Papaya is one of the nutritious fruits which you must include in your child’s diet. Are you aware of the amazing health benefits of papaya for kids? Let us have a quick look at the health benefits which kids can enjoy by consuming papaya.Fruits such as papaya are storehouse of antioxidants, vitamins, fibre that can work wonders for your little one. Papaya, because of its unique flavour also finds place in different recipes. You can incorporate papaya in different ways in your child’s diet to ensure she gets everything she richly deserves.
Papaya can also be a potent
healthy snack. You can encourage your kid to snack on this sweet and filling fruit rather than taking to those unhealthy chips and drinks.
Nutritional Benefits of Papaya for Kids
Have a quick look at the medicinal, digestive and nutritional properties of papaya that makes it a must in your little one's diet. Take a look below:
- Compared to other fruits, papaya is low in calories and is cholesterol free. Papaya is known to be a rich source of vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients.
- The high level of fibre contained in it ensures smooth bowel movement and keeps the constipation problems in kids at bay.
- Papaya which is rich in cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin, ?-carotene and lutein protects from cancers in mouth and lungs. High content of vitamin A ensures healthy vision and skin for your kid.
- Folic acid and content of B complex vitamins in this fruit is very high. These vitamins play pivotal role in proper metabolism.
- Papaya is a very good source of potassium that your kid requires during her growing years. Potassium is a vital component of the body fluids and cells. Potassium also controls blood pressure and heart rate.
- High amounts of calcium and magnesium content in papaya helps in proper bone and teeth formation of your child.
- Iron contained in papaya keeps up the haemoglobin content and maintains healthy red blood count.
- Indigestion can be a cause of major concern for your kid. You can improve her digestion by offering papaya every day.
- Stomach aches are common among kids. Papaya can be a safe and natural cure for ringworm infections and stomach aches.
As a parent it is natural for you to worry about her immune system. Vegetables and fruits like papaya can strengthen and
boost her immune system.
Precautions While Feeding Papaya to Your Child
While papaya no doubt shall be a healthy addition in the daily diet of your kid, there are some vital considerations that you cannot afford to overlook. Take a look at the safety measures you must be aware of while feeding papaya to your child.
- Doctors suggest you introduce papaya only once your child is 8 months old. In the beginning you can offer her around 3 spoons and then slowly increase the amount with age.
- Latex substance like milk contained in papaya can result in allergic reactions and skin irritations. You need to be careful and watch for any side effects.
- Do get in touch with your doctor if you notice any irritations or allergies after you child consumes papaya.
- Unripe papaya can be dangerous when consumed in high amounts. You need to make sure it is cooked well.
- Overfeeding papaya can result in stomach aches. Be careful and offer her only the right amounts.
You can get in touch with your doctor in case you still have any doubts. He or she shall be the right person to answer your doubts and concerns.
Let your child enjoy benefits of this sweet and juicy tropical fruit. You will certainly love to see her glowing skin from such a tender age!
How to include papaya in the diet of kids? Which diseases can be prevented in kids if they consume papaya? What can happen if kids over-eat papaya? Discuss here.