How to Use Papaya in Treating Gout Disease
Gout is a painful, arthritic condition that is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. Excess uric acid can deposit uric acid crystals in the joints and under the skin. The joint most affected by uric acid deposits is the big toe. There are foods that help prevent an excess of uric acid from building up in the body; one of those foods is the papaya. Papayas contain "papain," which is an enzyme that helps the body maintain an alkaline state, thus preventing the buildup of uric acid. There are many ways to use papaya to treat gout. While you are enjoying the taste, you can also enjoy the fact that you are helping your body.
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Instructions
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Using Papaya Raw
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Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds.
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Scoop out the flesh of the papaya with a spoon or small melon baller.
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Eat the papaya as is, or add to a bowl of fruit or on top of a salad. Papaya can also be added to stews and has been used for centuries as a meat tenderizer.
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Add chunks of papaya to a bowl of cereal or oatmeal for added flavor. It is a great way to get some papain.
Using Papaya In a Daily Smoothie
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Select a Mexican papaya as they tend to be sweeter than those from Hawaii. Leave the papaya in the refrigerator overnight.
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Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the inner flesh. Put in blender.
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Peel a banana and slice it, along with 1/2 cup of strawberries. Add to the papaya in blender. Blend the papaya, banana and strawberries for 10 seconds.
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Add 1/3 cup of non-fat yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey and three ice cubes. Blend for 30 seconds. Continue to add ice cubes until the smoothie is at the liquid consistency you prefer. Adjust the amount of honey added for desired sweetness.
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Tips & Warnings
A papaya is ripest when it is a colorful yellow or orange. Dark green papayas are immature and therefore not as sweet. Eat papayas within two days of their peak of ripeness.
Do not buy papayas that are too soft, bruised or have shriveled skin as these are signs that the fruit is damaged and no longer flavorful. Consult your physician before consuming a lot of papaya if you are on medication for gout.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.morguefile.com, www.flickr.com
