Fruits and vegetables an essential source of hydration for children

The Spanish association 5 Al Día, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), recalls a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It reveals that up to 38% of the water that children ingest daily comes from solid foods, mainly fruits and vegetables. However, in Spain, only 3% of children aged between 10 and 17 years consume the recommended five daily servings of these products. With the practice of sports, the daily and sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables is even more important to maintain optimal hydration, in addition to their nutritional contributions (natural sugars, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants).

Children and sports

During the latest outreach actions in sporting events in Andalusia such as the COVAP Cup, 5 A Day also reminds children that vitamin C, present along with other bioactive compounds, has a high antioxidant capacity to neutralize oxidizing compounds generated during exercise. Its scientific committee also recalls that fiber promotes good digestive health by promoting a good intestinal microbiota. It helps to reduce digestive discomfort that often affects young athletes.

COVAP Cup reached 4,000 Andalusian children

5 a Day participated last March in the 12th edition of the COVAP Cup, which took place in Conil de la Frontera (Cadiz) with more than 400 participants. This is an event in which, in addition to soccer and men's and women's basketball matches, a team of dieticians-nutritionists gave family members training on healthy eating entitled 'Myth or reality? The true face of healthy living'. On the other hand, psychologists work with the boys and girls through the session 'The power of managing our emotions', where they learn about frustration. The COVAP Cup is a unique educational and sports initiative in Andalusia that every year brings together nearly 4,000 soccer and basketball participants aged 10 and 11. For the past twelve editions, this project has toured the eight provinces of Andalusia with the aim of promoting positive values and combating childhood obesity.

With Olympic ambassador and sports federations

The initiative counts as ambassador with the taekwondist Adriana Cerezo, Olympic runner-up in Tokyo and current world bronze medalist, who supports and spreads educational messages, as well as with the collaboration of the Andalusian Football Federation (RFAF) and the Andalusian Basketball Federation (FAB). The Junta de Andalucía has also joined for the second consecutive year as new collaborators of the project. For more information on effective actions that impact with the consumption of fruits and vegetables you can write here.