Hits and myths: Papaya and milk production
Made from fish and cooked unripe papaya, the soup is thought to promote milk production and boost the new mother's milk supply.
No
Fish and papaya soup is a common feature of many a new and expectant mum's diet all over Asia.
Made from fish and cooked unripe papaya, the soup is thought to promote milk production and boost the new mother's milk supply.
High in protein from the fish, and rich in vitamins and minerals from the unripe papaya, this dish is certainly healthy, but medical and nutrition experts say that there is no scientific evidence to justify its use as a galactagogue.
Enzymes in the fruit are thought to trigger these uterine contractions
Naturopathic physician Benita Perch, from the Integrated Medicine Institute, points out that the soup is simply a good source of nutrition for breastfeeding mums, which in itself is an important factor in breast milk production.