, high doses should be avoided to alleviate side effects, such as potential skin irritation.)

Where to find papaya

“Papaya is the main source of papaya,” Matey said. If you are unable to get tropical fruits or get out of season, you can also turn to supplements to experience its year-round digestive health benefits.

For instance, you can find papain in dietary energy supplements like HUM’s bestselling Flatter Me Fiber GLP-1 Booster as well as the original Flatter Me, prebiotic- and probiotic-enhanced Flatter Me Plus, and Flatter Me Extra Strength—all of which contains additional dietary energymes (including bromelain, found in pineapple) to debloat and break down protein, carbs, and fats.

Papaya recipes support digestion and well-being

In the United States, papaya is usually the season that starts from May to September. To please your stomach and taste buds, be sure to bookmark these RD-developed papaya recipes and use them when the time is right.

Papaya Coconut Smoothie

“Rich in fiber, antioxidants and flavor, it’s a great protein smoothie that starts the day with a healthy gut,” Matey said.

raw material

1 cup ripe papaya (cube)

1/2 cup coconut milk or water

1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

1/2 Banana

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Ice cubes

2 small sprigs of fresh mint

1 serving of protein powder, such as Hum’s core strength

instruct

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Vegetarian Papaya and Avocado “ceviche”

The tropical atmosphere is filled with Matey’s vegan ceviche. Matey Shares: “This fun papaya and avocado ceviche has a lot of flavor, fiber and nutrients including antioxidants, minerals, vitamins C, A, E, K and folic acid.”

Expert tip: She said it is very good with the Plantain chip.

raw material

• 1 cup ripe papaya (diced)
• 1 small avocado (diced)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1/2 cup green onion (minced)
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeds and diced
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander (minced)
• 1 lime juice
• 1/2 tablespoon lime peel
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

instruct

1. In a mixing bowl, mix papaya, avocado, cucumber, shallot and jalapeno together.
2. Drizzle the mixture with lime juice, rind, tamari and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and black pepper and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds.
5. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, hot and cold.
6. Use refrigeration as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

takeout

Whether you choose papaya supplements, incorporate papaya into your diet, or both will benefit from digestive relief and other valuable overall well-being. Since digestive problems are often multifactorial, it is worth addressing other aspects of your diet and lifestyle (including but not limited to nutritional diversity, stress levels, and sleep quality) to ensure you bring the best chances of prosperity to your gut and digestive system.

Papaya and Papaya FAQ

Which food is rich in papain?

Immature papaya is the best source of dietary papain. However, you can also get papaya with supplements.

Why did I get a stomach injury after eating papaya?

Eating papaya should not hurt your stomach. If so, it may be because you are eating too much and/or not used to eating fiber-rich foods. As you increase your intake of high-fiber foods, do it slowly and increase your intake to alleviate digestive disorders.

Can papaya cause constipation?

Papaya papaya should usually reduce (not the cause) composition. However, if you have existing digestive disorders or other health problems, be sure to consult your doctor before integrating papaya supplements into your routine.