Grown in the lush tropical environment of Far North Queensland, Ruby Rise Red Papaya offers a bright pop of colour, a subtly sweet, creamy flavour and a wide range of health benefits making it the perfect addition to your diet. But while the reasons for incorporating red papaya into your meals are endless, you might have a few questions you’d like answered about this intriguing fruit before you dig in. We’ve put together a list of our most common papaya FAQs and answers.
1. Is papaya sweet or sour?
Ripe red papaya has sweet, juicy red flesh, with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture - it is definitely not sour!
2. Are papaya and pawpaw the same thing?
Though they have similar names and are similar shapes, there are some significant differences between papaya and pawpaw. Ruby Rise Red Papayas are oval-shaped, with sweet red flesh and a delicious tropical flavour and aroma. Pawpaws are slightly rounder, have yellow flesh and a less sweet, muted flavour.
3. Is papaya high in sugar?
While all fruits contain sugar, papaya has a fairly moderate sugar content, with half a small papaya containing just 6 grams of sugar. Papaya also has only a modest effect on blood sugars, with a glycemic index of 60, similar to a sweet potato or a banana. Which makes it a great fruit that provides sustained energy throughout the day.
4. Is papaya good for dogs?
Yes! Papaya can be a great way to support your dog's digestive health as they contain lots of easily digestible fibre that can often be missing from dog foods. Papaya is also rich in vitamins A, K and C as well as essential phytonutrients that dogs need to maintain optimum health. The relatively low sugar content of papaya also makes it a great option for dogs. If you are feeding papaya to your dog, make sure you remove the seeds and skin first, as these should not be consumed by dogs.
5. Is papaya good for pregnancy?
Yes, ripe papaya can be a very healthy addition to a pregnant woman’s diet. Papaya contains high levels of vitamins A, B, C, potassium and beta-carotene, all of which are especially important during pregnancy and can help support neurological development in utero. Papaya can also help with constipation which is common in pregnancy, as its high fibre content can improve digestive function. Some women even find that papaya helps with morning sickness because the enzymes can help to break down proteins, easing the digestive process. Unripe papaya should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Is papaya seed safe to eat?
Yes, papaya seeds are not only safe to eat, but they’re also highly nutritious and carry a long list of health benefits. Papaya seeds contain high levels of antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and fibre. Some studies have even shown that papaya seeds may help to fight infections, with some research indicating that they can kill certain types of fungi and parasites.
7. Does papaya reduce belly fat?
While no single food is going to magically eliminate belly fat, eating papaya can definitely be part of a healthy diet that helps to reduce excess body fat and maintain good overall health. The high fibre content of papaya can aid digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer, which can help with appetite control and abdominal bloating. The digestive enzymes in papaya can also assist with assimilating protein which can further boost weight-loss efforts. Finally, papaya is high in antioxidants which can help reduce overall inflammation in the body, helping to maintain a healthy body weight.
8. Does papaya make you poop?
Again, while no single food is a surefire cure for constipation, papaya can help to prevent constipation and promote healthy bowel movements. Papayas contain a digestive enzyme called papain which can help break down proteins, assisting in digestive and bowel function. Papaya is also high in fibre and water, both of which are essential to forming healthy, easy-to-pass stools. So in short, while papaya is by no means a laxative, it can help to ease constipation and promote bowel health.
9. Is papaya good for eyesight?
Papaya contains several elements that can help support eye health. Papaya is high in beta-carotene which is easily converted into vitamin A, and is essential to eye health. But what makes papaya unique is that it also contains two phytonutrients called lutein and zeaxanthin. These are found in high levels in the human retina as they are used to protect the eyes from UV light, improve visual acuity and prevent damage to the cells. Some research has shown that consuming good levels of lutein and zeaxanthin can significantly reduce your risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
