Papaya, the Digestive Helper

You might be very familiar with them or you may not have paid attention to them. But if you have never tried papayas, you are missing something good.

Papayas, oranges, and limes

However, please also read the Cautions at the bottom of this section before you eagerly savor one.

About 80% of papayas tested were shown to be free of pesticides. However, I would not buy Hawaiian papayas -- they are genetically modified.

How can genetically engineered produce be harmful? Well, it's a modification of the genetic nature of plants. Such foods, when consumed, can damage our intestinal walls. They wage war on our friendly intestinal bacteria. This compromises our digestion and makes our immune systems overactive. You have heard of leaky gut and people developing a gluten sensitivity or other intolerances. When we feed ourselves things contrary to what our bodies want -- natural food, it feeds the intolerances. So, for peace of mind, always opt for organic or at least non-GMO foods.

But papayas are chock-full of Vitamin C and other antioxidants that prevent chronic diseases. They help digestion, wound healing, prevent skin damage, improve vision, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Do you know that the ripe pulp of the papaya is a great meat tenderizer? You can use it in marinades. Just be sure not to marinate any meat for more than 24 hours with it. You might be left with mush. More tender cuts of meat and poultry may need just two hours.

Also, in tune with barbecue season, papaya is a boon. Bring on the "Boonie Tunes"! When used as a marinade, its antioxidants, like those in spices, can help combat the harmful chemicals formed when meat gets charred. I still suggest removing the deeply charred parts of grilled or barbecue items before enjoying the feast.

What's more, papaya seeds are highly nutritious too. They can fight fungi (mold), certain types of yeast, and parasites. Like papaya, they also quell inflammation and are beneficial for the gut.

Cautions: 

• Pregnant women should avoid papaya -- especially unripe or semi-ripe papaya, the seeds, leaves, and other parts of the plant -- at least in the first trimester. Later in your pregnancy, you can have fully ripe papayas occasionally.

• Those who have a latex allergy should avoid papayas altogether.

• Papaya can interfere with certain heart medications.

• Those who have kidney stones or chronic kidney disease should avoid papaya.

• Papaya may affect thyroid function.