Everyone should consume a healthy diet consisting of nutrients sourced from a wide variety of foods. This is especially important in our later years as nutritious foods help to prevent or manage diseases while boosting one’s immune system. Fruits should be included as part of a healthy diet as it provides many nutrients that cannot be sourced from other foods, even vegetables.
Fruits such as papayas are a good source of nutrients and should be incorporated into the diet. Here are some health benefits of papayas:
Boosts Heart Health
Papayas are a good source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These vitamins are good antioxidants that prevent oxidation of cholesterol, resulting in less plaque buildup on artery walls. Excessive plaque buildup on artery walls causes the quantity of blood flow to the heart to be reduced, therefore increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. They can also cause heart disease which is one of the top causes of death in the US. Hence, eating papaya is good for your heart health due to its rich amount of antioxidants.
Improves Digestion
If you often face digestion or bowel problems, eating papaya is a good way to improve your digestion. This is due to the presence of enzymes such as chymopapain and papain that help to digest proteins. Hence, if you are having stomach pain due to digestion problems, eating papaya can help alleviate the pain and smoothen the digestive process.
Reduces Inflammation
Papayas also have anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the enzymes papain and chymopapain. They can help to reduce inflammation caused by both acute and chronic pain. Acute pain such as a minor burn or bruise from a fall can be reduced. Symptoms and flares of chronic inflammation, such as arthritis which is common in the elderly, can also be managed by eating papaya.
Strengthens Immune System
Vitamin C helps to boost the body’s immune system by fighting illnesses and infections. Papayas are high in vitamin C. Eating papaya often can prevent you from getting sick so often. Vitamin A contained in papaya also helps in strengthening the body’s immunity.
Enhances Brain Health
The food you eat does not only benefit your body but benefit your brain as well. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as papayas can delay cognitive decline. The risk of developing dementia decreases as well. This is important for older adults who are more likely to develop dementia due to their age.
Choose TerraBella Windsor Lake for a Healthy and Enriching Lifestyle
Papayas are a great source of nutrients and boast many health benefits including strengthening the immune system, boosting heart health, and improving digestion. Papaya is a great fruit to incorporate into a healthy diet.
To lead a healthy and enriching lifestyle, you should have access to nutritious foods to improve the immune system and prevent diseases. If you are having challenges attaining a healthy diet, you can consider joining us at TerraBella Windsor Lake. In our senior living community, you can consume a nutritious diet with the freshest ingredients prepared by our executive chefs.
