The Most Common Side Effects Of Papaya

Author: Joe Fowler Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

We must be careful when eating papaya, because eating the fruit gives side effects.

Who doesn't love tropical fruits? Papaya is one of them whose taste can take us to hot Africa. Whether in the form of freshly squeezed juice, cut into pieces or as a smoothie, papaya is not just a delight for the palate. The fruit is used to treat various conditions.

The content of vitamins A, B and C, as well as phytoestrogens in the fruit is high. It contains proteolytic enzymes (which break down proteins) such as chymopapain and papain. They are known for their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties . Of the minerals, papaya is rich in calcium, potassium, iron , phosphorus, copper, zinc, magnesium.

Despite its sweet taste, we must be careful when consuming papaya. Here are some side effects it causes:

Lowers blood sugar

Fermented papaya can lower blood sugar. If we generally have low blood sugar , this carries a risk, for example in certain surgical procedures. If we are about to have an operation, we should not eat the fermented fruit for at least two weeks before it.

Causes allergies

Immature fruits, leaves and stems of the tree contain milky white latex . It can cause a severe allergic reaction. Consumption of larger quantities of unripe fruit can cause hypercatarinemia - yellowing of the skin, which is largely due to increased levels of carotene. If we take more of the seeds of the fruit, it can be poisoned with carpatine.

Contraindicated in cystic fibrosis

Some patients with cystic fibrosis are advised to consume papaya because of the content of the enzyme papain , which is good for their health. But new research shows that patients with CF can develop fibrous colonopathy, which damages the colon.

Dilutes the blood

Papaya can improve the effect of some medicines used to thin the blood , which can lead to more heavy bleeding and bruising on the skin. If you are taking such medications, it is not recommended to eat tropical fruit.

Reduces fertility

Animal studies have shown that papaya seed extracts can adversely affect male fertility . This is done by lowering the number of sperm and suppressing their motility.

Causes abortion

Papaya seeds can cause abortion. In immature fruits there is a large amount of latex, which can cause uterine contractions. There is no such danger in mature fruits, but it is recommended that pregnant women do not consume this fruit.
Seeds can also increase blood flow during a cycle.

Causes birth defects

The chemical component papain, found in leaves and fruits, can be toxic to the baby and cause birth defects if expectant mothers take it during pregnancy.