Papaya

Papaya

Papayas are tropical fruits thought to be native to the Americas.

The center of the fruit is filled with numerous tiny, glistening seeds, which are edible and can also be used as a decorative garnish.

Varying in weight from half a pound to 20 pounds and in shape from round to banana-like, papayas provide a digestive enzyme called papain.

While papayas are an excellent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, and a good source of fiber, potassium and folate, they are considered "medium" on the glycemic index and are high in sugar, so enjoy in moderation.

Glycemic Index=59
Glycemic Load=10

The Benefits

*Excellent Source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C
*Good Source of: Fiber, Folate
*Preferences: Low Fat, Low Saturated Fat, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Low Carbohydrate, No Fish, No Red Meat, No Pork, No Eggs, No Shellfish, No Gluten, No Nuts, No Seeds, No Soy, No Dairy, No Poultry, No Molds, No Citrus, No Tubers, No Corn, No Yeast, No Peanuts, No Nightshade, No Legumes, No Grains

Selecting and Storing

Choose papayas with smooth skin that are yellow to yellow-orange and yield to slight pressure. Ripe papayas should be placed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator for use within a week.

Nutrition Information(amounts per serving)

Serving Size: 1-cup(s) cubes PAPAYAS,RAW

OMEGA-6 / OMEGA-3 RATIO: 0.14

Calories: 55

MACRONUTRIENTS	Amount	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	0.2 g	*
Saturated Fat	0.06 g	*
Monosaturated Fat	0.05 g	*
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.04 g	*
Trans Fat	0 g	*
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3)
ALA	35 mg	*
EPA, DHA	0 mg, 0 mg	*
Conjugated linolenic acid (CLA)	0 mg	*
Cholesterol	0 mg	*
Total Carbohydrate	13.7 g	*
Sugars	8.3 g	*
Fiber	2.5 g	*
Protein	0.85 g	*

MICRONUTRIENTS	Amount	% Daily Value*
VITAMINS
Vitamin A	1531.6 IU	31%
Vitamin C	86.5mg	144%
Vitamin D	0 IU	0%
Vitamin E	1 IU	3%
Vitamin B6	0.03 mg	2%
Vitamin B12	0 mcg	0%
Vitamin K	3.6 mg	4%
Folate	53.2 mcg	13%
Niacin	0.47 mg	2%
Riboflavin	0.04 mg	2%
Thiamin	0.04 mg	3%
MINERALS
Calcium	33.6 mg	3%
Copper	0.02 mg	1%
Iron	0.14 mg	1%
Magnesium	14 mg	4%
Manganese	0.02 mg	1%
Phosphorous	7 mg	1%
Potassium	359.8 mg	10%
Selenium	0.84 mcg	1%
Sodium	4.2 mg	0%
Zinc	0.1 mg	1%
PHYTONUTRIENTS
Alpha-carotene	0 mcg
Beta-carotene	386.4 mcg
Beta-cryptoxanthin	1065.4 mcg
Lutein + zeaxanthin	105 mcg
Lycopene	0 mcg

*Notes on Macronutrients: Because your personal nutrition needs are unique, please refer to the information on this site to learn more about your intake of macronutrients (Fats, Carbohydrates & Protein).