Papaya Chicken Tacos

These tacos are packed with anti-bloating foods! Papaya has been a popular natural remedy for relieving digestive symptoms in tropical countries for years.

Serves 6

Ingredients

Salsa

1 ripe papaya, peeled, deseeded and diced
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
½ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1 yellow capsicum, diced
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 chilli, diced
Juice of 2 limes

Tacos

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
6 large chicken thighs, sliced
1 tsp each of paprika and cumin
½ tsp chilli flakes
1 cup pineapple juice
12 hard tacos

Method

For the salsa, combine all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Set aside to marinate in its own juices while preparing chicken.
Heat oil in a large fry pan and add onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add spices and stir for another minute, then add chicken and mix to coat in spices.
Cook until browned on all sides then add pineapple juice. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pineapple juice has reduced making a sticky sauce.
Serve chicken in a hard taco topped with loads of salsa.

Benefits

Papaya is awesome for bloating symptoms as it contains the enzyme papain. Papain is a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it helps break down proteins into smaller, more easily digestible components. This can reduce bloating and discomfort caused by the slow digestion of protein-rich foods. Papaya is also rich in dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation—a common cause of bloating. It has anti-inflammatory effects that may help soothe the digestive tract and being around 88% water it supports digestive processes. Evidence from scientific studies supports its anti-bloating and gut healing effects!

Pineapple can be helpful for bloating due to its content of bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion by breaking down proteins. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, which can help reduce bloating, especially if it is caused by poor digestion of protein-rich foods. Additionally, the high water and fibre content in pineapple can promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation, which is another common cause of bloating. Pineapple is nutrient rich containing vitamins C, A, B6, manganese, magnesium and antioxidants.

Mint is commonly used as a natural remedy for bloating and digestive discomfort as it has a soothing, cooling effect reducing irritation and inflammation. It contains menthol, which has antispasmodic properties that help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and cramping, alleviating bloating. Mint can stimulate the production of bile, which aids in digestion, particularly the digestion of fats.

Nutritional value Per serve

Kcal 319
Fat 16.5g
Carbs 26g
Fibre 4g
Protein 20g

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