Dried Papaya
Some Helpful Facts about Dried Papaya
Dried papaya is a tasty tropical fruit. There are many antioxidants in it. It has more vitamin C than a kiwi, and more beta-carotene than carrots. Papayas also possess an abundance of bioflavonoids and minerals.
Papaya is sometimes used to aid digestion, since the fruit's enzymes can help to digest starches, fats and proteins. The fruit's fiber is helpful in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Papaya tends to be alkaline, and can help sooth an upset stomach. If you have stomach problems after you consume spicy foods, papaya can help. Dried papaya has also been shown to aid in relief of constipation. Don't consume too much in a day, though, because papaya can clean your system out.
Papaya is helpful in nourishing your endocrine system, and helps the body produce arginine, which is an amino acid that is responsible for activating the production of HGH - human growth hormones. These hormones aid in the rejuvenation of cells and for rebuilding cells in the bones, muscles and liver. Arginine is also beneficial to healthy skin. Its effects regenerate cells in the skin.
Fans of the fruit ask if dried papaya has a different concentration of papain than fresh papaya. The enzymes like papain that are found in papaya, are sensitive to heat, and the drying of the papaya utilizes heat, which may serve to deactivate the enzymes. Enzymes from foods that are fresh are far more likely to have helpful effects on your digestive system than enzymes from dried fruits.
Papaya, when dried, may have been treated with sulfites. You can keep from inadvertently consuming sulfite by purchasing organically dried papaya. It's usually better to buy the organic types of dried fruits as a whole, because you can avoid the presence of pesticides used in non-organic farming. Organically grown foods also tend to have a higher level of nutrients.
Papain, the enzyme that is most beneficial in papain, is found in more concentrated amounts in the unripe green papaya. Dried papaya is made from ripe fruits, so you may lose some of the enzyme value if you don't eat fresh fruits. You can find green papaya in stores, and it makes an excellent addition to a cold salad, or in a sandwich. You can also use papaya in mixed salads, with hot peppers and red onions.
A unique and sweet flavor has made dried papaya a healthy and popular snack. It can be used in home-made ice cream, fruit cakes, scones and muffins. It's also a versatile addition to hot cereal, trail mix, sauces and salads. Dried mango slices are a delicious snack, and you can add them to your yogurt. You can even sprinkle them on top of cold cereal or cakes, for added flavor. They're a tasty and healthy snack.