Fruit Facts

🍎 Fruitful Facts

How Nature’s Juicy Treats Keep Us Strong

Fruits aren’t just delicious, they’re powerful! Each colorful bite is packed with vitamins that help us grow, think, and feel our very best. Whether you're munching a mango or savoring a strawberry, you're fueling your body with goodness from nature.

Let’s take a tasty tour through some fruit-powered health facts!

🍌 What Are Vitamins, Anyway?

Vitamins are tiny nutrients found in food that help our bodies work well. They protect us, give us energy, and keep our hearts, brains, and skin happy.

Think of them as little helpers, and fruits are full of them!

🍊 Fruit & Vitamin Match-Ups

Let’s explore how some of your favorite fruits secretly pack superhero nutrients!

Oranges and kiwis are full of Vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong and heals little cuts. Bananas bring Vitamin B6, a brain booster that helps keep your nerves relaxed. Blueberries are rich in Vitamin K, supporting healthy blood and strong bones. Sweet strawberries are another source of Vitamin C, protecting your cells and giving your skin a healthy glow. Apples carry a small amount of Vitamin A, which supports your eyesight and your body's defenses. Mangos offer a double dose of Vitamin A and C, making them great for keeping your eyes sharp and fighting off germs. And finally, papayas shine with Vitamin E, which protects your body and helps your skin sparkle.

Fun fact: The deeper the color, the more vitamins a fruit may have!

🍓Let’s Talk Gratitude

Ask your readers:
“What’s your favorite fruit, and how does it help your body?”
Encourage them to make a “Fruit Thanks” list, like:

• “Thank you, banana, for helping my brain feel smart!”
• “I’m grateful for oranges because they help me stay strong when I’m sick.”

✨ Extension Ideas

• Create a fruit rainbow with drawings or real slices, labeling each vitamin
• Design a “Fruit Superhero” with powers from vitamins (like “Captain C” or “Mighty Mango”)
• Make a gratitude smoothie: blend favorite fruits and say thank you for each one!

Here’s a list of fruits in alphabetical order with some of their nutritional information:

• Apple- Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K.
• Avocado- Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin B6.
• Banana- Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C.
• Cantaloupe- Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin K.
• Grapes- Copper, Manganese, Thiamine, Vitamin C.
• Oranges- Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C.
• Strawberries- Ellagic Acid, Fiber, Folate, Vitamin C.
• Watermelon- Amino Acids, Beta Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene.

🍍 Fruit Superpower Match-Up Activity

Activity: Meet Your Vitamin Heroes!

Instructions:

1. Draw seven fruits: one orange, a banana, a blueberry, a strawberry, an apple, a mango, and a papaya.
2. Next to each fruit, write:
   • The vitamin it’s famous for
   • The body part or health benefit it helps
   • A fun thank-you message to that fruit!

Example:

• 🍌 Banana → Vitamin B6
  💡 Brain Booster!
  🙏 “Thanks, banana, for helping me think clearly!”

Bonus Challenge:

Create your own “Fruit Superhero” character!
Give them:

• A name (like Captain C or Papaya Protecto)
• Their superpower (the vitamin)
• A catchphrase of gratitude (“I fight germs with fruity power!”)

Books about fruits:

1. Eating the Alphabet: by Lois Ehlert

2. Oliver's Fruit Salad by Vivian French

3. The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons

4. Mrs. Peanuckle's Fruit Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle

Hey parents! Make storytime extra special by checking that the books you choose are perfect for your little ones. Happy reading!