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NDTV
15 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Say Yes To Raw Papaya: The Secret To A Healthier, Happier Summer
Summer is upon us, and while you are reaching out for much-loved mangoes and watermelons, there is one underrated tropical gem that truly deserves a spot on your summer plate - raw papaya. Yes, it is the green, firm, mildly flavoured version of the fruit you probably walk right past at your local vegetable sellers' cart without a second glance. Raw papaya may not have the instant appeal of juicy mangoes or the sweet burst of litchis, but it makes up for it with the incredible health benefits. Often seen as just a crunchy base for Thai salads or a filler in stir-fries, raw papaya is actually a powerhouse of nutrients. It is packed with digestive enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants and hydration-boosting properties that make it an ideal companion for the sweltering Indian summer. So, whether you are trying to stay cool, keep your gut in check or nourish your skin from within, raw papaya offers a natural, affordable and delicious way to do it all. Let's dive into why this humble green fruit deserves more love during the summer season. Also Read: Papaya Seeds For Diabetics: Benefits, Side Effects And How To Consume Photo Credit: iStock 5 Reasons To Add Raw Papaya To Your Summer Diet: 1. Packed With Cooling And Hydrating Properties: Raw papaya has a high-water content. According to USDA data, it contains nearly 88 percent water, which helps keep you hydrated. It also has a mild diuretic effect, which helps flush out toxins and cools down the body naturally. 2. Great For Digestion: Papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins and aids digestion. According to a study published in the journal Neuro Endocrinology Letters, papain not only improves digestion but also eases symptoms of bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). During summer, our metabolism tends to slow down, and raw papaya can help get things moving smoothly. 3. Boosts Immune Health: Packed with vitamin C and vitamin A, raw papaya supports the immune system and protects against common summer infections. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 100 grams of raw papaya offers over 60 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, which is essential to strengthen immunity against seasonal diseases. 4. Helps Manage Weight: Low in calories and high in fibre, raw papaya keeps you full longer and aids weight management. It also has a low glycaemic index (GI), which means it can help manage blood sugar levels too. Several studies have further linked raw papaya with reduced cholesterol levels. 5. Nourishes Skin: Nutritionist and Macrobiotic Coach Shilpa Arora explains, "Since fibre in the raw fruit cleans the body internally of any toxins, eating raw papaya daily helps with skin conditions like acne, blemishes and pigmentation." It may also help dissolve dead skin cells and repair the old ones, thus helping the skin rejuvenate from within. Also Read: Calories In Papaya: How To Use This Low-Calorie Fruit For Weight Loss How To Add Raw Papaya To Your Summer Diet: 1. Toss it into a crunchy Som Tam-style salad: If you love chaat and crunchy salads, then you will surely love this. Make your own version of the famous Thai Som Tam salad using shredded raw papaya, green chilli, crushed roasted peanuts, lemon juice, a dash of jaggery and tamarind water. It is tangy, spicy and cooling, making it a perfect side for a hot afternoon. 2. Add grated raw papaya to paratha stuffing or sabzis: Grated raw papaya works beautifully as a stuffing for parathas. Saute it with jeera, ajwain, hing and a touch of amchur for a wholesome and fibre-rich breakfast. It also blends well into dry sabzis or mixed vegetable preparations, adding volume, fibre and nutrition. 3. Make a refreshing raw papaya juice with lemon and mint: Blend peeled and chopped raw papaya with cold water, lemon juice, fresh mint leaves and a pinch of black salt for a hydrating summer cooler. It is light on the stomach and excellent for digestion. 4. Try it in Indian-style stir-fries or thoran: In South Indian cuisine, raw papaya is often used in thoran, a simple stir-fry made with grated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. It pairs beautifully with rice and rasam. 5. Make pickles or chutneys with it: Raw papaya pickles are packed with gut-friendly nutrients. You can also make quick chutneys with grated papaya, green chillies, garlic and lemon juice. It can be a zesty accompaniment for comforting dal-chawal or khichdi. Also Read: Love Papaya? We Have 7 Healthy Ways For You To Include It In Your Diet Photo Credit: iStock The Bottom Line: Raw Papaya Is Just What Your Body Needs This Summer Raw papaya is vibrant, versatile and perfect to add to your summer diet. So, the next time you are at the market, do not overlook those raw papayas at the vegetable stores. Word Of Caution: Pregnant women are often advised to avoid papaya as it may stimulate uterine contractions. So, it is always better to consult an expert before adding it to your diet during pregnancy. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Papaya Raw Papaya Benefits Raw Papaya For Summer Show full article Comments
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
7 Summer Fruits That Diabetics Can Safely Enjoy
As temperatures soar, so does our craving for juicy, refreshing fruits. But for people with diabetes, the sweet world of fruits often comes with caution. While many fruits contain natural sugars, not all of them are off-limits. In fact, several summer-special fruits offer hydration, fibre, and antioxidants without causing blood sugar spikes-if eaten in moderation. Nutritionist Shilpa Arora explains that diabetics need to be careful with fruit choices. She suggests going for fruits with a low glycaemic index and high fibre content. Here's a list of diabetic-friendly summer fruits that check all the right boxes. Here Are 7 Summer Fruits For Diabetes Diet 1. Jamun (Indian Blackberry) Jamun is a classic Indian summer fruit that's a favourite among diabetics. With a glycaemic index of just 25 and rich in compounds like jamboline, jamun helps convert starch into energy, potentially regulating blood sugar levels. Its seed powder is also used in Ayurvedic formulations for managing diabetes. Here's how to add jamun to a diabetes diet. 2. Guava Crunchy and mildly sweet, guavas are low in calories and rich in dietary fibre, making them ideal for blood sugar management. The vitamin C content also helps reduce oxidative stress, which is higher in diabetics. Prefer the fruit whole rather than in juice form to retain the fibre. 3. Papaya This tropical fruit is not only light on the stomach but also low on the glycaemic scale. It contains antioxidants like flavonoids that may improve insulin sensitivity. A small bowl of ripe papaya can help satisfy your sweet cravings without guilt. 4. Watermelon (In Moderation) Yes, diabetics can eat watermelon but in small amounts. While it's high in sugar, it's also about 90% water, which helps with hydration. Pairing it with protein or fat (like a handful of nuts) can help stabilise blood sugar levels. 5. Plums Plums are a juicy summer treat that offers fibre and antioxidants. Their glycaemic load is low when eaten in moderation. Plus, the skin contains polyphenols that may support better insulin response. 6. Peaches Fresh peaches are a fragrant, nutrient-rich option with vitamin A, C, and potassium. Go for whole fruit rather than canned versions in syrup. They're hydrating and help boost immunity while being kind to your sugar levels. 7. Apples (Yes, They're in Season Too) Though not exclusive to summer, apples are available year-round and are a safe choice. Their soluble fibre (pectin) helps slow down sugar absorption and keeps you full for longer. Fruits should be an integral part of our diets. Pro Diet Tips for Diabetics: Portion control is key: Even low-GI fruits can raise blood sugar if eaten in excess. Pair with protein or healthy fats: This helps in reducing post-meal glucose spikes. Avoid fruit juices: Juices lack fibre and cause rapid sugar spikes. Eat fruits in between meals: Not immediately after a big, carb-heavy meal. Summer fruits don't have to be off the table for diabetics. With the right choices and mindful portions, you can enjoy seasonal flavours without compromising your health. As Nutritionist Shilpa Arora advises, "Choose fruits that are high in fibre and water, and enjoy them fresh and whole."
Mint
15-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Can you hold multiple life insurance policies?
My friend passed away in an accident in January. He had multiple life insurance policies. While a few insurers have honoured the claims, one recently purchased policy has been rejected on the grounds that the earlier policies were not disclosed in the proposal form. Is this a valid reason for claim rejection under Irdai rules? - Name withheld on request I'm sorry to hear about your friend's tragic passing and the difficulties his family is facing with the claim rejection. Let's look at this from an insurance regulatory and underwriting perspective. When someone applies for a life insurance policy, they enter into a contract based on the principle of utmost good faith, which requires full disclosure of all material facts. This includes details of any existing or recently lapsed life insurance policies. Why is this disclosure crucial? Insurers assess the total life cover a person is eligible for using the Human Life Value (HLV) formula, which factors in age, income, liabilities, and existing cover. For instance, if the HLV is ₹ 2 crore and the individual already has policies totalling ₹ 1.5 crore, the insurer may only offer an additional ₹ 50 lakh. Failure to disclose existing policies can distort this assessment and result in over-insurance, increasing the insurer's risk exposure. In such cases, if the insurer discovers the non-disclosure after a claim is filed, it may consider it a material non-disclosure, even if the cause of death is unrelated. This is especially significant if the policy is less than three years old. Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938, offers some protection after three years of policy issuance. However, since your friend's policy was issued less than three years before his death, the insurer has the right to investigate and potentially reject the claim if misrepresentation or non-disclosure is established. That said, you can appeal the decision if the non-disclosure was unintentional. For example, if the proposer was unaware of the requirement or if it was an oversight by the insurance advisor. File a detailed representation with the insurer's grievance redressal cell, explaining the circumstances and justifying the total HLV. Providing income proof and other financial documents can strengthen the case. Life insurance is a commitment to safeguard a family's financial future. Complete disclosure, including all existing policies, health conditions, and habits, is vital to avoid complications later. Better to be transparent upfront than to face rejections at the worst possible time. Shilpa Arora is co-founder & COO of Insurance Samadhan.
