While papaya is a nutritious fruit with several health benefits, certain food combinations can have adverse effects, such as digestive issues. Here are seven foods to consider avoiding or consuming in moderation when combining them with papaya.
Dairy Products
The enzymes present in papaya can interfere with the digestion of dairy products, particularly milk. This may lead to an upset stomach or digestive discomfort.
Citrus Fruits
Papaya is rich in vitamin C, and combining it with other citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits can result in an excessive intake of vitamin C. This may also lead to stomach upset or gastrointestinal disturbances in some individuals.
Green Bananas
Unripe or green bananas contain high amounts of resistant starch, which can be difficult to digest for some people. When combined with papaya, which contains digestive enzymes, it may lead to digestive discomfort.
Fermented Foods
Fermented products, like kimchi, contain beneficial bacteria. When consumed together with papaya, the naturally occurring enzymes in papaya may interfere with the survival of these beneficial bacteria.
Meat
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which is known to have tenderizing properties. When consumed with meat, especially in large amounts, papain may break down the proteins in the meat and lead to a mushy texture.
High-Protein Foods
Papaya enzymes can break down proteins, which is why it's often used as a meat tenderizer. Consuming papaya with other high-protein foods like beans may interfere with their digestion.
Cucumbers
Another food you should avoid eating with papaya is cucumber. Cucumbers are a cooling food and can slow down digestion when combined with papaya.
The effects of these combinations may not show to everyone, as individual tolerances and reactions can vary. It's always a good idea to talk to your dietician before making any changes in your diet.