Hi parents

Most of us know that bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. They also contain no fat cholesterol and sodium.

Well, research has found that they also contain a rich supply of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation and the functioning of the central nervous system.

Bananas also contain more digestible carbohydrates than any other fruit. When consumed, it helps the body to burn off calories from carbohydrates more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein.

Do you know that bananas also contain 3 natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose. Hence, when eaten, it gives one the instant energy boost. This explains why bananas make good a before or after-workout snack, as it helps replenish the necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids depleted during exercise. And how many bananas do you need after a strenuous 90-minute workout? Just 2 will do. For diabetics and weight watchers, this is one fruit you want to avoid though.

Do you know that bananas do not grow on trees although we use the term banana “tree”. The fact is it is a perennial herb. Its trunk is not a true one but many leaves wrapped tightly around a single stem. This emerges at the top as the fruit-bearing flower stalk. So, the next time you see a banana “tree”, take a closer look again.

Each banana tree can continue producing fruit up to 100 years. Isn’t this amazing? However, most banana plantations renew their stock every 10 to 20 years. Botanically, banana is classified as a berry. It is from the same family as ginger, tumeric and cardamom.

And how many varieties of bananas are there??? 400 - could you believe that??? And how many have you tried??? And it is the world’s best-selling fruit, after apple and orange.

For other aspects of bananas, refer to http://www.juneparenting.com/2007/03/13/going-bananas/

So parents, if you or your children are involved in strenuous activities, try eating bananas and see the results for yourselves.

Happy trying . . .

Hi parents

Today, would like to share some information about oranges with you:

• To ensure freshness of oranges, store them immediately in the refrigerator upon purchase instead of keeping it at room temperature.
• Besides rich in Vitamin C, oranges also contain some Vitamin A.  They are also high in antioxidants which neutralize the effects of free radicals.
• While orange juice may contain Vitamin C, the nutritional value is more of sugar and nothing more.  Hence, it is better to consume cut oranges and eat with the pulp.
• After squeezing the juice, Vitamin C dissipates within 8 hours at room temperature.  Even after refrigeration, there is 20% of Vitamin C loss.  So, the next time you drink orange juice, it is best to do so within the first hour.
• In terms of fibre, a medium orange has as much as 7 cups of cornflakes.
• As a flavour, orange ranges after chocolate and vanilla.

Hope you have found the above tips useful.  If you are interested to try out recipe with oranges, please refer to Orange Chicken/Fish/Prawn – http://www.juneparenting.com/2007/01/30/chickenprawn-apple-appetizer/.

While this saying is known by many, do you know why it is so???

Well, below are 5 things you may want to know:

1. Apples are rich in sodium and cholesterol free.
2. A medium size apple contains about 80 calories so that is good for weight watchers.
3. Apples are a great source of fibre pectin – each one has 5 gm of fibre.
4. 25% of each apple’s volume is air.  Hence, it floats.  Do try it out!
5. Two thirds of the fibre and lots of antioxidants are found on the skin.  So, the next time you eat it, do so with the peel.

So parents, happy crunching apples with your kids and with the skin intact.