"There are many benefits that mothers can get by regularly consuming papaya leaves. Starting from increasing breast milk to reducing discomfort in the stomach.”
When breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to eat foods with high nutrition. Therefore, the nutrients that enter the body are not only intended for the mother herself, but also to support the growth of the baby who is breastfeeding. Well, one of the recommended foods during breastfeeding is papaya leaves.
Benefits of Papaya Leaves for Breastfeeding Mothers
In addition to Moringa leaves, papaya leaves are also highly recommended for consumption by nursing mothers. Of course, this cannot be separated from the nutritional content contained in it.
A study in the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences said that there are many important minerals in papaya leaves. For example, iron, sodium, magnesium, amino acids, potassium, and vitamins B, A, and C.
Other ingredients that are no less important than papaya leaves are phenolic antioxidants, such as quercetin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid. This content is what makes papaya leaves have many benefits, including:
Good for launching breast milk production
The main benefit of papaya leaves for nursing mothers is to launch breast milk production. A study in the Journal of Midwifery states, the compound quercetin contained in papaya leaves is able to stimulate the production of the hormone prolactin which makes breast milk production more optimal.
Overcoming hair loss
Hair loss is a common problem when breastfeeding. This is because the hormones in the mother's body are changing back from the pregnancy period to the breastfeeding period. Not infrequently, hair loss causes stress to nursing mothers.
In addition, a study in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual states, hair loss also occurs due to high oxidative stress in the body. Well, papaya leaves are believed to be effective to help overcome these problems. This is thanks to the high content of antioxidants in papaya leaves which are very effective in fighting oxidative stress.
Control blood sugar levels
Not a few pregnant women who experience gestational diabetes when stepping on the 6th month of pregnancy. Unfortunately, blood sugar levels are not normal after giving birth to breastfeeding. Without treatment, high blood sugar levels in the body can certainly have a negative impact on maternal health.
However, a study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies said that the benefits of papaya leaves for breastfeeding mothers helped control blood sugar levels. The content contained in papaya leaves helps reduce the level of sugar absorption in the intestines.
Not only that, the study also explains the effectiveness of papaya leaf extract which helps stimulate the work of cells that make the hormone insulin more active. Insulin itself has an important role in ensuring blood sugar levels remain at normal levels.
Reduces discomfort in the stomach
Another benefit of papaya leaves for nursing mothers is to reduce discomfort that appears in the stomach. Papaya leaves contain a compound called papain which is unique.
A study in Biogenic Amines states, papain which is found in papaya, including the leaves, is effective for reducing constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, straining during bowel movements, and bloating which is one of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Reduce the risk of getting breast cancer
Breastfeeding directly from the breast is said to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women. So that these benefits are more optimal, mothers can consume papaya leaves as a daily healthy food menu.
A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology states that there are lycopene, benzyl isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and tocopherols in papaya leaves. Not only that, there are also ascorbic acid antioxidants which are more popular with vitamin C, papain, and chymopapain. Well, the content is said to be very effective against free radicals that trigger the formation of cancer cells.
In addition, another study in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences also found that the antioxidant effects in papaya leaves effectively help reduce the risk of breast cancer cell formation.