My 2 yr old has developed a taste for Papaya. However I am told that it leads to rashes? Is this true? What are the other benefits of papaya for a child?

Papaya should be avoided by anyone with a latex allergy. Papaya allergies are rare and allergic reactions symptoms can include: - swelling or itching of the face, lips, tongue and throat - rashes that appear shortly after consumption - dizziness - difficulty swallowing - abdominal pain. When introducing papaya, please make sure to test the baby with 4 day test before feeding your baby regularly. With this method, you can make sure if your baby is allergic to papaya. Also seek medical advice as soon as possible if your baby has any of the above symptoms after eating papaya. However, for the vast majority of people, papaya is extremely beneficial and a very healthy addition to your baby's diet -- 1. Supply of essential vitamins and minerals: The presence of various vitamins and minerals in papaya makes it an ideal candidate for children and even infants under the age of 1 year to consume papaya. These vitamins and minerals are very much essential in bone development, brain development, immune development and the development of the whole body, between the tender months of infancy. 2. Prevention and remedies for various diseases: The presence of vitamin A promotes good eye sight, decreases the chances of developing night blindness, removal of growth disorders, etc. Thiamin or vitamin B is useful in strengthening heart muscles, intestinal muscles and skeletal muscles. Riboflavin is useful for proper brain development by strengthening of nerve cells. Niacin or vitamin B3 promotes the formation of new cells, repair of old and damaged hereditary information and promotes nervous and gastrointestinal health. The high calcium and magnesium content is needed for proper bone and dental health. The iron present in papaya is needed to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. 3. Improves digestion: Indigestion can be easily removed by eating papaya fruit. Generally, indigestion can be seen in infants and children due to their weak digestive system. By feeding your child with papaya, you can make sure that indigestion never bothers them. There have also been notes in historical writings about the experiences of Spanish soldiers who ate papaya fruit and their indigestion disappeared. 4. Natural laxative: Papaya consumption is also helpful in controlling constipation in the body. If your child is suffering from constipation, then give them papaya slices in the evening and after dinner. The dietary fiber present in papaya is ideal in clearing off bowels. 5. Anthelmintic properties: Infants and children usually face the issue of parasitic worms in the intestine. Different types of worms can infect a child’s gut and play hide and seek. Giving them a small amount of dried papaya seeds with honey can be useful in controlling parasitic intestinal worms. The enzyme cysteine proteinases found in the latex of papaya has also been noted to be an effective remedy against intestinal worms. 6. Controls skin ulcers: Papaya fruit is also useful as a dressing for skin ulcers and burns. The fruit dressing is also been known to be tolerant by children as well. The fruit pulp, when applied prevents burn infections. 7. Good for digestion: The enzyme papain found in papaya is very effective in breaking down complex food structures. It is generally used as a softener while cooking meat. Hence, it can help in breaking down complex foods that can be hard to digest for children. According to Livestrong, papain can be given in small doses for children with celiac disease where wheat gluten remains undigested and papain can helps in breaking down gluten, reducing the root cause of celiac disease. 8. Strengthens the immune system: A child’s immunity is another major area of concern for parents as well as pediatricians. Eating natural foods such as fruits and vegetables strengthens the immune system and fights against microbes invading the body. Papaya is one such fruit which has been actually proven to be effective in promoting and strengthening the immune system.