Acai I’m sorry, it’s not you, it’s actually Papaya.
Yes it’s no secret lately how much I love this guy. Packed to the brim with antioxidants such as lycopene, Vitamins C & A, fibre and a digestive enzyme called papain.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many conditions, and may be measured by testing several blood markers, including C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6. Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids such as papaya help to reduce these inflammatory markers.
Furthermore, the papaya enzyme papain, plays a key role in digestive processes involving the breakdown of protein fibers, making protein easier to digest. People living in the tropics often consider papaya as a natural remedy for constipation, bloating and other IBS symptoms.
Proteolytic enzymes such as papain may also act as an immune system support has they help to modulate to leukocytes in the immune response. The list of benefits continue, so rather than reading me bang on about them, try it and see for yourself with my newest and favourite smoothie recipe below!
*Blog Disclaimer: I still very much love acai, and acai was not harmed in the writing of this blog
Papaya Digestive Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ½ Cups Frozen Papaya, (cubed)
1 Large Frozen Banana (sliced)
2 tsp. Fresh Ginger (grated)
1 Lime
250ml Cocoquench or coconut milk
Method:
Throw all ingredients into a blender, and blitz until combined.
*Optional