NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Papaya is trending for digestion, gut health and “debloating.” But how we use it makes all the difference – and whether it’s ripe or green, seeds or supplement form. In Wednesday’s FUELED, we’ve got the rundown on the benefits of each, and what lives up to the buzz.
What is papaya?
Contains papain — a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein
Functions very differently depending on ripeness:
ripe → sweet fruit, yellow-orange flesh
green → firm, savory, functional ingredient
Ripe Papaya
Soft, orange flesh, naturally sweet; ~8–11 grams sugar per cup
Provides vitamin C, fiber, hydration
Papain is present, but less than green papaya – lower enzyme activity once fully ripe
Simple ways to use: fresh with lime; yogurt or smoothies; paired with savory dishes
Green Papaya (Unripe)
Green skin, firm texture, not sweet; Very low sugar (~2–3 grams per cup)
Used like a vegetable (slaws, salads, stir-fries)
Highest papain activity in green papaya
As papaya ripens, papain activity drops significantly
Functional use: mash and use in marinades
helps break down protein in tougher cuts of meat
Use small amounts, short time: ~30–60 minutes; too long → overly soft texture
Papaya Seeds
Edible, peppery flavor. Use it dried and ground as a pepper substitute; blended into dressings
Papain – Digestive Enzyme, Available in Supplement Form
Concentrated digestive enzyme from papaya
May help with heavy or high-protein meals; may also help with feelings of bloating
Papaya: Key Takeaways
Ripe papaya → hydration, vitamin C, fiber
Green papaya → culinary use + strongest enzyme activity
Seeds → flavor, not a significant source of enzymes, compared to green flesh
Supplements → targeted digestive enzymes
Papaya can support digestion — but overall diet still matters most
FUELED WELLNESS + NUTRITION IS POWERED BY EVAMOR | Learn more at evamor.com.
Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian and nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of the Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. Download the Eat Fit mobile app to stay in the know about Eat Fit partners, new dishes, festivals, and more. To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
Latest Posts
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.