Kuala Lumpur – 23 May, 2012 – Fruits take the spotlight as MBG FruitShop presents its first-ever “Yes! Fruits” festival offering fun and educational activities on fruits in celebration of Ramadhan, Hari Raya and International Fruit Day from July to August.

Everyone say Yes! Fruits. Share healthy & happy meal of fruits with friends & family during International Fruit Day, Ramadhan and Hari Raya
Malaysians get refreshed during Puasa Raya & International Fruit Day
For the first time, Malaysians will experience a full-fledged festival offering fun, interactive and educational activities on fruits.
MBG’s Managing Director, Adnan Lee said as Malaysians live busier lifestyles and consume various kinds of foods, they may forget the importance of fruits in balancing their health and well-being. In line with International Fruit Day, MBG aims to rekindle Malaysians’ ‘love and relationship’ with fruits and at the same time, let’s discover what Malaysians really think or remember about fruits.

Commemorate the source! On International Fruit Day, come celebrate the trees which produce our tasty and healthy fruits for good health
“Ultimately, we’d like to encourage Malaysians eat more fruits and share a meal of fruits together at work, home and in their social circle to be healthy holistically. This is inspired by a survey conducted by students in Berlin which indicated the best way to bring people together is through sharing a meal, especially a hearty and healthy meal with fruits. Soon, the idea of sharing and eating fruits/vegetables together gave birth to International Fruit Day celebrated worldwide on July 1. For Malaysia, it will be the first fruit festival ever to be held!” said Adnan.
MBG will also kick off a nationwide fruits survey to gauge the public’s fruit-eating behaviours, patterns and views on the importance of fruits in their lives. “This survey will reveal tell-tale signs on how important fruits are to Malaysians and the perception of the roles of fruits in their daily lives and health.
“Questions like how much, when and with whom Malaysians eat fruits with and their favourite fruits will make good information to share with the public. With these findings, we can be more focussed in channelling efforts and resources to educate Malaysians on the benefits of fruits. Ultimately, this effort complements the government’s objective to create a healthier nation, enthused Adnan.

Everyone say Yes! Fruits. Share healthy & happy meal of fruits with colleagues during International Fruit Day, Ramadhan and Hari Raya
The public can participate in the survey via MBG website, MBG’s home and corporate delivery services, MBG’s outlets and write-ups in the mass media. The survey findings will be shared to the public in September.
Fruits for your thoughts! The public participating in MBG's national survey to gauge Malaysians' behaviour on eating fruits
Great fun abounds at MBG outlets as shoppers will experience carnival-like activities such as “spin-the-fruits wheel” games, contests to win new IPads, educational nuggets on fruit facts and fruits recipes. Kids can also show their fruity dancing skills at selected MBG outlets(Tropicana City Mall, Plaza Masalam, and Jaya 33, every Saturday and Sunday 3PM) to promote camaraderie amongst families and the public. A free fruit juice will be given for kid who participated the dance.
According to the 3rd National Health and Morbidity Survey, 70% of Malaysians in all age groups ate unhealthy diets with insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables. On top of that, only 30% Malaysians exercise regularly.
In view of this, MBG will reinforce education to the public on fruits and their health benefits. Local consultant dietitian Indra Balaratnam has been enlisted to share her findings on the top and most common health issues faced by Malaysians including obesity, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, infertility, immunity, post menopausal, pregnancy which will be made accessible to the public via print, ads, educational collaterals and ground events.
The “Yes! Fruits” campaign is set to benefit the Muslim community with the dawning of Holy Ramadhan. During this time, Muslims undergo challenges to their health and lifestyle including deprivation of energy, liquids, rest and nutrients. Fruits and fruit juices are good to help replenish their nutrient needs during zahur and breaking fast.

Stocking up for the festival! MBG staff preparing fruits to cater for International Fruit Day and Puasa Raya
During Ramadhan, Muslim friends tend to get tired due to lack of energy.
Not having a proper meal can cause slump in energy levels, moodiness and a lack of concentration when carrying out tasks that require attention. “For a quick boost of energy, take fruits like bananas, watermelon, apples, pears, prunes, oranges, guava, grapes and all kind of berries. Try blending watermelon + starfruit juice or green apple + guava + orange juice,” suggested Indra.
Bad breath is a common condition during Puasa due to sufficient water and fluids. It is important to keep the mouth hydrated and prevents sulphur-containing compounds from accumulating the mouth which affects the gums. “I’d recommend including pineapple and papaya into your cooking or as a refreshing snack during open fast. Pineapple could be nicely-cooked as pejari nenas (spicy pineapple curry) and young papayas can be included into salads that goes well will local spicy dishes. After eating a pungent meal, munch on some fresh pineapple,” advised Indra.
When Hari Raya comes, think of fruits as healthy gifts for friends or eat at gatherings or during house visitations. Indra advised the public to pace themselves during the festive season as they will be busy with open houses, spring cleaning and other Hari Raya routines.
“Festive seasons can be stressful. Ensure you have your fruits during this time, which is a good source of Vitamin C. This vitamin helps to boost your immune system, helping you to better keep the flu and sore throats at bay. Fruits with red or purple hues are loaded with antioxidants which boosts the immune system. Take more fruits that are rich in antioxidants, which may help off-set some of the damaging effects of stress on the body during the holiday period,” suggested Indra.
Some people have a tendency of overindulging during Hari Raya with all the sumptuous ‘makan’. All these indulgences have repercussions to the body. Be mindful and eat only small amounts at each house you visit. To avoid indigestion, have some pineapple after a heavy meal as it contains bromelain, an enzyme to aid with digestion.

Everyone say Yes! Fruits. Share healthy & happy meal of fruits with friends & family during International Fruit Day, Ramadhan and Hari Raya
Look good during the Raya holiday with some help from fruits. A British study found that two extra portions of vegetables and fruit such as carrots and tomatoes improved skin colour. The researchers say it is the orangey-reddish caretonoid pigments that help the skin to glow rosily. “Before you head out for your functions, try sipping on tomato+ carrot + apple juice to get a caretonoid boost or honeydew + cucumber to rehydrate yourself to have plump skin,” enthused Indra.
For more information on MBG Yes! Fruits campaign to participate, please logon www.mbg.com.my and stand the chance to win new IPads.
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