Problem
When we think about adopting a healthy lifestyle, there are zillions of diets and superfoods that we could possibly come across. Apple and papaya together are very famous among them. Every now and then, an amazing advantage of some particular fruit or veggie is unfolded. This makes us more conscious about the food we eat. But with a myriad of options, it gets really difficult to choose the best combination of fruits and veggies that could offer maximum benefits.
Particularly, we have not heard much about the merits of eating a few fruits in combination. For example, apples and papayas are two fruits that are often overlooked as a power-packed combination. Though these fruits are quite popular, they are never seen together in the health chart.
Agitation
This is where the majority of people get it wrong, and as a result miss out on one of nature’s most nutrient-dense food combinations that can dramatically improve their overall health, Apple and papaya when combined supply a unique blend of vitamins and minerals can help combat many health problems better than consuming them separately, and if you think about it, most of us have either apple or papaya but very few people have both, why is that? Are you missing out on optimal digestion, radiant skin, a healthier heart, and a strong immune system? I think so. Let’s take a look at why you should be eating both apple and papaya regularly and how they can be combined to live a healthier and more energized life.
Apple and Papaya together
Eating apples and papayas together is the easiest way to reap their combined health benefits. But why so? We’re going to walk you through the natty gritty of consuming apples and papaya together, backed by data and case studies.
The Nutritional Power of Apples
Apples contain generous amounts of dietary fiber, mainly pectin, which is very good for digestive health. As a matter of fact, a recent study printed in the journal “Nutrients” has shown that regular apple consumption helps to promote beneficial gut bacteria. As you know, a healthy gut or well-balanced macrobiotic is key for overall health. This fruity vitamin C and K powerhouse also boasts potassium and antioxidant compounds like quercetin with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
The Nutritional Power of Papayas
And what about papayas? This fruit is known for being packed with vitamin C – just 1 small papaya (179g) offers over 100% of your daily recommended dose. But that’s not all. It also includes papain, which is known to help break down proteins in your stomach, making it easier for you to digest the food you eat. Papayas are also a good source of folate, vitamin A, magnesium, and antioxidant compounds like beta-carotene and lycopene – 1 medium papaya contains 169% of the recommended daily intake of folate, which is essential for the development of cells. These antioxidants are also known to have cancer-fighting properties.
Combined Benefits of Apples and Papayas together
Consuming apples and papayas together enhances the nutritional benefits of eating apples and papayas individually. Here’s how it works to improve your health:
Enhanced Digestion
Apple’s Share:
Apples are rich in fibers, especially the soluble fiber pectin that helps regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation by adding bulk to the diet.
Papaya’s Share:
Papayas contain the enzyme papain that assists the stomach in breaking down proteins, especially after a heavy protein meal. It reduces bloat and fosters healthy gut bacteria.
A case study in the “Journal of Medicinal Food” showed that a group of participants who ate apples and papayas together in their diet experienced significantly improved digestion and fewer gastrointestinal problems than those who ate the fruits alone.
Improved Skin Health
Apple’s Promise:
Vitamin C found in apples helps produce collagen, a substance that keeps your skin tight and helps prevent wrinkles.
Papaya’s Promise:
Beta-carotene and lycopene, found in papayas, help protect the skin against UV light damage. They also enhance the overall texture and appearance of your skin.
In a clinical study done by a team of dermatologists, it was found that a diet containing both apples and papayas had a greater contribution to skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal appearance than other pairs of fruits.
Boosted Immune System
What Apple adds:
Apple contains quercetin and vitamin C which suppress inflammation and bolster the immune system against pathogens.
What Papaya adds:
Papaya is packed with vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system by inducing white blood cell production and enhancing bacterial infection resistance.
A study conducted by “The Food & Function” journal revealed that the combination of apples and papayas enhanced immunity more than their individual consumption. Eating these two fruits in combination had a synergistic effect providing better protection against cold, flu, and other immune system disorders.
Heart Health
Apple’s Benefit:
Apples reduce cholesterol levels with the help of their fiber, which binds to the cholesterol in the gut and prevents its absorption into the bloodstream. Antioxidants in apples prevent oxidative damage to the heart.
Papaya’s Benefit:
Papayas assist in keeping the heart healthy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body due to their high amount of antioxidants. Its fiber helps in reducing cholesterol levels.
A study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” followed participants for ten years and it was discovered that those who ate both apples and papayas in their diet had significantly lower risk of developing heart diseases than those who avoided the fruit.
Here are some practical ways to include apples and papayas together in your diet
Smoothies
Add slices of apple and chunks of papaya to a blender along with a little yogurt and honey. Enjoy this tasty mixture in the morning for a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber.
Salads
Mix diced apple and papaya with some leafy greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette. Not only will you get to savor interesting textures and tastes, but you’ll also benefit from a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Snacks
Slice apple and papaya and take them on a plate as a snack throughout the day. Apple slices can also be topped with a little peanut butter or almond butter for some protein and good fats.
Desserts
Make a fruit salad with apple and papaya or bake slices of apple and serve with papaya puree. Delicious and healthy!
Conclusion
Eating apples and papaya together as part of your everyday diet is easy. In fact, it’s so simple you can do it anytime, anywhere. Use the combined health benefits of apples and papayas to help improve your digestion, your skin, your immune system, and your cardiovascular health. Instead of looking at apples and papayas as separate entities, understand the incredible benefits they can provide when eaten together.
Eat apple and papaya together regularly as part of your daily meals and snacks for a healthier, happier you.
By using the combined health benefits of apples and papayas you can eliminate the opportunity cost penalty and give your overall health an incredible boost. Go on, try it today.