Side Effects of Papaya Seeds
Every part of the papaya is regarded as beneficial, even the seeds. The papaya seeds are mainly thrown away.They are are gradually gaining a lot of importance among people as a significant health beneficiary but these seeds can also cause some side effects that could harm those consuming it. In this article we will discuss the side effect to understand the consumption of the seeds better.
11 Possible Papaya Seeds Side Effects:
1. Pregnancy Termination:
Seeds of a papaya are considered harmful as they have a high content of latex. This triggers uterine contractions that lead to miscarriage, abortion, premature laborsand abnormalities in infants. It is more of a hazard from the seeds of raw papayas. The enzymes present triggers oxytocin and prostaglandin which induces labor.
2. Distasteful Taste Buds:
he seeds leave a very bitter taste in the mouth, especially the seeds of a raw papaya. This is not a very long time effect, but the taste remains for a very long time. If you are just beginning to eat the seed have a few at a time. Increase your dosage gradually to let the taste buds get accustomed to the bitterness.
3. Poisoning:
Papaya seed contain a compound called benzyl isothiocyanate, which can cause poisoning. One should consume the seeds in regulated amounts as high doses can adversely affect and cause poisoning leading to fatalities in a few cases as well.
4. Stomach Upset:
These tiny seeds are power houses of nutrients, hence one needs to go slow on them. Do not have too many at once as it can upset your stomach and can cause loose stools.
5. Food Pipe Damage:
Consuming too many papaya seeds at once damages the esophagus. Researchers do not have a concrete number to place facts but it is advisable to keep the consumption under control.
6. Allergies:
Another cause of concern is allergies; this is not applicable to all. Those unfortunate few need to be careful about eating the seeds. It is generally more common of an asthma allergen. Consult your doctor before including it in your diet. The common allergic symptoms are, swelling of the face and mouth, itching sensation in the throat and mouth, rashes on the floor of the mouth, dizziness, abdominal cramps, difficulty in swallowing, etc…
7. Carotenemia:
The beta carotene present in papaya seeds are extremely beneficial for the eyes, keeping it safe from any muscular degeneration that comes with age. But over consumption of these seeds leads to excess of beta carotene in the body thus causing the discolouration of the skin, soles palms and the eyes as well. It will look life you are suffering from jaundice.
8. Infertility:
This seeds has been regarded as a trusted contraceptive since ancient times. But if consumed daily it can turn the sperm count in a man to zero. This is not a permanent effect though and sterility can be reversed if consumption is stopped. It is advisable that couples with pregnancy plans should not consume these seeds.
9. Blood Thinning:
The seeds interact with blood thinning medication. The papain enzyme present in the seeds has the same effect as blood thinners. If you are already under blood thinning medication then you must consult your doctor before consuming the seeds.
One must also not consume too many seeds too frequently as it will thin your blood unnecessarily which will cause excessive bleeding and bruising. If you are to undergo a surgery then you must stop consuming the seeds few weeks before the surgery so the wounds can heal on time post surgery.
10. Toxic Effect:
Another reason why you should not consume large amounts of the seeds is because they can turn out to be toxic for you. Benzyl isothiocyanate, a compound in papaya seeds in very toxic when consumed in high quantities and can cause fatal in a few cases.
11. Not Suitable for Infants and Nursing Mothers:
Infants do not have a immune system that is very strong and tend to fall sick very easily. It is thus advised that nursing mothers should not administer papaya seeds as it will affect the health of the child leading to a stomach upset and other intestinal discrepancies.If mothers want to give them to their children then one needs to consult their pediatrician first.
These are some of the adverse effects of the seeds. To avoid these side effects one needs to consume it in regulated quantities and consult your doctor in case of complications. Papaya Seeds can be healthy but occurrence of side effects shouldn’t be neglected. If the side effects persist, medical attention should be immediately taken.
