Papaya

fruits

Papaya

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 6.0

Rated by 11 diets

7 approve2 caution2 avoid

How the diets react

Approves7
Caution2
Disapproves2
Is Papaya Healthy?

Yes — Papaya is broadly considered healthy. 7 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
43kcal
Protein
0.5g
Carbs
11g
Fat
0.3g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
7.8g
Sodium
8mg

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

One cup of papaya contains approximately 11g net carbs with minimal fat. The carb density and sugar content exceed keto tolerances, and superior low-carb vegetable alternatives exist.

VeganApproved

Whole plant fruit with no animal products or derivatives. Rich in enzymes and nutrients.

PaleoApproved

Whole tropical fruit available to Paleolithic humans. Rich in vitamin C, papain enzyme, and antioxidants. Unprocessed natural food with moderate sugar content.

MediterraneanApproved

Tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, fiber, and digestive enzymes. While not native to Mediterranean, fits modern Mediterranean diet principles of whole fruits. No processing or added sugars.

CarnivoreAvoid

Papaya is a tropical fruit composed of plant carbohydrates and sugars. Excluded from carnivore diet as a plant food.

Whole30Approved

Whole fruit with no added ingredients. Naturally compliant as a fruit.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Monash University confirms papaya is low-FODMAP at standard serving sizes (approximately 200g). Low in fructose and polyols.

DASHApproved

Excellent DASH fruit. Low sodium, high potassium, rich in vitamin C and fiber. Supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure control.

ZoneCaution

Moderate glycemic index; one cup (~11g carbs) is manageable but requires precision. Contains papain (digestive enzyme) and polyphenols. Acceptable within 2 fruit servings/day but not optimal compared to berries or grapefruit.

Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and papain (proteolytic enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties). Low glycemic index, high antioxidant capacity. Supports digestive and systemic inflammation reduction.

High water content (89%) and moderate fiber (1.7g per cup) support hydration and digestion. Contains papain enzyme that aids protein digestion. Low protein (0.8g per cup) and moderate natural sugars (11g per cup). Easy to digest and portion-friendly, but must be paired with protein source to meet meal requirements.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus6.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Papaya

Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • No processing required
Paleo 8/10
  • Whole fruit
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Vitamin C rich
  • Moderate sugar
Mediterranean 7/10
  • high in vitamin C
  • fiber-rich
  • whole fruit
  • digestive benefits
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole fruit
  • No added sugar
  • Natural carbohydrates
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Low fructose content
  • Minimal polyol content
  • Monash-tested and approved
DASH 9/10
  • Low sodium
  • High potassium
  • Rich in vitamin C
  • Good fiber content
  • Digestive enzymes
Zone 5/10
  • moderate glycemic load
  • digestive enzyme content
  • requires portion control
  • counts toward fruit limit
  • Papain enzyme
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta-carotene
  • Low glycemic index
  • high water content
  • moderate fiber
  • low protein
  • contains digestive enzymes
  • moderate natural sugar
  • easy to digest