Traditionally, the green or unripe papaya has been used in many cultures, especially Southeast Asian medicine, for its effects on menstruation and reproductive health. This tropical fruit contains unique enzymes and compounds when in its unripe state that can influence hormonal balance and menstrual flow.
What is Unripe Papaya?
Green or unripe papaya is basically the raw, immature version of the sweet, orange papaya we're familiar with. While the ripe one is sweet and soft, the unripe one is firm, green, and has a different nutritional profile altogether that makes it particularly interesting for women's health.
Unripe papaya is rich in:
- Papain: A powerful enzyme that's most concentrated in the fruit's unripe state
- Chymopapain: Another enzyme that works alongside papain
- Latex: A milky substance that contains beneficial compounds
- They are rich fiber content
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
These enzymes, along with other bioactive compounds, contribute to its medicinal properties.
Benefits of Unripe papaya for menstrual health
1. Helps regulate irregular menstrual cycle
We know how frustrating it is to have unpredictable periods. It comes early one month, late the next month, and sometimes you may see a skip a month altogether. Consumption of green papaya can be pretty beneficial in such situations. Enzymes in the raw or unripe papaya function directly with your body's natural processes. They might help your period come at the right time, each month.
Here's what happens when you consume unripe papaya –
- Your menstrual cycle starts becoming more predictable.
- You'll notice your periods coming at more regular intervals.
- The time between your periods becomes more consistent.
- Your body develops a more stable monthly pattern.
We recommend starting with small amounts of unripe papaya. You can add it to your diet about a week before your expected period date. However, remember – if you're pregnant or trying to conceive, you should avoid unripe papaya completely.
A quick note from us: While many women find unripe papaya helpful, everybody is different. If your periods are very irregular, it's best to talk to your doctor first.
2. Reduces the severity of menstrual cramps
Menstrual pain can really disrupt your life. However, the really good news is unripe papaya can help ease those uncomfortable cramps. The special enzymes in unripe papaya, especially papain, work like natural pain relievers. They help relax your uterine muscles, which means less cramping and discomfort during your period. Rather than popping those over-the-counter painkillers right away, you might find that adding unripe papaya to your diet in the days leading up to your period helps reduce the intensity of cramps. This natural approach can make your monthly cycle more comfortable.
3. Aids in healthy uterine muscle contractions during menstruation
During your period, your uterus needs to contract properly to shed its lining – it's like a natural cleansing process. When your uterus contracts in a healthy, regulated way, it helps your period flow more smoothly and reduces the chance of blood clots forming. The enzymes in unripe papaya, particularly papain, help support these natural contractions.
The enzymes don't make your contractions stronger or more painful – instead, they help make them more effective. This means you might notice your periods becoming more regular and manageable.
Many women report that their periods seem to "flow better" when they include unripe papaya in their pre-menstrual routine.
4. Unripe papaya balances hormonal levels
The special compounds present within an unripe papaya have been found to function thinly with the hormone systems in women. The presence of these natural substances leads to the regulation of estrogen – that fluctuates and at times gives a woman trouble such as mood swings, heavy bleeding or irregular periods.
This helps women understand how unripe papaya inclusion in diets on a daily basis impacts them and keeps their moods more stable with lesser symptoms of PMS during the entire menstrual cycle.
Phytochemicals in unripe papaya support your body's own hormone-balancing mechanisms, unlike synthetic hormones that might override your natural processes.
5. It assists in reducing menstrual blood clotting
Heavy clotting during periods can be uncomfortable and concerning. But unripe papaya can help you with this issue as well. It works in two main ways to reduce menstrual blood clotting:
- Through its enzyme fibrinolytic properties: The papain enzyme in unripe papaya acts as a natural blood thinner. It helps break down fibrin, a protein that's responsible for blood clot formation. When these enzymes are present, they help prevent blood from becoming too thick or forming large clots during menstruation.
- Through improved circulation: The enzymes in unripe papaya also help improve blood flow in the uterine area. Better circulation means blood can flow more smoothly during menstruation, reducing the likelihood of clots forming.
Side Effects and Precautions
Even though unripe papaya can be beneficial for menstrual health and has so many benefits, it also has its share of risks. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, please avoid unripe papaya completely – its strong enzymes can cause uterine contractions that might lead to miscarriage.
Another issue with consuming unripe papaya is experiencing digestive issues like stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhoea when women first start consuming unripe papaya. In those cases, you may opt for healthy papaya juice. So, it is always better to consult with your doctor.
The enzyme papain can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, showing up as skin rashes, itching, or in rare cases, breathing difficulties. If you're taking blood-thinning medications, be extra cautious as unripe papaya can enhance their effects and increase bleeding risks.
If you experience any unusual symptoms after consuming unripe papaya, stop consuming it and get connected to your doctor immediately.
Summary
Unripe papaya can be a natural way of backing your menstrual health. Its ability to stimulate uterine contractions may help regulate delayed periods, while its nutrients can ease menstrual discomfort. But women should also be cautious as consuming it in excess or during pregnancy can lead to complications. If you’re thinking of adding unripe papaya to your diet during your periods, it’s always a good idea to consult a nutritionist. You can get personalized advice to ensure if eating papaya is safe and beneficial for you.