Smoothie, Milkshake Days at Mosta Girls’ Secondary EkoSkola Group

Method Benna sponsored milk Piscopo sponsored ice cream Banana and strawberries Bought at a discount Students were asked to pay beforehand and bring their own cup to reduce waste. This was done during assemblies On the day, the ekoskola committee worked in the HE room to prepare the smoothies. Students picked their smoothie during breaks.

Why smoothie/ milkshake day? Milk is regarded as one of the most nutritionally complete foods since it contains a wide range of nutrients that offer benefits to all age groups. In addition to being a good source of hydration, milk provides protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Dairy products are especially rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iodine, vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Including dairy products into our diet contributes greatly towards our nutritional intake, and ultimately our health.

Banana - nutrition Vitamin C which is found in bananas, helps the body to defend and heal against infections. This vitamin also proves valuable in the synthesis of the connective tissue, absorption of iron and the formation of blood. Not only are bananas rich in vitamin C, they also contain potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps in the building of muscles and protein synthesis. This is done as potassium stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction. A diet rich in potassium is said to reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke. As bananas are free from sodium and very rich in potassium, they can be included in the diet to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Bananas contain three natural sugars, sucrose, fructose and glucose, along with fiber. A banana thus gives an instant and substantial boost of energy. A banana contains vitamin B6, which helps in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system, apart from red blood cell formation, protein metabolism and functioning of the central nervous system. No other fruit contains more digestible carbohydrates than bananas. This is advantageous, because the body burns off calories from carbohydrate more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein.

Strawberry - nutrition Strawberry is low in calories (32 kcal/100g) and fats but rich source of many health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Strawberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Scientific studies show that consumption of straw berries may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases. Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (about 98% of RDI), which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals. The fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Strawberries contain vitamin A, vitamin E and many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process. They contain good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and is important for prevention of dental caries.

Reducing waste Students were asked to bring their own plastic cup to reduce waste. Many forgot, and were given their drink in a disposable plastic cup. These were collected, washed and disposed of with the recyclable waste.

Future goals More smoothie days More emphasis to bring along their own cup Add yoghurt – keep it healthier And maybe switch to fruit salad as well