When children first start school they grow fast and become more active and their nutrient needs are high. California Raisins are packed full of the vitamins and minerals that every young body needs.
Children need a diet that is rich in starchy foods, fruit and veg, and California Raisins can help towards that.
What is a healthy diet?
The two key elements to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you're getting a balanced diet. Remember that to have a healthy diet, most people should be eating:
- more fruit and veg
- more starchy foods such as rice, bread, pasta (try to choose wholegrain varieties when you can) and potatoes
- some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and pulses
- less fat, salt and sugar
We all know that we should be eating more fruit and vegetables, but most of us aren't eating enough. The message at the heart of the 5-a-Day programme, set up by the government, is to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables are key to a healthier lifestyle. Currently the average fruit and vegetable consumption among the population in England is estimated to be less than 3 portions a day.
The 2005 British Heart Foundation health survey for England assessed fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged 5-15 years. Overall, only 13% of boys and 12% of girls reported eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
The world health report of 2004 estimated that around 4% of all the disease burden in developed countries was caused by low fruit and vegetable consumption, and that 30% of heart disease and 20% of stroke in developed countries was due to fruit and vegetable consumption lower than 600grams a day by weight.
Vitamins and minerals
As well as being perfect as part of you 5-a-day, California Raisins contain many vitamins and minerals including copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium and much more.
Exercise
California Raisins are perfect for children as not only do they provide them with several vitamins and minerals that they may be missing in their dayto- day diet, but they absolutely love them! One of the biggest benefits about California Raisins is that they help to sustain the children's energy levels when exercising or playing games so, instead of offering oranges at half time in football matches, California Raisins are now used by a number of schools.
Where California Raisins fit in
California Raisins fit perfectly into healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. They are a great source of natural energy and make it easy to satisfy the daily fruit requirements set by the government's 5-a-day programme. As they are available all year round they are always accessible, unlike seasonal fruit.
Nature has not only made California Raisins a basic natural food, but they also fulfil a very important role as a food ingredient. Raisins are the most concentrated, commonly available fruit for cooking, adding both flavour and nutrition. Sun-dried California Raisins complement all types of dishes, from salads and main meals to dessert. Additionally, they are a delicious and energy packed snack all by themselves for children and adults alike.
Think Raisins. Think California
California Raisins Administration Committee, 78-80 Glentham Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9JJ
Telephone: 020 8741 8513.
Email: info@ukraisins.com
