New Delhi: Papaya is a popular fruit enjoyed in almost every season for its potent properties and numerous health benefits. Known for its yellow-green flesh and black seeds, papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre. However, while generally healthy, papayas can cause digestive issues when consumed with certain other foods. This is due to enzymes in papayas that can interfere with the digestion of specific foods, particularly proteins.
For instance, the enzyme papain in papayas can disrupt the digestion of meat and dairy products, potentially causing bloating, gas, and other digestive problems. Similarly, consuming papaya with starchy fruits or vegetables can lead to digestive issues because the enzyme amylase in papayas affects carbohydrate digestion. Continue reading to discover which foods should not be consumed with papayas.
Foods to avoid eating with papaya
Here are some common foods to avoid when eating papaya to prevent digestive issues.
1. Raw Papaya
Eating raw papaya can cause digestive issues and stomach cramps. It contains a high concentration of papain, which can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and lower abdominal area.
2. Cucumber
Combining cucumber with papaya may lead to bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea due to cucumbers’ high water content, resulting in excessive water in the body.
3. Grapes
Consuming grapes with papaya may cause acidity and gas. The high acidity of grapes, when combined with papaya, can lead to stomach acidity and irritation.
4. Dairy Products
Eating dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, or yoghurt with papaya can cause digestive issues and stomach cramps. Papaya contains enzymes that can disturb the digestion of dairy products, leading to discomfort.
5. Fried Foods
Eating fried foods like fried chicken or French fries with papaya is not recommended as it could lead to stomach irritation. The high-fat content in fried foods, combined with papaya, can cause indigestion and stomach discomfort.
6. Citrus Fruits
Consuming citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons with papaya can result in a sour taste and cause digestive problems. Both papaya and citrus fruits have high levels of vitamin C, which may lead to acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach irritation.
7. Tomatoes
Eating tomatoes with papaya may cause digestive issues due to their high acidity. When combined, tomatoes and papaya can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.
8. Spicy Foods
Consuming spicy foods with papaya can cause digestive issues like stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea. Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining, and when combined with papaya, they can lead to digestive discomfort.
To avoid digestive problems when consuming papaya, it is best to eat it alone or with other fruits and vegetables that are low in starch and protein. Additionally, avoiding large amounts of papaya at once can help reduce the risk of digestive discomfort.
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