Papaya Shake: Calories, Nutrition and Health Benefits
A refreshing, enzyme-rich drink that supports digestion, boosts immunity, and provides natural sweetness with minimal calories.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 250ml Glass (with Low-Fat Milk)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Vitamin C | 95mg |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU |
| Folate | 58mcg |
| Potassium | 360mg |
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Papaya shake contains papain, a powerful digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins and reduces bloating. The 95mg vitamin C per glass (158% daily value) strengthens immunity while supporting collagen production.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Papaya Shake Causes Weight Gain
TRUTH: A basic papaya shake has only 60 calories per 100ml. Weight concerns come from added sugar and full-fat milk. Use low-fat milk or water and skip sugar to keep it weight-loss friendly at 150 calories per glass.
MYTH #2: Diabetics Should Never Drink Fruit Shakes
TRUTH: Papaya has a moderate GI (60). Diabetics can enjoy papaya shake by using unsweetened versions, limiting portions to 200ml, adding protein powder, and pairing with nuts. The fiber content helps moderate glucose absorption.
MYTH #3: Papaya Shake Loses All Nutrients When Blended
TRUTH: Blending papaya preserves most nutrients including vitamin C, papain enzyme, and fiber. Only minimal nutrient loss occurs. Consume immediately after blending for maximum enzyme activity and vitamin C retention.
MYTH #4: You Can't Have Papaya Shake on Empty Stomach
TRUTH: Papaya shake on empty stomach actually enhances digestion due to papain enzyme. It's ideal for morning consumption. Only avoid if you have acid reflux or known papaya allergy.
MYTH #5: Papaya Shake Isn't Filling Enough
TRUTH: A 250ml papaya shake with milk provides 5g protein, 2.5g fiber, and 360mg potassium. Add chia seeds (3g protein, 5g fiber per tablespoon) or protein powder to increase satiety.
MYTH #6: All Papaya Shakes Are Healthy
TRUTH: Restaurant papaya shakes with sugar syrup, ice cream, or condensed milk can contain 400+ calories and 50g sugar. Homemade versions with fresh papaya, low-fat milk, and no added sugar are truly healthy at 150 calories.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss | ![]() | 150 calories per glass, papain enzyme supports metabolism, fiber promotes fullness. Use low-fat milk and skip sugar. |
| Muscle Gain | ![]() | Provides quick carbs (32g) post-workout, 5g protein from milk. Add whey protein powder (20g protein) for optimal muscle recovery. |
| Diabetes Management | ![]() | Moderate GI (60). Use small portions (200ml), pair with protein, avoid added sugar. Fiber helps control glucose absorption. |
| PCOS Management | ![]() | Natural sugars affect insulin. Limit to 200ml, use protein powder, consume morning only. Anti-inflammatory properties beneficial. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition | ![]() | Rich in folate (58mcg per glass), vitamin C for iron absorption, papain aids digestion during pregnancy. Avoid unripe/semi-ripe papaya. |
| Viral/Flu Recovery | ![]() | 95mg vitamin C (158% DV) boosts immunity, easy to digest, hydrating, anti-inflammatory properties support recovery. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Papaya Shake
Understanding how papaya shake affects blood glucose helps with portion control and timing.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*
How to Minimize the Spike
Adding protein and healthy fats to papaya shake reduces glucose impact:
- 🥛 Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt - Adds protein without excess calories
- 🥜 Add 1 tablespoon almond butter - Healthy fats slow sugar absorption
- 🌱 Include chia or flax seeds - Fiber reduces glycemic load
- 💪 Mix in protein powder - Stabilizes blood sugar and increases satiety
This combination makes papaya shake suitable for weight management and moderate diabetes control.
Cultural Significance
Papaya, native to Central America, has become a tropical staple consumed worldwide for nutrition and medicinal properties.
In India:
- Popular breakfast drink across South India (papaya milkshake)
- Ayurveda uses papaya for digestive disorders and skin health
- Unripe papaya used in curries and salads (rich in enzymes)
- Common street drink vendor offering, especially summer months
Global Impact:
- Papain enzyme used commercially as meat tenderizer worldwide
- Traditional medicine in Latin America, Africa, Asia for digestion
- Tropical regions rely on papaya as affordable nutrition source
- Growing superfood status in Western health communities
Compare & Substitute
Papaya Shake vs Similar Fruit Drinks (Per 250ml)
| Nutrient | 🥭 Papaya Shake | 🍌 Banana Shake | 🥭 Mango Shake | 🍓 Strawberry Smoothie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | 180 kcal | 195 kcal | 140 kcal |
| Carbs | 32g | 38g | 42g | 28g |
| Fiber | 2.5g | 3g | 2g | 3g |
| Protein | 5g | 6g | 5g | 5g |
| Fat | 1.5g | 2g | 2g | 1.5g |
| Vitamin C | 95mg (158% DV) | 15mg (25% DV) | 72mg (120% DV) | 112mg (187% DV) |
| Sugar | 22g | 26g | 35g | 20g |
| Enzyme | Papain (digestive) | None | None | None |
| Best For | Digestion, immunity, vitamin C | Quick energy, post-workout | Natural sweetness, vitamin A | Antioxidants, weight loss |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is papaya shake good for weight loss?
Yes, papaya shake supports weight loss when consumed without added sugar. A 250ml glass has only 150 calories and provides digestive enzymes that improve metabolism.
Weight loss benefits: Papain enzyme aids digestion and nutrient absorption; fiber promotes fullness; low calorie density; natural sweetness reduces sugar cravings.
Tips: Use low-fat milk or water as base; skip sugar completely; add chia seeds for extra fiber; consume as breakfast or snack replacement, not in addition to meals.
Can diabetics drink papaya shake?
Diabetics can have papaya shake in moderation with precautions. Papaya has a moderate glycemic index (60), so portion control is essential.
Tips for diabetics:
- Limit to 200ml portions (half glass)
- Use unsweetened versions only, no added sugar
- Add protein powder or Greek yogurt to reduce glycemic impact
- Consume with a meal, not alone
- Monitor blood sugar 2 hours after drinking
The fiber content (2.5g per glass) helps moderate glucose absorption. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How much protein is in papaya shake?
A 250ml papaya shake made with low-fat milk contains about 5g protein. This comes from the milk, not papaya itself.
Protein boosters: Add whey protein powder (20g), Greek yogurt (15g per 100g), chia seeds (2g per tablespoon), or almond butter (3.5g per tablespoon) to increase protein content for muscle recovery.
What are the main health benefits of papaya shake?
Key Benefits:
- Digestive Health: Papain enzyme breaks down proteins, reduces bloating, aids digestion
- Immune Support: 95mg vitamin C (158% DV) strengthens immune function
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces intestinal inflammation, supports gut health
- Skin Health: Vitamin C and A support collagen production and skin repair
- Heart Health: Potassium (360mg) and fiber support cardiovascular function
- Eye Health: Vitamin A and beta-carotene protect vision
When is the best time to drink papaya shake?
Depends on your goal:
- Digestion: Morning on empty stomach (papain enzyme most effective)
- Weight Loss: As breakfast or mid-morning snack replacement
- Muscle Gain: Post-workout within 30 minutes (with added protein powder)
- General Health: Mid-morning or afternoon, avoid late night
PRO TIP
Consuming papaya shake 30 minutes before heavy meals can improve overall digestion and reduce bloating.
Is papaya shake good for digestion?
Yes, papaya shake is excellent for digestion. The papain enzyme naturally present in papaya breaks down proteins, making digestion easier and reducing bloating.
Digestive benefits:
- Papain enzyme: Breaks down protein molecules for better absorption
- Fiber (2.5g): Promotes regular bowel movements and gut health
- Anti-inflammatory: Soothes intestinal inflammation
- Hydration: High water content aids digestive process
Best consumed on empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals for maximum digestive benefits.
Can I drink papaya shake daily?
Yes, drinking papaya shake daily is generally safe and beneficial for most people. One glass (250ml) daily provides significant vitamin C, digestive enzymes, and fiber.
Daily consumption tips: Rotate with other fruit shakes for nutrient variety; use unsweetened versions; monitor added calories if weight loss is goal; ensure ripe papaya only (avoid unripe for pregnant women).
Who should limit: People with latex allergy (cross-reaction with papaya); pregnant women (avoid unripe papaya); diabetics (portion control essential).
Track your meals with NutriScan app to monitor your papaya shake consumption alongside your health goals.
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