Cutting a papaya in half and eating it raw is a unique and delicious experience. Once you scoop the seeds out of the center, you can fill it with berries, bananas, granola, chia seeds, and more for a filling, tropical breakfast. Papaya is naturally sweet without being overpowering and it exhibits an impressive nutritional profile.

Papaya is naturally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, and lycopene. The carotenoid lycopene is a plant pigment that gives papayas, and other orange and red foods, their signature colors. A review of studies found that lycopene may aid efforts to reduce systolic pressure (top number in your blood pressure reading). Eating more lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Papaya is a hot shot in the fruit community, but it isn’t the sole star of this smoothie. This smoothie contains the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial superstar that is ginger, and the sweet, potassium-rich banana. We know the addition of freshly squeezed lime juice in this smoothie may seem like an unwanted relative staying at your house, but it’s the ingredient you didn’t know you needed. The refreshing zest just sets off the other flavors!