Is it Safe to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?

Readers would get information about benefits of eating ripe papaya in moderation during pregnancy and why it is important to avoid eating raw papaya in pregnancy. Though Papaya is loaded with many essential nutrients, raw papaya may cause health hazards like miscarriage in pregnant women.Papaya in any form is liked by Rupa. She likes to eat vegetables made with raw papaya and she is also fond of eating ripe papaya. She is going to have her health check-up next week and wants to know if she could consume papaya during rest of her pregnancy period. In this articleRaw Papaya May Cause MiscarriageAffects the Growth of FoetusCauses Fluid RetentionCan Give Rise to Formation of Kidney StonesIs it Healthy to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Can I Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Is it good to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Is it Harmful to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Benefits of Eating Ripe Papaya during PregnancyHarmful Effects of Eating Raw Papaya during PregnancyLet us take a look at the harmful effects of eating raw papaya during pregnancy.Raw Papaya May Cause MiscarriageThere are certain risks associated with eating raw papaya during pregnancy. The latex present in unripe or semi-ripen papaya is very concentrated and when consumed in large amount it could initiate uterine contraction and could lead to false labour and miscarriage may happen.Affects the Growth of FoetusLatex contains papain, an enzyme that is responsible for activating oxytocin and prostaglandin hormones. These hormones start and help in labour contractions. If labour contractions start in early months of pregnancy it could lead to abortion. Papain present in latex of raw papaya may reduce the chances of survival of the foetus. As papain is a proteolytic enzyme, it slows down the growth of cells and tissues.Causes Fluid RetentionExcess consumption of raw papaya during pregnancy may also cause oedema, retention of fluid in the body. Excess fluid retention would exert more pressure on blood vessels and could lead to internal haemorrhage. Even regular consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy should be avoided by those women who are at high risk of gestational diabetes.Can Give Rise to Formation of Kidney StonesPapaya being a good source of Vitamin C may cause kidney stones when consumed in excess. Chances of kidney stones may be increased when metabolism of Vitamin C happens and oxalate is formed. This may cause stomach cramps which could be dangerous for pregnant women.Is it Healthy to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Pregnancy being a very important phase in a woman’s life, it is important for would-be mother to remain healthy both physically and mentally. Healthy diet plays an important role in keeping the would-be mothers and their babies healthy. A pregnant woman requires much more calories and fruits and vegetables are must-to have food items for pregnant women. Ripe papaya is kept in the diet chart of many pregnant women because of its rich vitamin and mineral contents. However, consuming raw papaya during pregnancy can prove harmful. Even ripe papaya should be consumed in moderation due to it heat inducing properties. It is better if its consumption is completely avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. Can I Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Raw papaya is said to give rise to uterine contractions. However, ripe papaya is easily available fruit and because of its health benefits, pregnant women can eat papaya during pregnancy. Pregnant women who do not have gestational diabetes can safely consume ripe papaya daily but warnings are there about consumption of raw papaya. Although, ripe papaya can be consumed during pregnancy, overconsumption must be avoided due to its heat inducing nature. Is it good to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?Consuming raw papaya during pregnancy is a strict “No”. However, ripe papaya can be consumed in moderation as is a healthy food and is considered as rich source of minerals, vitamins and fibre. It also improves cardiovascular health and reduces chances of colon cancer. Eating ripe papaya in pregnancy is good to but it is better to keep raw papaya out of the diet chart during pregnancy.Is it Harmful to Eat Raw Papaya during Pregnancy?There is no doubt that ripe papaya is considered as a healthy food item during pregnancy but unripe or semi-ripen papaya must be avoided during pregnancy. The latex content in such papaya is quite high which may cause miscarriage. Consumption of raw papaya on regular basis may also inhibit the growth of the foetus. Benefits of Eating Ripe Papaya during PregnancyRipe papaya is a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and mineral such as potassium. Papaya also has beta carotene. As Vitamin A and Vitamin C helps in increasing the immunity of the body, it is beneficial to consume papaya in moderation during pregnancy.Vitamin B present in Papaya helps in development of the foetus. Papaya helps in reducing morning sickness and gastric problems. Consumption of papaya is helpful in digestion. Though papaya has lots of beneficial nutrients in it, it is important for the pregnant women to consult the healthcare provider before they start including ripe papaya in their daily diet chart. And raw papaya or semi-ripe papaya must be completely avoided.Is it healthy to eat raw papaya during pregnancy? Is it harmful to eat raw papaya during pregnancy? What are the benefits of eating papaya during pregnancy? Discuss here.