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 You may have heard the same things being said again and again about so-called 'food facts', but this doesn't mean they are true. Here, we get to the bottom of some food myths - you may be amazed at what you'll find out!
1. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than frozen ones.
FALSE!
How much nutrients remain in the vegetables you buy depends on factors like storage conditions (temperature and lighting) and the 'age' of the produce. If the fresh vegetables you buy from the market were not stored properly or are a lot older than you think, a lot of the nutrients may already be lost.In this case, you may actually get more nutrients from some frozen fruits and vegetables, and even some canned vegetables. However, fresh vegetables generally taste better than frozen and canned vegetables. If you do buy frozen and canned vegetables, try to avoid those which contain additives such as salt, sugar and fat. For packages of frozen vegetables, check that the vegetable pieces can move about freely. 'Clumpy' vegetables may mean that the product had already been thawed and then refrozen.
2. Decaf coffee has no caffeine.
THINK AGAIN!
Different groups of experts have conducted experiments to show that so-called 'decaf' coffee may contain relatively smaller amounts of caffeine of between 8-32 mg, although this is much lower than the amount of caffeine in regular coffee (100-150 mg caffeine). Hence, if you or someone you know is sensitive to caffeine, it may be wise to avoid any type of coffee altogether, or stick to caffeine-free herbal tea.
3. Margarine is better than butter.
NOT!
Both butter AND margarine should not be eaten in excess. Butter does contains saturated fat that, when eaten in excess, can raise "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. For that reason, some people use margarine as a substitute. Unfortunately, margarine—specifically stick margarine— contains trans fats, which increase LDL cholesterol and lower the "healthy" (HDL) cholesterol. If you must pick vegetable spread, pick one that says 'trans-fat free', and try to go for reduced fat or light versions to reduce your calorie intake from these as well.
4. Bananas are fattening.
THINK AGAIN 
Who says something yummy has got to be fattening? A medium banana has only about 105 calories and can fill you up better than that curry puff or burger. Bananas contain fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help manage blood pressure. They're also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps boost your immune system. Best of all, they come in their 'own packaging' and don't need refridgeration!
5. If a child refuses to eat fruit or vegetables, then it's best not to serve them again
FALSE!
Perseverance CAN pay off. Before you give a new food to children to try, show it to them a few times, tell them about it, eat it in front of them. If they refuse the food, wait a few days then try again. Children (and adults) do need a variety of fruit and vegetables to ensure that they have a healthy balanced diet. If your child is fussy, , try to mix different types of vegetables, instead, or mix them with foods they like. Getting your child to help in food preparation may actually be one of way of making them more likely to eat what they have helped prepare 
6. Sprinkling lemon juice on the fat on meat dissolves it
WE ALL WISH!
In many recipes, lemon juice enhances flavour and reduces the need for too much salt or spices. It adds Vitamin C to the dish as well. However, it does NOT dissolve the fat in fatty foods. THe best way is still to avoid fatty cuts of meat (go for lean chicken breast or loin cuts) or cut off all visible fat.
 This week (27 May-4 June), 3 lucky persons will stand to win a pack of High Q+ Mix Multivitamin Chewables worth $35! To enter, answer these two simple questions:
1. Decaf coffee contains half the amount of caffeine in regular coffee. True or false?
2. Bananas are a good source of which Vitamin?
Email your answers to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with 'Herbal Pharm - Contest 5' in the subject header, and include your name, IC No, contact number and address. Closing date for this promotion is 4 June 2010; next contest will begin after 5 June 2010. All winners will be contacted by email.
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Family Focus 
