MELONS - Do you know how many kinds of melons there are? Melons are classified as either watermelons or muskmelons. Watermelon comes in more than 50 varieties and various colors. Although it’s 92% water, it’s full of vitamins A and C, and lycopene – the cancer fighting compound. Muskmelon includes every other type of melon such as cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba and many others. Cantaloupe is considered the most nutritious muskmelon – 1 cup contains 74 times the vitamin A found in honeydew, almost as much vitamin C as an orange, and the same amount of fiber as in a piece of whole wheat bread. All of the delicious, nutritious melons can be used interchangeably and become juicier when left at room temperature.
Iron deficiency anemia, the most common nutrition problem affecting infants and children, occurs as a result of the body's depletion of iron stores. Iron enables our bodies to produce hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the organs of the body, including the brain. During the early childhood years, when the brain is rapidly growing, without adequate energy, serious side effects like impaired motor skills and intellectual performance, weakness, irritability, decreased appetite, an inefficient immune system and increased risk of lead poisoning may result. It is VITAL to include a source of iron in children's diets daily, to ensure maximum growth and development.
The amount of iron absorbed is increased if an iron-rich diet is consumed with vitamin-C rich foods. Iron rich foods include beef, chicken, pork, liver, egg yolks, dark green veggies, tomatoes/tomato sauce, peanut butter, dried beans/peas and enriched breads and cereals.
Celery s a great source of Vitamin C and calcium. Clean the stalks and leaves under running water. Cut stalks to desired length and use the leaves in salads.