Mr Fruitness promotes the power of fruit for children’s health
Doing physical activity every day, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cutting down on fat and sugar: this is the advice of Mr Fruitness, the superhero who, together with his Fruit Team consisting of peaches, nectarines, pears, kiwifruit and plums, is combating obesity and promoting fruit consumption among children and teenagers in Austria, Germany, Poland, Sweden and UK. The character was created as part of the “Fruitness enjoy it!” project, promoted by the European Union, Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli and the Italian government.
Here then are some of Mr Fruitness’ top tips for leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle:
Fruit is good for us
Regularly eating fruit provides our bodies with lots of substances that are essential for health. The natural sugars that they contain are rapidly absorbed by the body, providing a health energy boost, while dietary fibre is very important for improving the digestion and intake of food. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are abundant in fruit and vegetables, help to strengthen the immune system and prevent illness and health disorders.
The importance of sport
Doing sport aids muscle and bone development in children. Together with a varied diet rich in dietary fibre, regular physical activity improves the circulatory system and prevents obesity. Even for people who do no sport at all, it is therefore very important to find opportunities to move around, for example travelling by bike instead of taking the car.
Beware of fats and sugars
Fatty foods, cakes and sweets are tasty and pleasant but can cause serious health problems in the long term. This is why it is advisable to go easy on them, starting with small steps such as using vegetable oil rather than lard or butter for cooking. And to keep the tastebuds satisfied, don’t forget that even fresh fruit makes a tempting and flavoursome snack.
Hydrated and healthy
Water is an essential element for all of the physiological processes and biochemical reactions that take place in our body. This is why it is important to drink regularly throughout the day and promptly replenish water lost through sweating.
The “Fruitness enjoy it!” campaign to promote consumption of fresh fruit – particularly peaches, nectarines, pears, kiwifruit and plums – also includes in-store promotions in Austria, Germany, Poland, Sweden and UK. On the Internet, the fruitness.eu website and the Facebook page facebook.com/MrFruitness offer information, games and tips on staying health and enjoying fresh fruit.
