APRIL IS FRUIT & VEGETABLE MONTH
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The Texas Department of Agriculture and MISD Child Nutrition Service are promoting fruit and vegetables during the month of April. Promotions include fruit and vegetable sampling in the elementary cafeterias on Wednesdays.
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Meet a Mango Video
Have you ever seen a mango? How many colors can they be? How are they shaped? Where do they come from? This is a fun video with other kids and their friend Chef Allen Susser, and they want to share it with you! Watch as they pick, smell, and taste mangos.
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Mango Nutrition Information
Did You Know?
Mangos are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, both important antioxidant nutrients. Vitamin C promotes healthy immune function and collagen formation. Vitamin A is important for vision and bone growth.
Mangos are a good source of dietary fiber. Diets low in fat and high in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of some types of cancer.
Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals.
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Why all the focus on fruits and vegetables?
Simply put - they are the closest thing to miracle foods that exist. There are lots of imitators on the market like bars, candies and fruit drinks that are loaded with added sugars, but they are just that - imitators. And it's not all about the vitamins, minerals and fiber many people try to take as a supplement.
The real miracle in these foods are the phytochemicals. Heard of these powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanin for example? Available to you for the price of dark red and purple fruits and vegetables like blackberries, black beans and eggplant...no pill required.
Phytochemicals are substances found in all plant foods. They function like an immune system for the plant. It just so happens that the antioxidants that help protect the plant also have a similar role for humans in preventing disease such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers. And you already know that non-starchy vegetables and legumes are stars for diabetes management as well!
Bottom line...don't skip the salad. If you try to take a supplement, you are missing out on the other beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables - perfectly crafted by nature! And mix it up - eating a wide variety of colors from plants gives you the benefit of the variety of nutrients and phytochemicals they have to offer. Info courtesy of the American Diabetes Association.
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Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Involved
Kids will make good choices, taking fruits and vegetables over less nutritious foods, when given a chance. Encourage healthy eating by creating a supportive environment, where parents and other caregivers model healthy eating. Involving children in shopping, cooking family meals and even gardening are other important steps in getting kids interested in fruits and vegetables.
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