EUROPEAN FRUITS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Mediterranean diet has been lauded in just about every study on the healthiest diets of the world. And the star feature of this delicious and healthy lifestyle is the fresh produce that is abundant in Europe.

One such study (carried out by the University of Athens School of Medicine) focused on the diets and lifestyle habits of people over 80 years of age inhabiting one of the many Greek islands. The key factors that contributed to their robust health were found to include a diet that included the consumption of fruits 4-5 times a week, as well as fresh veg, a low consumption of meat, lots of olive oil and fish included in their diet an average of twice a week. And who knows - maybe there’s something in the soft Grecian rain and rich soils of this lush country that add that extra burst of goodness compared to other growing climates!

So, going from the elders of one of the healthiest countries in the world, back to our families here in the UAE... in this article we look at one of the easiest ways to introduce your child to one of the amazing nutritional powerhouse secrets our Greek cousins enjoy - FRESH FRUIT!

Children are naturally attracted to sweet flavours and bright colours, and the locally grown fruits that are produced in Greece - the ones that help to set up their healthy habits for life - include apples, kiwi fruits, peaches, nectarines and cherries. Brightly coloured fruits are a sign that they are high in Vitamin C.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is necessary for our bodies to function healthily in a number of ways. For example, it contributes to the protein the body uses to heal wounds, maintain healthy skin and heal scar tissue. Vitamin C has long been known to play a role in helping to prevent some cancers, combat heart disease and maintain healthy bones and teeth.