|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 2 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
The natural goodness of fruits Fruits are eagerly consumed by children and adults alike, and are a favourite part of our diet. We all like biting into a ripe mango, apple or water melon, don't we? Fruits not only taste good, but are good for our bodies too; all the more reason for you to reach out to that fruit platter.
Fruits are the most nutritious and the best form of natural food available as they contain the essential minerals, vitamins and a very high content of water, needed for our bodies to function properly. The best way to eat fruit is to have it as it is, but you could also have it as juice, milk shake or mashed with sugar and salt added. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka is blessed with a wide variety of fruits. Although some of you may prefer imported fruits like apples, grapes and oranges, keep in mind that local fruits like bananas, mangoes and papaws are just as healthy and tasty. Most fruits are seasonal, but some are available right throughout the year. It is also good to eat some fruit after a heavy meal, as most fruits contain enzymes that aid food digestion.Bananas (botanical name Musa paradisiaca) is one of the most commonly available fruits. This fruit is said to be a native of India and Malaysia. It is rich in Vitamin B, which helps develop resistance to various diseases, improves eyesight and strengthens muscles. The mango, which is known by the botanical name Mangifera indica, is a favourite fruit of many. The ripe fruit contains Vitamin A (needed for healthy hair and skin), Vitamin B (helps the development of brain cells) and Vitamin C (for healthy blood vessels, teeth and bones). It also contains sugar, which boosts energy levels. Papaws (botanical name Carica papaya) is commonly available in our country any time of the year. It contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest food, Vitamin A, which protects vision, builds and maintains hair and skin, and is essential for growing children. Another fruit that you may enjoy are grapes. Although we import this fruit, it is also grown in areas like Jaffna. Its botanical name is Vitis vinifera. The fruit is easily digestible. It contains minerals like phosphorus, iron and calcium and Vitamin C. Iron is a supplier of oxygen to the brain. The minerals are needed for strong bones and teeth, good eyesight and clean blood |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
A proper diet is required for a healthy body, especially for growing
children like you. Vegetables, fruits and plenty of water are essential
components of a healthy diet. After your year-end examinations, you would
have had a lot of fun and frolic during your school holidays. Now that you
are getting ready to go back to school, for another tough year of studies,
sports and fun, this is the time for some extra nourishment.
