Papaya is rich in vitamins C, A, E, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which are beneficial for overall health. One of the strengths of papaya is the glycemic index (GI). The GI measures the impact of a food on blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI often increase blood sugar levels quickly, while foods with a low GI help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.
The GI of papaya is about 60, on average. This means that when eating papaya, blood sugar levels will increase, but the speed and increase rate will not be as fast as when eating foods with a high GI such as white blood sugar or sweet candy.
However, for people with diabetes, papaya consumption also needs to be controlled in a balanced diet to avoid excessive increases in blood sugar.
Research by the World Health Organization and nutritionists also recommends that eating fruits containing a lot of fiber and vitamins such as papaya can bring great health benefits.
The fiber in papaya helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, thereby minimizing the negative impact on blood sugar levels. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also shows that fresh fruit, when consumed properly, does not increase blood sugar levels strongly compared to processed foods or foods with added sugar.
Papaya also contains papain - a natural enzyme that can aid digestion and reduce inflammation, helping to improve overall health. However, to maintain stable blood sugar levels, it is important to eat papaya in meals combined with other foods, instead of eating alone.
It should be noted that although papaya has an average GI and can affect blood sugar levels if eaten too much, when consumed properly in a healthy diet, papaya can be a useful nutritional supplement for people with blood sugar control.
Scientific studies have confirmed that fruits such as papaya can contribute to maintaining health without seriously affecting blood sugar levels if used properly.
