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Gut Problems? Try Papaya

Gut symptoms are a common complaint, including heart burn, bloating, stomach or abdominal pain or cramping, and constipation, to name just a few. Luckily, nature provides foods and herbs that can support our health and heal many ailments. In the case of gut problems, the best food for healing, hands down, is papaya.



Papaya fruit is oblong, smooth-skinned and has deep orange or red, sweet, juicy flesh. The outer skin turns from green to yellow as it ripens. It’s easy to walk by it at the grocery store and not give it a second look. But, if you have gut problems, this would be mistake. And here’s why.


Papaya is one of most easily digested foods on the planet. It is loaded with enzymes that support the pancreas, aid digestion and help heal inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It contains natural, healthy sugars that provide a critical energy source for your cells. It also has high levels of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids, which support the whole body and gives skin a healthy glow. Papaya contains phytochemicals, healing compounds found only in plants, that help kill unhealthy micro-organisms in your gut which cause uncomfortable symptoms and disease in the stomach and intestines.



There are many ways you can enjoy this delicious fruit. It can be added to a fruit salad or salsa, blended in a smoothie, or eaten alone. It can be put on top of foods, such as oatmeal or salads. Or blended up with other ingredients to make salad dressing.



It’s best to avoid papaya that has been genetically modified (genetically modified organism- GMO), which could pose health risks. Buying organic is one option, since foods cannot be certified organic if they are GMO. Since most papaya is not organic, however, look for a sticker on the papaya or a poster nearby that says Non-GMO. Or buy non-GMO varieties, such as Mexican Red, Caribbean Red, Maradol, Royal Star, Singapore and Higgins.


If you are struggling with any type of gut issue, papaya, eaten regularly, is a healing gift for your body.


Knowledge is power. Here’s to your health.




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