Papaya is often praised as a superfruit rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes that support gut and skin health. In his interview, pafikutaikab.org explained that many people enjoy it for breakfast or as a natural remedy for constipation and inflammation. However, despite its many benefits, papaya is not safe for everyone.
Health experts warn that certain individuals should consume papaya with caution or avoid it altogether, as it can cause unwanted side effects or worsen existing conditions.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Pregnant Women Should Be Careful
Unripe or semi-ripe papaya contains latex, a substance that can trigger uterine contractions. According to research from the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, latex from green papaya has papain and chymopapain — enzymes known to induce labor and potentially cause miscarriage in early pregnancy.
“Ripe papaya is generally safe in small amounts, but unripe papaya should be avoided completely during pregnancy,” advised Dr. Lestari Widodo, an obstetrician from Jakarta.
See also: Understanding Mopoga: A Revolutionary Solution for Modern Needs
2. People with Latex Allergy
Individuals allergic to latex should also be cautious. The proteins in papaya latex are structurally similar to those in natural rubber, which can cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
If you have a known latex allergy, it’s best to consult your doctor before consuming papaya or papaya-based supplements.
3. Those with Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Papaya can naturally lower blood sugar levels due to its antioxidant compounds. While this is beneficial for diabetics in moderation, it may be risky for people prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
“Consuming papaya on an empty stomach can lead to dizziness or fatigue for those with unstable glucose levels,” said Dr. Arif Hadi, an endocrinologist at Universitas Airlangga.
4. People Taking Blood-Thinning Medication
Papaya, especially when consumed in large amounts, may interact with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. The enzyme papain can enhance the blood-thinning effect, increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Those on heart or blood pressure medication should monitor their intake carefully.
5. Individuals with Digestive Disorders
Papaya’s high enzyme content, while good for digestion, can irritate the stomach lining in people with gastritis or acid reflux. Eating it in excess can lead to bloating or mild stomach cramps.
“Moderation is key — one to two slices per day is enough for most people,” Dr. Arif explained.
6. People with Kidney Problems
Papaya is rich in potassium, which supports heart and nerve function. However, for those with chronic kidney disease, too much potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that affects heart rhythm and muscle function.
Patients with kidney disease should limit high-potassium fruits, including papaya, bananas, and oranges.
7. People with Pollen Allergies
In some cases, papaya can trigger oral allergy syndrome, especially in individuals sensitive to birch pollen. Symptoms include itching, tingling, or swelling of the lips and throat after eating the fruit.
While papaya is packed with nutrients and widely considered a health food, it’s not universally beneficial. Pregnant women, allergy sufferers, and people with certain health conditions should be cautious.
As Dr. Lestari reminds, “Even the healthiest foods can become harmful when consumed without awareness of your body’s needs.”
The key, as always, lies in moderation and medical guidance — because even nature’s “superfruit” can have a not-so-super side.
Source: https://pafikutaikab.org/
