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| Skincare Products With Papaya Extract |
What is Carica Papaya (Pawpaw)?
Carica Papaya (Papaya) or Pawpaw (as it is called in Nigeria) is a fruit that appears all the time as an extract in a wide variety of beauty products. Beauty companies claim it has dramatic skin-lightening properties but we know that it's more of an exfoliate and possesses only mild skin-lightening benefits.
A Cocktail Of Deadly Substances
Scientific evidence has shown that Papaya contains an enzyme called Papain. Papain is a soothing agent which is regularly used as a meat tenderizer. The Papain enzyme contains Latex and appears in the form of a gummy
substance that drips from the skin and neck of unripe papaya fruit.
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| Unripe Papaya Fruit |
Latex acts
as a prostaglandin and oxytocin. Prostaglandins are essential fats that act like hormones triggering body responses in the form of inflammation, contractions, while Oxytocins are chemicals that are released naturally in the body to induce childbirth.
The broader picture is that these are chemical substances that induce labor or
strengthen labor contractions during pregnancy. It is suggested that latex can
also poison the fetus and cause birth defects. So, it's clear that this is a cocktail of dangerous substances for any pregnant woman.
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| Avoid Papaya During Pregnancy |
FDA Issues Warning
The
American FDA has issued warnings recommending that women do not eat unripe or semi-ripe papaya during pregnancy. Existing research data including a 1978
study by Hornick, Sanders, and Lin supports
the FDA’s warning that unripe and semi-ripe papaya consumption is a health risk
for pregnant women. A more recent study appeared in the 2002 British Journal of
Nutrition by Adebiyi, Adaikan & Prasad of the National University of Singapore
which supports earlier findings. However, no evidence has appeared to suggest that
consuming ripe papaya is hazardous.
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| Ripe Papaya Fruit |
Conclusion
Regardless
of existing research, so much remains unclear about papaya and its effects
during pregnancy. Further studies are needed. Most experts still
agree that it is best to avoid papaya completely during pregnancy. There is no need for unnecessary risks during pregnancy. There are lots of alternative fruits which are healthy and affordable.
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| Papaya Cubes |
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