Papaya

What is Papaya?

• Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit with anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting benefits. Not only is the flesh edible, but the seeds and leaves have been used traditionally for their medicinal benefits.

• The flesh of papaya is not the only edible part. The leaves and seeds of this fruit have been used medicinally in various cultures around the world for years. [6]

• Enzymes found in papaya have various beneficial effects on symptoms that those with ASD face along with working as a digestive aid to help break down food to be absorbed.

• Papaya is rich in phytochemicals which help give papaya its beautiful orange color. These plant compounds also have potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.

Nutrient Breakdown

Papaya is a great source of:

• Carbohydrates

• Fiber

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin A

• Folate

• Potassium

• Antioxidants

• Digestive enzymes

Different Ways to Enjoy Papaya

• Papaya juice

• Papaya leaves

  • These are edible parts of the papaya that have been used in Mexican folk medicine as a way to help treat diabetes and manage blood sugar. Studies in mice have found that the leaves of papaya may protect the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas from damage and death, thus helping blood sugar management. [3-4]

• Papaya seeds 

  • These are often not discarded as people think they are inedible, however, you can eat the seeds of papaya in moderation. One pilot study even found that papaya seeds may be effective against intestinal parasites. [5]

• Certain digestive enzyme supplements contain the enzyme papain from papaya

Papaya Alternatives

If your child doesn’t like papaya yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value! 

• Pineapple

  • This fruit contains a digestive enzyme unique to itself called bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme (an enzyme that helps break down protein) that works similarly to the enzyme found in papaya.

• Oranges (Vitamin C)

• Red Bell Peppers (Vitamin C)

• Sweet Potato (Vitamin A)

Food Reactions

The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options. 

DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.

Papaya & Autism in the Research

While there are no current studies on papaya and autism, nutrients in papayas such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and naturally occurring enzymes play important roles for individuals with autism. 

Papaya and Digestion

• Digestive enzymes are produced naturally by your body as part of the digestive process. These are proteins that help break down carbohydrates, protein, and fats in food. 

• Digestive enzymes can be supplemented to help aid in digestion, you can read more about digestive enzymes here.

• Papaya is a fruit with naturally occurring digestive enzymes. One study looking at the benefits of digestive enzymes in ASD found that digestive enzymes caused significant improvements in emotional response, general impression autistic score, general behavior, and gastrointestinal symptoms. [1]

• One of the enzymes used in this study was papain, the main digestive enzyme found in fresh papaya fruit. 

Papaya and Inflammation

• Papaya is rich in phytochemicals, these are compounds that give plants their color and have various beneficial effects on the body.

• Papaya leaves are edible and are where some of these beneficial plant compounds are found.

• One study looking at papaya leaf extracts found that they had potent anti-cancer properties. The researchers went on to state not only this but also that they can improve the immune system and reduce inflammation. [2]

• References

  Descriptio[1] Saad K, Eltayeb AA, Mohamad IL, et al. A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Digestive Enzymes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2015;13(2):188-193. doi:10.9758/cpn.2015.13.2.188

  [2] Zuhrotun Nisa F, Astuti M, Mubarika Haryana S, Murdiati A. Effect of Papaya Leaves (Carica papaya L.) Extract on Immune Response (TLR-7, TLR-9) and Inflammation (COX-2) in Rats Induces DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]antrasen). Pak J Biol Sci. 2020;23(11):1450-1455. doi:10.3923/pjbs.2020.1450.1455

  [3] Juárez-Rojop IE, Díaz-Zagoya JC, Ble-Castillo JL, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of Carica papaya leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:236. Published 2012 Nov 28. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-236

  [4] Miranda-Osorio PH, Castell-Rodríguez AE, Vargas-Mancilla J, et al. Protective Action of Carica papaya on β-Cells in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(5):446. Published 2016 Apr 27. doi:10.3390/ijerph13050446

  [5] Okeniyi JA, Ogunlesi TA, Oyelami OA, Adeyemi LA. Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2007;10(1):194-196. doi:10.1089/jmf.2005.065

  [6] Hariono M, Julianus J, Djunarko I, et al. The Future of Carica papaya Leaf Extract as an Herbal Medicine Product. Molecules. 2021;26(22):6922. Published 2021 Nov 17. doi:10.3390/molecules26226922n text goes here

Authors

Blayne Andrews, Dietetic Intern

Edited and reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT