(WFN) The USDA has released new dietary guidelines for children, recommending 4 cups of fruit and vegetables every day, with a focus on eating more fruits. Strawberries, rated by children as one of their favorite fruits, are also rated by the USDA as one of the power foods based on a new antioxidant study.
USDA Releases New Dietary Guidelines For Children
Good news for parents and kids alike from our United States Department of Agriculture! Strawberries are the red hot food that kids love, adults love and are now certified as really, really, really good for you!
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Though sweet, strawberries are actually low in sugar. A serving of strawberries (8 berries) is also a good source of potassium and fiber. These dietary components are among seven nutrients highlighted as lacking in American diets by the Advisory Committee for the new Dietary Guidelines.
Eating more strawberries may also help families combat a nationwide epidemic: obesity. With only 45 calories and no fat per serving, parents can replace junk food with a naturally sweet alternative. Schools that participated in the USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Pilot program in 2002 and 2003 concluded that including fresh fruits and vegetables in a child’s diet reduces consumption of unhealthy foods. In addition, the healthier diet may improve school test scores and reduce disciplinary problems by providing energizing, long-lasting nutrition. You know that old saying from the 60’s – “You are what you eat?” Well, it might be said that what you eat makes you what you become.
The USDA suggests easy ways to include fruit into a daily diet. As an example they cite Strawberry Sandwiches as an easy, satisfying, low-calorie snack or breakfast. Strawberry sandwiches may not be typical in most households but there are so many ways to enjoy strawberries that you never run out of taste pleasing solutions. Strawberry Shakes are always a special treat and can make a great wholesome breakfast when blended with yogurt, fruit juice, and other complimentary fruits like bananas. A great suggestion is to buy fresh strawberries and other fruits and then put them in the freezer the night before so that your morning shake is icy cold without having to add ice cubes to the mix.
Strawberries are also great with pineapple, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in a fresh fruit salad. Exotic fruits such as Kiwi and Star fruit can really make your breakfast or desert more interesting. Of course you can find strawberries blended in with other healthy foods like all natural fruit bars or fruit and nut trail mixes.
No matter how you eat them, strawberries are great tasting and great for you. And that’s a fact.
To learn more about how you can easily add the healthy and holistic-benefits of fruits and vegetables into your diet visit: www.TrueHealthyProducts.com