Pawpaw/Papaya is quite a nutritive fruit and has quite recommendable health benefits. However, papaya has side effects that should be taken seriously.
1. Allergic reactions
Papaya contains latex and papain which cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin. They lead to irritations on the skin. In case you are allergic to latex or papain, make sure you avoid papaya or any compounds made of it.
2. Stomach irritations
Papain and latex are able to cause stomach irritations when taken in large amounts. Papaya is high in fibre content and increased intake leads to stomach gas if the papain does not completely break the fibre. This also contributes to constipation and diarrhoea. Ensure you drink a lot of water after taking too much of this fruit.
3. Miscarriages or birth defects
The enzyme papain suppresses hormone progesterone in women that is essential for the preparation of uterinal wall during conception. It also leads to the damage of some women's reproductive organs that are crucial for foetal development and it also poisons the foetus leading to birth defects especially when consumed in high amounts.
4. Reduces male fertility
Papaya seeds on increased consumption have been found to lower sperm production as well as sperm motility. This reduces the sperm count that leads to low fertility rate.