At the moment, you can pick up a papaya at Coles or Woolies for under five bucks – and everything from your skin to your mood and gut will thank you!

According to a new nutritional review, eating a tropical papaya isn’t just a wonder for your tastebuds, it’s a cost-effective way to get a whole bunch of nutrients into your diet.

The Papaya Australia Nutrition Review focuses on a unique bundle of nutrients that are found in papaya, and the incredible benefits for your body.

According to accredited Practising Dietitian and review author, Caitlin Reid, the latest findings reveal the benefits of papaya make it clear we should all be including more of it in our diet.

“Known for their vibrant and tropical flavour, papaya contains a unique bundle of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” she said.

“Just one serve of papaya provides your daily dose of vitamin C, almost a third of vitamin A and more than a quarter of your folate needs. This is a cost-effective and delicious way to get these important nutrients in and keep your immune system in tip-top shape, all-year round.”

And it’s not just the papaya flesh that’s full of amazing benefits!

“Papaya seeds contain protein, dietary fibre, phytochemicals and minerals including magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. The phenolic compounds such as benzyl isothic yanate, glucosinolates, tocopherols, cryptoxanthin and B-carotene act as antioxidants, reacting with free radicals to minimize oxidative stress in the body.”

Here’s a breakdown of the main reasons Caitlin is encouraging Aussie families to pop a papaya in the trolley.

1. Glowing Skin: Papaya provides a unique bundle of antioxidants – vitamin A, C and carotenoids – that assist with skin elasticity and the formation and repair of skin cells. All are essential for glowing skin.

2. Immunity boosting: Papaya contains a combination of antioxidants which fight the damaging effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation in the body and supporting immune health.

3. Good mood food: Including more fruit, like papaya, and vegetables in the diet promotes a better balance of gut microbiome, which plays a role in improving mood.

4. Gut goodness: Australian papaya contains gut-loving fibre, with a single serve contributing 11% of our daily needs.

5. Nutrient boost: Papaya contains carotenoids (the pigments that give them their
vibrant colour) which are more easily absorbed than from other carotenoid-rich foods,
like tomatoes and carrots, providing a bigger nutrient boost.

Papaya season is all year round, with an abundance in autumn and spring – so it’s the perfect time to pop a papaya in your trolley!

This article first appeared on Mouths Of Mums.

Love papayas? Tell us how you like to prepare them in the comments!