What are some good sources of Vitamin A?

Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, orange juice, avocadoes

What are some good sources of Vitamin C?

Orange juice, tomatoes, cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, peppers, broccoli, apples

What kind of milk should I drink: whole, 2%, 1%, chocolate, or skim?

All milk sold at the grocery stores must be pasteurized and fortified with Vitamin D. Toddlers should drink whole milk until the age of two. Children and adults should be aware that the only difference between skim, chocolate, whole, 2%, and 1% milk is the fat grams and calories. All are a good source of calcium.

Is red meat okay to eat?

Yes, just make sure the meat is lean. Also, trim all visible fat away and cook using low-fat methods (broiling, grilling, etc.). In addition, use a fat separator and avoid high-fat sauces.

Do adults need calcium?

Yes! Calcium plays a primary role in keeping your bones healthy, thus helping reduce the risk of osteoporosis or brittle bone disease.

What are some non-dairy sources of calcium?

Broccoli, kelp, spinach, soft bones in canned fish (such as salmon and sardines).

What is fiber? And what are some good sources of fiber?

Fiber is the structural part of plant foods that we cannot digest. Only food from plants have fiber. There are two types of fiber: insoluble, which acts as a sweep in the digestive system, and soluble, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.

Good sources of insoluble fiber: wheat bran, whole grains, and vegetables.  Good sources of soluble fiber: oat bran, barley, dried beans, apples and pears

Remember, when increasing fiber, be sure to increase your intake of water.

Will sugar or caffeine contribute to hyperactive children?

These are two different ingredients, both of which are commonly found in products such as soft drinks.
Sugar will not contribute to hyperactivity in children but will add empty calories that may cause dental cavities or obesity. (Michigan children are heavier than national norms. For example, our 14 year-olds are about 7 pounds heavier than the national average.)  Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, will contribute to alertness, irritability and mood swings. Children will be affected by smaller amounts than adults will. More than 250 milligrams (mg) per day is considered excessive. Mountain Dew (12 oz) contains 55 mg of caffeine; Coffee (6 oz) contains 103 mg of caffeine.

Which is better: butter or margarine?

Probably margarine - but only because it is usually lower in saturated fatty acids per gram than butter. Margarine and butter both have the same amount of calories and total fat grams.

What is an appropriate portion of meat?

The recommended intake of protein a day is 6 ounces. An appropriate portion for one meal is three (3) ounces, which is about the size of the palm of the hand or a deck of cards.

Do you have a question that is not listed?
Call the Nutrition and Food Safety Hotline at (586) 469-5060 during office hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

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