Every woman is different and has to go through different types of symptoms during periods: PMS, cramps, heavy flow, and sometimes even mood swings.
But life does not stop for anybody; one needs to get back to work, studies, or household chores.
Fortunately, nature has given us food products that will help in lessening these distressing symptoms, and one such fruit is papaya.
Traditionally, this fruit is widely used as a medicine for menstrual pain and irregular periods due to its great content of vitamins A, C, and E among antioxidants. But we hear a lot of questions, whether women can eat papaya during periods or not? And how does papaya benefit during the period.
Let's dive into the details and find out the facts and benefits.
Can We Eat Papaya During Periods
Yes, eating papaya during periods is safe and beneficial to health. It induces flow. You must be wondering the best way to eat this fruit. Well, you can eat raw papaya or papaya juice twice a day.
You must know that a cup of papaya or one bowl of fresh ripe papaya can be eaten in the middle of the cycle.
Raw papaya breaks down the uterine lining. This fruit is loaded with fibres, minerals, and vitamins and is tasty. It is a storehouse of zinc and magnesium.
Also Read: 10 Juices that helps you ease Period Pain
Nutrition in Papaya
It is full of dietary fibres. It also have minerals in them. It is a superfood for delayed periods too. This tropical fruit is rich in phytochemicals, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and even fibres, enzymes, glycosides, and flavonoids.
Health Benefits of Papaya
- It prevents diabetes: This fruit prevents blood sugar levels, which is a very common problem now. It is full of dietary fibres that help to fight high blood sugar levels.
- Papaya Improves vision: It also help in eyesight. Since it is packed with Vitamin A, it improves eye health. Eat it regularly whether you have periods or not!
- Papaya is good for arthritis: If you are an arthritis patient, then include papaya contains an enzyme called papain, an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain and stiffness in bones. Regular eating will strengthen your bones.
- Boosts digestion: Eating papaya during your period help from severe cramps and irregular periods, it also aids the digestive system. It is rich in fibre and water content that take care of bowel movements and helps with constipation.
- Protects from Heart Disease: It protects the heart since its full of antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Intaking any nutritious food can reduce the chances of heart disease.
- Boosts Immune System: Since it is full of antioxidants and vitamin C, papayas enhance immunity. If you want to stay away from frequent diseases and infections, you must have papayas daily.
- Protects against Prostate Cancer: The seeds of this luscious fruit are also said to have an anti-cancer effect and shield you from prostate cancer for men. It also protects the liver.
Also Read: Is it good to drink Lemon water during periods?
Is papaya leaf good for menstruation?
Yes, the extract of papaya leaf can be used to treat menstrual cramps. It has been proven effective in reducing pain and swelling during menstruation.
The extract of the leaf contains compounds that inhibit prostaglandin production which is believed to reduce pain and inflammation during periods. However, some people may experience side effects when taking this supplement such as headache, dizziness and rashes, so consume it in moderation.
Common Papaya Recipe
You can, of course, make a papaya smoothie and enjoy it chilled. Papaya milkshake is a pretty delish dish as well. It's nutritional profile is amazing and thus, you should make the most out of it.
Not just the fruit, the other parts are great as well! You can make papaya pakoras, curries, Halwas, and dips too. Papaya can be used for your regular chicken curry as well because it makes the meat softer.
Also Read: Can we eat mango during periods?
Papayas are great for desserts
We would ask you to ditch rice and consume papaya salad for lunch. You may also like the papaya punch, papaya paratha, bruschetta, etc. The fruit also has anti-ageing properties. Ripe papaya can be eaten as a dessert with some fresh cream. It is good to eat ripe papaya as it has very low levels of latex and papaya is safe to consume during your period.
You can eat it as a tangy appetizer or simply enjoy it as a snack. If you have kids at the house who do not like the taste of the fruit, try making papaya popsicles.
Add strawberries and bananas to your smoothie and have it if you face irregular periods. It is very yummy!
If you have a sweet tooth, bake unripe papaya and cut it into quarters. Remove seeds and add some cinnamon and sugar. Do not forget to put some water in a baking pan. Bake the papaya for around 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Dos and Don'ts of eating papaya
Here are a few Dos
- Consume papaya during periods.
- Try to include it in your daily routine.
- You can make various dishes and have them in small amounts.
And, a few Don'ts
- Do not have it during your pregnancy.
- Do not overeat it!
- Do not eat if you have an allergy.
- It can lead to toxicity and even hamper fertility.
- Eating semi-ripe fruit may lead to natural abortion or miscarriage.
FAQs
Q1. Can you consume Papaya at night?
Ans: Papaya acts as a laxative and it helps in cleansing the colon. And thus, you must have it at least four hours after your meal. If you are planning to have it at night, plan the timing.
Q2. Can unripe Papaya induce periods?
Ans: Yes, it does because it causes uterine contractions. It is safe to eat least 18-24 hours before the estimated date of the cycle to induce periods.
Q3. Is eating green Papaya or raw papaya good for you?
Ans: It is full of essential nutrients and enzymes to promote digestive health. So you must consume it regularly. Eat papayas for a fitter and leaner version of yourself as it keeps you full for a long time.
All in all - Should we eat Papaya for Periods
To conclude, eating papaya is great to induce menstruation. You should eat this tasty fruit for its other health benefits too. It improves blood flow to the uterus muscles. You can witness your heart and gut health improving once you start eating it regularly.
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