Australian Papaya and Papaw are well-renowned for their tropical colours and juicy texture, but new research confirms they offer much more than just flavour!

In the midst of antioxidants making a recent comeback, it's been revealed that combining milk with papaya to create a nutritious breakfast smoothie such as a Papaya Lassi can lead to an increase in the amount of beta-carotene absorbed from the fruit. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant needed daily for eye health, skin health and a healthy immune system.

"Beta-carotene is a pre-cursor to vitamin A, which is essential for everyone, but in particular many adults over 45 years need to increase their intake of this important vitamin as most of them don't get enough of it," says Sharon Natoli, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Founding Director of Food & Nutrition Australia. "Children can also find it difficult to meet vitamin A requirements due to lower than ideal intakes of yellow and orange fruit and vegetables, which are generally significant sources of Vitamin A in the diet."

"Studies show that eating a carbohydrate-rich meal for breakfast, such as a Papaya Lassi with wholegrain toast, can improve feelings of alertness throughout the morning," Sharon continues. "Research also shows that breakfast eaters are more able to control their weight, which is important in combating the rising obesity levels in Australia."

Australian Papaya and Papaw make great ingredients for a satisfying breakfast - why not try a Papaw Health Blast for an immune boost? Both fruits can also be eaten fresh on their own or with a drizzle of lime or lemon for extra flavour.

Australian Papaya and Papaw are ideal ingredients for a solid start to the day. They are packed full of essential vitamins such as vitamins C, E, A and K, plus potassium and antioxidants which have numerous benefits for the body, including helping to maintain a healthy immune system, strong vision, healthy skin and protection against lifestyle related diseases. Papaya and Papaw also contain a secret super-ingredient called papain- an enzyme unique to both fruits that helps digest proteins and is particularly useful for those with digestive issues.

Australian Papaya and Papaw are available all year round and are quite different to each other. Papaya has an orange-red coloured flesh and yellow-orange coloured skin, with a sweet flavour. Papaw is a rounder and larger fruit, with distinct yellow flesh and pale orange skin, slightly more savoury in taste. There is also green Papaya, an ingredient that partners well with Asian dishes.

So to kickstart your day, pick up an Australian Papaya or Papaw for an energy-packed breakfast!Australian Papaya and Papaw are well-renowned for their tropical colours and juicy texture, but new research confirms they offer much more than just flavour!

In the midst of antioxidants making a recent comeback, it's been revealed that combining milk with papaya to create a nutritious breakfast smoothie such as a Papaya Lassi can lead to an increase in the amount of beta-carotene absorbed from the fruit. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant needed daily for eye health, skin health and a healthy immune system.


So to kickstart your day, pick up an Australian Papaya or Papaw for an energy-packed breakfast!