What are the benefits of eating papaya for people with diabetes?
Disease description:
My mother-in-law has diabetes and really enjoys eating papaya, but we don't know much about the health benefits of papaya. Could you please tell us, doctor, what are the benefits of eating papaya for people with diabetes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
People with diabetes can benefit from eating papaya, including nutritional supplementation, auxiliary blood sugar control, enhanced immunity, improved digestion, and anti-inflammatory effects.
1. Nutritional supplementation: Papaya contains abundant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and carotene. These nutrients are particularly important for individuals with diabetes, helping to supplement various essential nutrients required in daily life.
2. Auxiliary blood sugar control: Papaya has a relatively low glycemic index, meaning that blood sugar levels may rise more slowly after consumption, helping to reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
3. Enhanced immunity: The vitamin C in papaya has antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby improving immunity.
4. Improved digestion: Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps promote the digestion and absorption of proteins, improving gastrointestinal function.
5. Anti-inflammatory effects: Individuals with diabetes often experience a state of chronic inflammation, while certain components in papaya may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate inflammatory responses.
People with diabetes should consume papaya in moderation. Additionally, patients should follow the advice of doctors or nutritionists, undergo standardized treatment and management, and maintain stable blood sugar levels and overall health.
