Papaya Powder
Papaya Powder
Snapshot
Papaya Powder is a dehydrated, concentrated form of ripe Carica papaya fruit, rich in digestive enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, skin health, and immune function.
What is Papaya Powder?
Papaya Powder is made by drying and milling ripe papaya flesh into a fine powder, preserving key nutrients such as the proteolytic enzyme papain, vitamin C, betaโcarotene, and flavonoids.
Where It Comes From
Ripe papayas are peeled, seeded, sliced, and driedโvia sprayโdrying or freezeโdryingโthen ground into a uniform powder, often blended with a carrier like maltodextrin to improve solubility.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides papain and chymopapain enzymes for protein digestion; high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid); provitamin A carotenoids (betaโcarotene, lycopene); and polyphenols with antioxidant activity.
Health Benefits
Papaya Powder supports digestion by aiding protein breakdown and reducing bloating; promotes skin health through collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection; enhances immune defense via vitamin C and phytonutrients.
Recommended Dosage
1โ2 teaspoons (approx. 3โ5โฏg) daily, mixed into water, juice, or smoothies; provides roughly 150โ300โฏmg of papain and 50โ100โฏmg vitamin C per serving, depending on processing.
How to Use It
Stir into beverages, yogurt, or overnight oats; add to smoothies or protein shakes; can be used in baking or marinades to tenderize meat. Store in a cool, dry place.
Who Should Use It?
Those seeking digestive support, skin rejuvenation, or immune enhancement; beneficial for individuals with occasional indigestion, athletes needing protein digestion aid, and anyone seeking natural antioxidant sources.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
High enzyme activity may irritate mucous membranes; avoid in individuals with latex or papaya allergy; separate from other oral enzyme supplements by at least one hour; consult a healthcare provider if on anticoagulants.
Final Thoughts
Papaya Powder is a versatile, nutrientโdense supplement that combines digestive enzyme support with antioxidant and immuneโboosting properties in a convenient form.
Scientific Studies
Chitra KP, Leelamma S. Nutrient composition and digestibility of papaya seed and flesh. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2000;55(2):153โ163. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008133616944
Frontera M, et al. Effects of papaya fruit on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in humans: a randomized trial. J Med Food. 2019;22(8):799โ807. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0225
Rathinavelu A, Sales K, Grewal P. Papain activity and its effect on protein hydrolysis in vivo. J Nutr Biochem. 2005;16(7):461โ467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2004.11.003