Papayas grow as small trees in the Americas and Africa, producing large leaves and edible melon-like fruits with smooth skin. Papayas are eaten fresh and dried or used as flavoring in candy and ice cream.
When shallow cuts are made on the surface of full-grown, unripe papayas, a milky sap emerges. Collected and dried, it is known as papain, a vegetable pepsin. Papain's protein-degrading enzymes may be used as a digestive aid for people with difficulty digesting food proteins.
Papaya fruits, leaves and enzymes are used all over the world for food, medicine and teas.
Irritation and Inflammation
Papaya should only be eaten when it is ripe. Unripe or raw papaya fruit can cause irritation, sores, inflammation and pain in the stomach, intestines or mouth. The papaya fruit's enzymes may contribute to esophageal perforations.
Gastrointestinal
Eating papaya can cause severe gastritis in some individuals. Consuming large quantities of papaya can have a powerful laxative effect.
Heart, Nerves and Blood Vessels
The black seeds in the papaya contain traces of carpine or carpaine, a potentially toxic substance. According to the International BioPark Foundation's information about Medicinal Plants of the Peruvian Amazon, papaya's carpaine enzyme can numb the nerve centers and cause paralysis and cardiac depression. High doses of carpaine can also cause vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels.
Pregnancy-Related
Avoid consumption of semi-ripe and unripened papaya during pregnancy. According to Healthwise author and registered nurse, Sandy Jocoy, if a woman is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, she should not eat papaya or use papaya products. Even though papaya is occasionally recommended to sooth indigestion, if it is at all unripe, it will contain a latex substance that may trigger contractions of the uterus and contribute to the possibility of a miscarriage.
Skin Pigment
If papaya is eaten in excess, the fruit may cause carotenemia, a yellowing of the skin and palms. This condition, however, is reversed when the person stops eating papaya.
Respiratory
People can be allergic to parts of the papaya. The Center for New Crops & Plant Products at Purdue University explains that papain in papaya can induce asthma or rhinitis in some individuals.
Side Effects from Papaya Enzymes
Papaya enzymes have many uses, such as digestive aid, skin softener, anti-inflammatory agent and meat tenderizer. Some people experience side effects or allergic reactions when using products containing papaya enzymes, such as stomach upset, rash, itching, swelling or dizziness.
Serious side effects occur infrequently, including slow heartbeat; heartburn; chest pain; difficult or painful swallowing; facial, tongue or throat swelling; severe dizziness or drowsiness; trouble breathing; or paralysis.
Papaya enzymes may affect the blood's clotting ability, according to Pharmacy Health, so people should avoid this product when taking blood thinners.
Latex Allergy
People who are allergic to latex may also be allergic to certain proteins found in foods, according to The New York State Department of Health. Substances called chitinases are found in papayas as well as in many other fruits associated with the latex-fruit allergy syndrome. People should be aware that if they have a latex allergy, they may also be allergic to papayas and should be cautious when eating or handling this fruit or using papaya products.
References
- International BioPark Foundation: Papaya
- NorthShore University HealthSystem: Papaya - Avoid During Pregnancy
- Purdue University: Center for New Crops & Plant Products: Papaya
- Pharmacy Health: Papaya Enzyme Drug Information
- New York State Department of Health: Latex Allergy - Information for Health Professionals
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