Astra Archives

October 24, 2022

24th October 2022: A healthy breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. According to a study titled ‘Breakfast habits, nutritional status, body weight, and academic performance in children and adolescents’, a healthy breakfast is related to a greater intake of nutrients during the day and better quality of the whole diet.

Astra is dedicated on inculcating the habit of breakfast amongst growing kids, as it is the most important meal of the day, especially during a child’s formative years. In keeping with its heritage and support towards the community during difficult times, Astra continues to partner with mums in making a nutritious breakfast at home available, affordable, and desirable with the Astra Breakfast Mission.

With the establishment of the Breakfast fund, Astra donated Rs. 5 from every Astra 250g tub to provide dry rations required for a month for breakfast in schools with kids from low-income families. (1000 packs were donated with a Rs. 2.5 Mn worth fund). The Astra Breakfast Mission executed another campaign created to educate parents and kids on the need for a nutritious breakfast, in collaboration with a partnered resource panel including a nutritionist and a child psychiatric professional. Astra visited 20 schools and shared knowledge on the importance of breakfast and nutrition for kids growth and development amongst school kids, teachers and parents.

To inculcate the breakfast habit, Astra has also launched a 21-day breakfast challenge where parents are supposed to send in details of what they provided their kids for breakfast for 21 days. By doing this continuously for 21 days, Astra hopes to help parents to inculcate it as a habit in their kid’s life.

Children need the right nutrition at the right age for their growth and development, so parents need to be very cautious in feeding them the right nutrients in an affordable manner. By implementing the Breakfast Fund, Astra hopes to support parents emotionally by educating them and giving them the confidence of knowing that they are making the right decision for their kids.

Breakfast is a meal that can help children provide the energy to learn and play in school. Eating well begins with breakfast, which perhaps is the most important meal of the day. According to ‘The effects of breakfast on behaviour and academic performance in children and adolescents’, a study carried out in 2013, tasty and nutritious breakfast provides us with energy, vitamins and minerals and is a great way to start the day. So, by considering the economic hardships being faced by families in the present times, Astra devised these campaigns to give back to the society by partnering mums to ensure health and nutrition for kids at breakfast while driving home the importance of a nutritious breakfast.

As a brand with a history of 60 years in Sri Lanka, Astra continues to stand by families who need support with their child’s nutrition.

April 27, 2022

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Upfield, the largest plant-based company and mother company for the brands Astra, Flora and Meadowland in Sri Lanka, partnered and sponsored International Chef’s Day 2022 celebrations in Sri Lanka together with the Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka. This event marks the first celebration of International Chef’s Day in two years by the Chef’s Guild due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In celebration of International Chef’s Day, Upfield Lanka and the Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka gathered culinary professionals across the country to reconnect and share the knowledge gained during the last two years. The Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka is the only association in the country that is recognized by the World’s Chef Association, the leading global network of chef’s associations in the world and encompasses the largest number of chefs in Sri Lanka at every star-level hotel chains, resorts, and restaurants. Upfield Lanka, a trusted choice by skilled professional chefs for supplying plant-based products that maximise taste and performance, while catering to the multitude of dietary choices among conscious consumers, were honoured to partner and sponsor the occasion with the Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka.

International Chef’s Day is globally celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of chefs as artists of gastronomy, to share and discuss their fine culinary skills, new innovations, recognize achievements, and exceptional performances in the field. At this year’s celebration, a professional book written by the Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka was launched by the experts of the profession as a guidebook for beginners and existing chefs on how they can further upgrade their skills. The Chef’s Guild also emphasized the ethos and duty of the profession towards sustainability and the environment and their role in considering the impact that production, creation, and consumption of food has on the environment.

In light of this theme, Upfield’s vision of ‘A better Plant-based Future’ was shared among the professional chef community of Sri Lanka, highlighting how plant-based foods can make a difference, discussing the emerging trends in the food and culinary industry, and the role of plant-based food in supporting the chefs strive to create excellent food.

As the world gravitates towards health-conscious and sustainable dining, professional chefs are staying on trend, shifting their focus to offer more plant-based meals on their menus, keen to support a food culture that supports better health and a better climate that is ultimately beneficial to mankind. Choosing a plant-based diet is one of the best choices for the sustainability of the environment as plant-based products generate less greenhouse gas emissions and encourages more responsible and sustainable use of land, water, fuel and fertilizer in its production than animal sourced products.

Upfield Lanka, the brand owner of plant-based products Astra, Flora, and Meadowland specifically designs its products to cater to consumers who wants to enjoy delicious plant-based foods. Upfield created “one dish for all” with plant-based creams like Meadowland that helps chefs make dishes that taste as if it was made with dairy creams. With Meadowland, chefs can also create dishes for anyone, even for those who are lactose/ gluten intolerant.

As the world’s largest plant-based consumer products company, Upfield continues to be a pioneer in the food industry; a leader in advocacy for sustainable food systems through the adoption of plant-based foods among their consumers and culinary professionals. Through their partnership with the Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka, Upfield Lanka looks forward to building and championing a sustainable plant-based food system together.

April 5, 2021

The celebration of Avurudu!

The season of Avurudu (New Year) is a significant celebration especially for the Sinhalese & Tamils of our
beautiful island nation. It’s celebrated during the month of April and it’s historically become a season of
righteous exuberance of blissful smiles and hungry taste buds amongst family, friends and neighbours
alike.

It’s celebrated by preparing the most delightfully delicious sweets with the most welcoming aroma,
filling the air with freshness.

But with a busy schedule, moms nowadays lack the time to make sweetmeats and carry out other
traditional Avurudu auspicious times with their children. Astra wants to help parents preserve Avurudu
traditions with the help of tasty treats, which makes it the perfect choice for kids to enjoy these
delicious treats whilst learning about family traditions, which will help enhance family bonds and
memories. Grow their interest. Let the kiddos be hands on with everything.

This is the perfect time for all moms and dads to get your kids involved in the kitchen, giving you
multiple helping hands in being able to cook and constantly taste all these sweets. Educate your kids
along the away with all the traditions and history around this festive season. There is no better place in
anyone’s household than your kitchen, for it is where all the magic happens. When you’ve already got
your Vitamins A and D with Astra, it sure is magical for all parents and children alike. Build those
memories in your kitchen, enhance them at your dining table and spread the love with Astra all season
long, inviting everyone for a taste of this happy holiday.

Astra under Upfield, the world’s largest plant-based nutrition company across 95 countries has become
a household brand where everyone can get involved and enjoy with every meal of the day and that
certainly multiplies during the Avurudu season.So, come along and try some delicious Avurudu recipes from Astra:

Konda Kavum
Ingredients:
• Rice Flour 500g
• Flour 250g
• Astra 100g
• A cup of Kithul (sugar-palm) Treacle
• Vanilla Flavour
• Water as needed
• Oil 250 ml

Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together with 100g of Astra to form a thick batter.
2. Heat oil in a shallow frying pan, then place a spoonful of the needed amount of the mixed batter into
the heated oil.
3. Drop a spoonful of the batter to the center of the pan and with the help of a long stick skewer start
shaping the mixture to form the konda kavum shape.
4. Let the kavum fry by gently splashing oil over it. Once it turns golden brown in color remove from
pan and keep aside on a tissue paper to drain excess oil

Milk Toffee

Ingredients:
• 300 grams of sugar
• 15 ml of vanilla essence
• 25 grams of cashew finely chopped
• 55 grams of Astra
• 40 ml of water

Instructions:

1. Before you start anything, line the tray with baking paper, grease the same tray with Astra and
set it aside. You are now ready to start cooking.
2. On a large thick bottom pan, pour in the sugar and add in two tablespoons of water. Stir over
moderate heat for about 3-4 minutes, then add the condensed milk.
3. Whilst stirring, add Astra, chopped cashew nuts and half a teaspoon of vanilla essence.
4. Keep stirring continuously until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the greased tray prepared earlier.
6. Spread the mixture evenly and flatten it with a spoon or spatula. Portion by cutting squares and
let it rest.
7. After rested, you now have in your possession the most mouth-watering Milk Toffee for you and
your family.

Pani Walalu

Ingredients:
• Whole urad 200 grams
• Rice flour 300 grams
• Coconut milk 1 cup
• Astra 50 grams
• Vanilla 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil 4 millilitres
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
1. Mix together undu flour, rice flour, coconut milk, 50g of Astra and salt taste (can use a blender
as well).
2. Once mixed well, cover and leave for 4 hours for the mixture to rise.
3. Heat the treacle until thick and keep aside. Next heat the coconut oil
4. To create the pani walalu either use a piping bag or a piping syringe (traditionally this was done
with the use of a large handkerchief with a hold made in the center) drop the mixture into the
hot oil in a circular motion to create the shape.
5. Fry until they are golden. Once fried remove the pani walalu from heat, drain excess oil and dip
them in the premade Treacle mixture to coat them evenly. Once coated completely remove
from treacle mix and keep aside.

For more recipes and to wins gifts by being a part of Astra Avurudu competitions log in to Astra Sri Lanka
Facebook page or Astra website www.astrasrilanka.com

March 30, 2021

Upfield, the World’s largest plant-based nutrition Company highlighted its commitment to promoting a sustainable food culture through providing high quality plant-based food products such as Astra and Flora spreads. Established in 1871, Upfield envisions ‘A Better Plant Based Future’, and actively advocate for the transformation of a food system that revolves around plant-based eating.

“The long-term wellbeing of our planet pivots around the changes we all make today in our habits and consumption. Shifting to a healthy, planet-friendly diet plays an integral role in this necessary shift. Hence, it is important to adopt a diet that comprise high nutritional value, whilst also minimizing the negative impact of land use, Green House Gas emission, the impact on biodiversity as well as the quality of water and soil. In this regard, Upfield has long been working towards producing ethical, sustainable food products without compromising on nutritional value and taste,” commented Shehani Liyanage, Marketing Manager Upfield Sri Lanka.

As plant-based spreads, both Astra and Flora have 70% smaller carbon footprint based on Carbon dioxide equivalent, a measure of climate change, when compared to dairy butter. Moreover, the production process of plant-based spreads occupies 8m²(8 square meters) less land per year, and use 100 litres less water. Plant-based spreads are spreads are responsible for 9kg less carbon dioxide equivalents or greenhouse gases, in comparison to dairy butter.

“People around the globe are changing their dietary habits, and embracing plant-based food for both health and ethical reasons. The same is true in the case of Sri Lanka albeit at a slower pace. We, as Upfield and producers of Astra and Flora, two beloved brands in Sri Lanka are happy to be part of this worthwhile movement,” added Marketing Manager for Upfield Sri Lanka, Shehani Liyanage.

Fortified with Vitamins A & D, Astra has cultivated a trusted presence among mothers as the choice of nutrition for growing children. Astra is manufactured using a state-of-the-art process that ensures it is virtually free of harmful trans fats.

Renowned as a healthier spread, Flora is made with sunflower and canola oil. Flora is also rich in Omega 3 and 6, helping people stay healthier.

In line with the Company’s core vision of contributing to ‘A Better Plant Based Future’, Upfield consistently strive to minimize the negative impact on the environment and offer nutritious and delicious products through heavily investing in research and development.

As such, Upfield is geared to become a driving force behind the global movement towards establishing a more planet friendly, ethical food system.

March 25, 2021

It goes without saying that majority of growing kids are fussy eaters which doesn’t help the cause in trying to keep up with the healthy, nutritious eating habits. It’s difficult enough to feed the kiddos any type of food, keeping aside the unappetizing look of vegetables, fish or even grains, parents struggle with that balance of tasty, well presented healthy meal options.

It’s important that kids from a very young age are advised and well explained to about the nourishing elements of a variety of food items, keeping up with their daily requirements to ensure their growth. Fruits and veggies are almost an utmost necessity, along with lean proteins and grains where thereby would help them have that constant active energy whether it be to run around the playground or dance to their favorite songs. Take your kids grocery shopping which may just enhance their curiosity as well to the variety of foods available, this may just help to fill their plates up.

Astra has developed a very nifty staple with their NEWLY launched Astra Mayonnaise consisting of many valued nutrients to suit your kids needs. Astra Mayonnaise is made with soybean oil rich in omega 3 and 6. A 15g portion of Blue Band (Astra) Mayonnaise provides 1/3rd of the recommended daily allowance of Omega 3 and 2/3rd of the recommended daily allowance for omega 6. Astra Mayo is a good source of essential fats/Omega 3 & 6 which contains essential building nutrients for kids with the right nutrition and undeniable taste for daily diets. In a perfect example; a ‘classical club sandwich’ which generally would contain heavy butter with immensely saturated fats against that off Astras Mayo packed with nutrition and unsaturated fats maintaining the need to a healthy meal.

This is an all-purpose Mayo which therefore can be added to all those typically boring boiled vegetables, to any imperfect salad which is now made better and those tuna sandwiches are now great again as well. That added extra Astra Mayo especially to kids would be somewhat of a cheat code to them, which could certainly be that defining factor in cleaning up their entire plate of food and you’d be surprised with them now even ASKING FOR MORE.

Family meals made tastier and healthier with these kid-friendly recipes

Breakfast Burritos

These burritos can protein packed where the kids would have their tummies filled till lunch at least. Scramble those eggs, add some beans and top it off with this mouthwatering Astra Mayo which is rich in Omega 3&6 for a delightfully delicious breakfast.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Scramble those eggs, add some fresh celery, relish with a pinch salt & pepper and Astra Mayo. Sandwich this consistent filling between your bread and you’ve got yourself a simple yet nutritious meal.

Homemade falafel (chickpea cutlets) with Astra Mayo

This Middle-eastern deep friend classic is made better with Astra Mayo added to it. Simple mashed chickpeas shaped into a patty, Astra Mayo and let the frying begin. Once again rich in protein and Omega so get rid of those processed nuggets for good.

For more recipes log in to Astra Sri Lanka Facebook page or Astra website www.astrasrilanka.com

February 16, 2021

The brand, owned by Upfield Foods, the largest plant-based foods company in the world, will empower mothers to start their baking businesses as part of the company’s Social Mission.

Colombo, 16^th February 2021: In a bid to empower women and especially mothers across Sri Lanka, Astra, an iconic food brand in the country, has launched the Astra Diriya Wanitha Programme, in collaboration with the Samurdhi programme. The initiative, which aims to equip women to start their baking businesses was announced today at a launch event at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo.

In partnership with the Samurdhi Programme, Astra will identify women across the 25 districts of the country and provide them with the training, knowledge, and equipment needed to start their baking businesses. The goal being to improve their livelihoods and support them to become self-sufficient.

Astra launched the programme at a formal event today at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Special guests at the event included Hon. Jagath Kumara – MP, General Secretary of the Association of Samurdhi Officers and Agricultural Research Offices, Head of Business and Customer Development Director of Upfield Sri Lanka, Anuruddha Aluvihare, Senior Country Controller of Upfield Sri Lanka, Krishan Fernando, Owner and Founder of White Flower Academy, Chef Dushanthi Madanayake among others.

Speaking at the launch, Anuruddha Aluvihare, Customer Development Director Upfield said: “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to get the nutrition they need to grow, develop, and reach their full potential at school and later in life. Through our breakfast brands, Upfield has committed to making a nutritious breakfast an everyday reality for 100 million children by 2025. The Astra Diriya Wanitha Campaign in Sri Lanka is part of that commitment as we expect the ripple effect of this initiative will be to empower women to be able to give more nutritious foods and a better education to their children, making our kids, the next generation, healthier and happier.”

The Astra Home Bakers Programme will include comprehensive training on all aspects of cake making. Astra’s mission is to empower at least one woman from each village division in the country, thereby elavating the living standards of 14,000 families across the country. This will enable her to give better education and more nutritious foods to her children to make them healthily and happy. Previously, Astra has delivered similar initiatives in Colombo and Kurunegala. The current initiative will be at a larger scale, involving many more beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Commenting on the initiative, MP, Jagath Kumara noted “The onset of the pandemic triggered a number of daunting challenges in the society. Families with children continue to endure economic hardship due to a loss of income. In this context, Astra’s initiative to help mothers start their own businesses and earn an additional income is especially commendable. I want to encourage more corporate organizations to take the initiative like Upfield has done to create such projects in partnership with the Government.”

Astra has been a household brand since 1966 and has a proud legacy of contributing to the awareness and improvement of child nutrition, a key brand ethos that has been sustained for decades. The ‘Astra Diriya Wanitha Programme’ is another step in Astra’s involvement in raising a healthy, active, and empowered next generation of leaders and achievers.

Shedding more light on the initiative, Marketing Manager for Upfield Sri Lanka, Shehani Liyanage, commented: “Since its inception in 1966, Astra has been advocating the importance of a nutritious breakfast for children and families through a range of products that makes good nutrition accessible to all. The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new set of challenges for mothers, one of which is financial stability. Through this initiative, we hope to combine the decades long connection of Astra with baking with helping mothers in Sri Lanka find financial stability and support for their kids and family during these trying times. Our collaboration with the Samurdhi Programme allows us to identify women who need support and have the passion to initiate and continue successful home baking businesses.”

Astra is a flagship food brand with a rich history of 40 years in the industry. Fortified with micronutrients for the growth and development of kids, the brand is known and trusted by generation of mothers as the nutritious choice for growing healthy and happy children.

ABOUT UPFIELD

At Upfield, we make people healthier and happier with great tasting, plant-based foods that are better for our planet. As a global plant-based company, Upfield is the number one producer of plant-based spreads and cheeses with more than 100 brands, including the iconic brands Flora, Rama, Blue Band, Proactiv, Becel, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Country Crock and Violife. Headquartered in Amsterdam, we sell our products in over 95 countries and have 14 production facilities around the world. The company employs more than 4,100 people.

Since 1871, we have been the authority in the category of spreads, which gives us unsurpassed experience, know-how and inspiration. We are focused on leading in this new era by focusing on delivering healthier products that taste good and have superior quality and help us achieve our “Better Plant-based Future” mission. For more information, please visit our website at www.upfield.com

December 17, 2020

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Astra Sri Lanka donated medical supplies to the Educational Secretariat to assist in national healthcare and humanitarian efforts for combating the ongoing pandemic.

Astra wishes to support the authorities to ensure safety in schools and thus far has been able to provide 100 surgical coveralls, 1000 Surgical gloves and 40 Face shields, especially for the usage during the invigilating process of the O/L exams which took place during the month of Oct 2020.

“Ever since the global outbreak, we’ve been closely involved in the fight against the virus at the global front. Our own country’s efforts to contain the spread and the measures to help the infected have been commendable. We greatly admire our heroic healthcare workers the tri-forces, police and the nation’s leadership and we are honoured to partner the government in this fight against COVID-19. In these tough times, we all need to come together to safeguard the wellbeing of our people,” commented Shehani Liyanage, Marketing Manager, Upfeild Sri Lanka.

Upfield operates in the categories of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Astra is among the top market players in the fat spread category in the country supporting child nutrition with immunity boosting properties of Vaitamin A & D. The Company is working to ensure more avenues to assure safety and health of consumers during the pandemic.

August 14, 2020

It is time to take a strife to comeback from what COVID 19 has left the world with. Not only has it crippled the many industries globally, but has had a toll on men, women, and children as individuals in terms of mental stress and issues with earning a living.

Those who were mainly affected by this unexpected catastrophe are mainly lower income and lower middle-income earning families and undoubtedly, many organizations are taking measures to put back together what may have been shattered by the coronavirus wave that struck the world at the dawn of 2020.

However, as efforts to support such women, “Liya Saviya”, a vocational education programmes for women is launched by Astra who has together with the Tourism industry, Hasini Gunasekara a leading Beauty Culture Academy and Chef Dushanthi Madanayake of White Flower cake academy. This is a platform where those who are interested can invest their time in vocational training sessions which will empower them to be self-employed while strengthening their mental health as well.

At a time when the countries education system experienced a turning point, “Liya Saviya” also breaks traditional norms but mainly aims at reaching women who are in rural areas of the country and is offered via an online app called “IAB Online app” which can be accessed through any smart phone.

The programme will prove to be a haven to those who wish to commence home based businesses in the rural areas with proper training while entrepreneurship is guaranteed.

‘Astra’, a brand that works for the wellbeing of the community, kick starts the programme by awarding 250 scholarships to applicants to empower themselves in baking especially cakes, thus scholarships were awarded by Astra on the 30^th and 31 of July.

Not only baking cakes but decorating them will be a part of the training provided along with the know-how on running their own business. Accordingly, participants will receive a country wide recognized certificate from ‘White Flower cake academy’.

There is nothing better than baking with Astra and it is always a good start and the initial programme commences from the Puttlam district which later expands island wide. Apart from providing the know-how, Astra also intends in providing, discounted Astra products as an encouragement. Support needed for the marketing of the business in terms of digital platform is a major asset that Astra has in line as a part of Liya Saviya.

Let us make it now than later and have a good start with Astra to bake a cake, and bring a smile to your loved ones, especially kids.

Measures as such will enable mothers to overcome the financial crisis currently faced. With better financial environments at home, our mothers will be able to transform their homes into happier and healthier environments for the kids, providing them with the best of everything; which is what Astra and the team hopes for ultimately as the overall outcome of this initiative.

July 7, 2020

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How parents can help their children get back to school with new habits.

School closures have been implemented in most countries worldwide as a preventive measure to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing an unprecedented disruption of education, affecting more than 90% of the school population. The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply.

Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if they have been learning at home for months. Here are some tips to have help your child go through some of the changes they may expect at school.

සමත් රටක අපි අයෙමත් ඉස්කෝලේ යමු!

අලුත් දවසක, අලුත් පුරුදු සමඟින් ආයෙත් ඉස්කෝලේ යන අපේම පොඩ්ඩන්ට අධ්‍යාපන අමාත්‍යාංශයේ මෙම පණිවුඩය ඔබ වෙත ගෙන එන්නේ ඇස්ට්‍රා!A message for our young ones, going back to school on a new day, with new habits brought to you by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Astra.

Posted by Astra Sri Lanka on Saturday, July 4, 2020

Wearing protective masks

Children may also get upset or frustrated if they are finding it hard to wear masks, especially when running or playing. You can reassure your children that lots of adults are working hard to keep your family safe, but emphasize that it’s important we all follow the recommended measures to take care of more vulnerable members of our community.

Maintaining social distancing from friends

Children may also find it difficult being physically distanced from friends and teachers while at school – you could encourage them to think about other ways to bond and stay connected.

Remind children about the positives – that they will be able to see their friends and teachers (if they are physically returning to the classroom) and continue learning new things.

Follow precautions

Reassure children about safety measures in place to keep students and teachers healthy and remind children that they can also help prevent germs spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing or sneezing into their elbow. One of the best ways to keep children safe from COVID-19 and other diseases is to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn’t need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with their favourite song or do a dance together to make learning fun. Make sure to teach them about how even though germs are invisible, they could still be there. When children understand why they need to wash their hands, they’re likely to continue doing so.

You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.

Good nutrition

A balanced diet is essential in keeping the immunity levels high during this time, especially after many months of staying at home the change in diets should be carefully handled to sustain their health. Children need sufficient energy and nutrients for growth and health. The consumption of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients daily, such as essential fats and vitamins A, D (partly) and E along with essential fats are needed for normal growth and development of children.

Checking in

In addition to checking in on your child’s physical health and learning when they go back to school, you should also keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety. Whether at school or at home, caregivers can engage children in creative activities, such as playing and drawing, to help them express and communicate any negative feelings they may be experiencing in a safe and supportive environment. This helps children find positive ways to express difficult feelings such as anger, fear or sadness.

As children often take their emotional cues from the key adults in their lives – including parents and teachers – it is important that adults manage their own emotions well and remain calm, listen to children’s concerns, speak kindly and reassure them. it’s important to demonstrate that it’s normal and OK to feel overwhelmed at times. When in doubt, empathy and support are the way to go.

https://www.facebook.com/AstraSriLanka/videos/686898862154269

A message from The Ministry of Education

References:

https://en.unesco.org/events/back-school-preparing-and-managing-reopening-schools-covid-19-education-webinar-6

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return

EFSA, Commission Regulation (EC) 983/2009 of 21/10/2009, Amended by Commission Regulation (EC) 376/2010 of 03/05/2010. http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/?event=search

May 29, 2020

A healthy and a balanced diet is all the rage! The awareness of packing up the right nutrients in meals is a hot topic these days as we all search for the latest buzz on sustaining a healthy metabolism and immunity. One such nutritional resource is, margarine and fat spreads. However, over the years it has been subjected to many misconceptions and hearsay.

These claims may have come to you from well-meaning friends or relatives, but here’s the opportunity to know the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So, push the pause button on redistributing bits of false information and let’s debunk them.

Misconception 1 – “Margarine/ Fat spreads is one molecule away from plastic.”

This is preposterously false! The major ingredients in margarine and spreads are plant based fats and water. Chemically, plastic has a completely different molecular structure than the unsaturated and saturated fats present in margarine. Margarine and spreads are nutritious and safe and have been a part of a healthy diet for years.

Misconception 2 – “Fats are bad for you.”

Wrong again! It’s important to understand the difference between good and the bad. All dietary fats, in the recommended daily amount, are necessary to body functioning and health. It is important to reduce ‘’bad’’ saturated fats intake and at the same time improve favorable ‘’good’’ unsaturated fats intake. The reality is that dietary fats are needed in a healthy diet for a number of reasons. These fats provide energy, dissolve fat soluble vitamins and often provide vitamins such as A, D and E with their fortifications.

Health authorities (World Health Organization) recommend that the fat intake should represent 20-35% of total daily energy in adults. This means eating up to 45-78 g of fat a day, considering a 2000 kcal diet.

Kids and young adults between the age of 2-18 years requires to produce 25-35% of daily energy off of quality fats. The quality of the fat intake is indispensable for health.

The the human body is growing the fastest during the first few years. Therefore, children need sufficient energy and nutrients for their growth and development. According to health experts at the World Health Organization (WHO), energy balance is critical to maintaining a healthy body weight, regardless of type of nutrients (e.g. fat or carbohydrates).

Reference:

WHO/FAO. Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition Report of an expert consultation. FAO, Rome, 2010.
European Food Safety Authority. Scientific Opinion: Labelling reference intake values for n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The EFSA Journal. 2009; 1176, 1–11
WHO. Report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation. Diet Nutrition and Prevention of chronic diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003. Report No.: 916.

Misconception 3 – “Margarine is cancerous.”

This is by far one of the more popular myths. Simply put: This is not true. Good nutrition is what really matters for preventing chronic disease. A healthy balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables is the best way to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease. Unsaturated fats namely omega-3 and monounsaturated fat such as those found in Flora fat spread are actually associated with a reduced risk of developing certain cancers

All the ingredients that are being used to make a margarine or fat spread are considered safe by the scientific experts worldwide. The manufacturing of margarine is basically a process of mixing and cooling. These processes do not introduce changes to the ingredients as such. Hence, it is high time to put this myth aside and start spreading the truth to your friends and neighbors

Reference:

FAO report of a Joint WHO/FAO expert consultation on fats and fatty acids in human nutrition. Geneve 2008. http://foris.fao.org/preview/25553-0ece4cb94ac52f9a25af77ca5cfba7a8c.pdf

WHO/FAO. Joint WHO/FAO expert consultation “Diet, Nutrition, and the prevention of chronic diseases”. WHO Technical report series 916. Geneve, 2002. http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/en/

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, choose unsaturated fats more often, fat spreads that are non-hydrogenated and trans fat free. Simply check the packaging of the products, Astra and Flora are some brands that have clearly mentioned that they do not contain any trans fats. Fat is essential in our diets and there is no question about it. Be wise when you select food and incorporate all the goodness of fats with plant based fat spreads to your daily diet

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