May is National Salad Month

Due to all the benefits of having a salad, United States celebrates National Salad Month in the month of May

May 18, 2016

Salad_bar-02 — Salad Bar, Wikimedia Commons

By Shipra John

National Salad Month is celebrated in the month of May in the United States. When we think of the word ‘salad’ the first thing that comes to our mind are, green veggies such as lettuce or a side salad that can be eaten as a way to maintain your diet. With the climate being warmer in the month of May, people prefer to have something light and thirst quenching, rather than having dry and hot food items such as burgers, roasted meat or grilled items. One can enjoy this meal, as it is light and healthy too. You can experiment by adding flavors such as dressings, fruits and nuts to make it a delicious meal. The bliss of having a salad is that it can be eaten anytime during the day and it boosts up your nutrition.

There are a variety of salads that can be experimented with, using kale, iceberg lettuce and also using dark green veggies such as spinach or red leafy lettuce. You can also have fish or cheese or whole grains as an addition to your appetizer. Knowing that it is good for you, this combination of fresh fruits and vegetables can be accompanied with a glass of fresh juice or a glass of wine.

Some of the benefits of having a salad are listed below:

They are visually attractive since they have varieties of shapes, colors and sizes that are very much eye appealing and also stops your tummy from cravings.
Salads contain low calories that make your meal ideal and perfect for your physique and your digestive system. Having fried food items only increases your body fat. You can gain good fat from salads, as spinach gives you iron, tomatoes give you lycopene and other nutrients are absorbed by the body.
Salads can be made easily and quickly, and can stop you from craving. You don’t need to cook and you can have it at anytime of the day, as it will be refreshing for you and it also re-energizes your body.
Salads help you to digest your meal easily. You may feel heavy and full after having a fatty meal, but a salad helps you to fill your stomach and does not make you feel lazy and sleepy after having your meal.
It prevents diseases. A salad helps you to prevent various diseases especially cancer and heart diseases, since it is rich in fiber that boosts up your digestive system.
The diverse varieties of salads prevent you from getting bored with your food. With an assortment of salads and dressings to choose from and adding a combination of fruits and vegetables you can enjoy eating a tasty healthy meal.

Due to all the benefits of having a salad, United States celebrates National Salad Month in the month of May, as it makes you Health conscious and also re- energizes your immune system.

Related Article: Magical benefits of Cumin Seeds

Therefore, everyone can also start celebrating National Salad Month by eating from a variety of salads. Salads will make you healthier, cooler and appeal to your taste buds as well.

Shipra John is a Journalism student at Delhi University, currently working as an intern at Newsgram. Twitter @mjsj_96

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The Risk of FGM Hangs Above British Schoolgirls During Holiday Break

Ending FGM requires multiple entry points (and) enabling families and communities to be proactive in ending the practice of FGM is ultimately the most effective channel

NewsGram Desk

December 17, 2018

Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, judge — A badge reads "The power of labor against FGM" is seen on a volunteer during a conference on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 6, 2018. (VOA)

As many families prepare to holiday abroad during the festive season, British charities on Monday warned that girls taken overseas could be at risk of female genital mutilation(FGM)

Known as FGM, female genital mutilation is a ritual that usually involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia, including the clitoris. Some girls bleed to death or die from infections.

Cutting affects an estimated 200 million girls worldwide and is a rite of passage in many societies, often with the aim of promoting chastity, with the highest prevalence in Africa and parts of the Middle East.

An estimated 137,000 women and girls in England and Wales have undergone FGM. Many cases go unnoticed because they had happened at a young age and abroad, campaigners say. Campaigners say teachers should look out for warning signs, such as when a child is taken abroad for a long time to a country where there is a high prevalence of female genital mutilation.

FGM — – A doctor checks her phone as she poses for a photograph in Mumbai, India, June 8, 2016. The 50-year-old woman defends what is widely considered female genital mutilation within her small, prosperous Dawoodi Bohra community in India. VOA

“The best way of preventing the practice is by working with girls and their families … and training professionals like teachers and social workers to spot girls at risk of FGM,” said Leethen Bartholomew, head of Britain’s National FGM Center.

Some warning signs that a girl might have been cut include difficulty walking or sitting down, spending a long time in the toilet or becoming withdrawn, said the Center, run by children’s charity Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association.

FGM has been a criminal offense in Britain since 1985. Legislation in 2003 made it illegal for British citizens to carry out or procure female genital mutilation abroad, even in countries where it is legal.

In 2015, it became mandatory for health professionals, social workers and teachers in Britain to report known cases of FGM to police.

FILE – A T-shirt warns against female genital mutilation. Its wearer attends an event, discouraging harmful practices such as FGM, at a girls high school in Imbirikani, Kenya, April 21, 2016. VOA

The practice mostly affects immigrant communities from various countries including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria and Egypt.

British-based charity Forward, which supports FGM survivors from African communities, said though teachers have a crucial role to play, they should not stigmatize certain communities.

“While teachers need to be alert at all times about safeguarding children in their care, we also need to ensure that some communities are not unduly targeted and stigmatized,” said Naana Otoo-Oyortey, executive director of FORWARD.

Also Read: Female Genital Mutilation Unconstitutional: Michigan Judge

“Ending FGM requires multiple entry points (and) enabling families and communities to be proactive in ending the practice of female genital mutilation is ultimately the most effective channel,” she said in emailed comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Britain in November pledged $63 million to combat female genital mutilation in Africa. (VOA)

Akanksha Sharma

Salads are low on calories, high in fiber and rich in nutrien. And it is tasty.
Shubhi Mangla

It should be celebrated in India also…salad is indeed an important part of our diet. In summers, it should be eaten daily to avoid dehydration
Pritam Go Green

Exactly !!! India should definitely look forward to celebrate National Salad Day. After all our present generation needs to understand the importance of having Salad in their diet list.Many people are still unaware of the fact that ‘Salad’ is highly nutritious for our health.
Vrushali Mahajan

Salads are the main source of fiber in one’s body. It should not be avoided at any cost. To make salads interesting, you can add your favorite toppings and dressings and you’re good to go.