As the summer season approaches, we can expect warmer weather, family vacations, sunbathing and loads of outdoor fun. However, before the fun begins and you start packing for a family picnic, or firing up the grill, remember, safety comes first. The International Food Information (IFIC) Foundation is providing some food safety information to help ensure your summertime meals are memorable and safe.
Features on IFIC.org include the following Summer Foods and Fun-related offerings:
Sizzlin' Summer Food Preparation Tips
With warmer weather and summer temperatures fast approaching, it’s important to keep safe foods safe to eat for you and your family. Foodborne illness can be easily avoided by following a few practical food safety steps. Here are a few to help keep your summer fun and enjoyable for everyone.
The Right Season for Ripe Fruit
“Functional Foods” are foods or dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. You can take greater control of your health through the food choices you make, knowing that some foods can provide specific health benefits. Examples can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified or enhanced foods and beverages, and some dietary supplements.
Shopping for Health? Check Out these Food Components
Some common antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are beta-carotene (which the body also converts to vitamin A) in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato and cantaloupe; vitamin C in strawberries, guava, sweet red or green pepper, kiwi, and citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes; sulforaphane and dithiolthiones in cabbage and its cousins cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and kale; sulfides in garlic, onions, and leeks, and many different flavonoids in berries, cherries, grapes, cranberries, apples, onions, and more. The tongue-twisting antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision. Look for them in kale, collard greens, spinach, corn, and citrus fruits.
Good Hydration is Key to Fun in the Sun
Loss of sodium through increased sweating is relative to the length and level of physical activity as well as the air temperature. Individuals who exercise strenuously in the heat on a daily basis can lose significant amounts of sodium through sweat. Thus, the AI does not apply to highly active individuals, such as endurance athletes. However, the higher calorie intake required with increased physical activity is likely to provide enough sodium to meet the increased requirement. The loss of sodium through sweat is dependent on overall diet, sodium intake, sweating rate, hydration status, and degree of acclimatization to the heat. [Allsopp et al, 1998] See Sodium and Athletic Performance for additional discussion.
Let’s Play it Safe
The following Food Allergies and Asthma Backgrounder will provide useful information on food allergies and asthma, including the definition of a food allergy and how it differs from a food intolerance, as well as food allergy symptoms, diagnosis, and management. Food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), are also covered. In addition, triggers of asthma, the role of food in asthma, and prevention of asthma are discussed.
Summer Fun for Kids with Recipes, Activities and more
Kidnetic.com is a cool site for kids who like to play hard and have fun. Kidnetic.com lets you tap into your own energy so you can feel great all day long. There's lots to do! Try making one of the fun Kidnetic.com recipes like "Brewed Monkey Brain Stew" (it's really chili, silly!) or make a "Groovy Grape Ape Smoothie." Use the Kidnector virtual messaging service to connect with your parents. You'll also find fun games to play inside or outside, by yourself or with friends. We call these Wet Head games because you're supposed to get a "wet" head while you play them! Kidnetic.com tells you cool stuff about how your body works, how eating right helps you play better and feel good and how staying active is lots of fun!
