Glenn Cardwell Banana Boost Interview

Glenn Cardwell Banana Boost Interview

Bananas Out to Boost the Generational Change
Younger Australians are leading the way in making healthy snack choices with new research showing they prefer to munch on fresh fruit over highly processed packaged foods and drinks when peckish and needing an energy hit.

A national Newspoll survey of more than 1,200 adults commissioned by Australian Bananas revealed 22 per cent of 18-24 year olds went for fresh fruit on the last occasion they reached for a pick-me-up snack or drink, compared to only seven per cent of 50-64 year olds, who were more likely to grab a chocolate bar to get their quick fix.

The findings have fuelled a major new campaign by the Australian banana industry to recruit an army of young healthy eaters ditching -no-nos' for -na-nas' to continue to drive the move away from chemical highs and sugar rushes in favour of mouth-watering local bananas for longer lasting energy and an all-day glow.

The all-out assault includes a new television commercial, billboards, a digital and radio campaign and conversations on social media as the industry seeks to propel the generational change.

NRL star Billy Slater, who grew up in banana-growing region Innisfail, said when it comes to snacking on fruit, there's nothing like the delicious Australian banana and applauded young Aussies for embracing high quality local produce.

Slater will front -Play of the Day', a national promotion on Channel Nine's Footy Show, encouraging kids from junior rugby league teams to film and upload a captivating sporting moment on the Australian Bananas Facebook page for their chance to win a range of fun prizes.

'Bananas are my pick of the bunch because they're nature's energy snack and have so much going for them. We're so lucky because we have access to the best produce in the world right on our doorstep," he said.

'Unlike all the processed snacks out there that give you a quick hit, the natural energy of bananas lasts and lasts. That's why they are the perfect food to have before sport to give you constant energy while you compete. So if you want to stay in the game, ditch the -no-nos' and go for the -na-nas'," he said.

Home-grown bananas continue to dominate as the country's number one fruit with Nielsen figures showing 92.4 per cent of Australian households purchased bananas last year. And in another recent study of 605 consumers by Sprout Research, 62 per cent of Australians agreed that bananas are their preferred energy snack.

Accredited Practising Dietitian, Glenn Cardwell, said it's no surprise people are reaching for bananas because they're healthy and packed with vitamins and nutrients to get you through the day.

'Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, potassium, antioxidants and fibre, and the natural sugars help lift blood glucose levels making them the perfect fruit and the perfect snack," he said.

More than 90 per cent of local bananas are grown in Queensland, the majority in the high rainfall region in the far north. The industry is now centred around Innisfail and Tully in North Queensland. Others are grown on the Atherton Tableland, northern New South Wales from around Coffs Harbour to the Tweed River and in south east Queensland as far north as Bundaberg. Small commercial plantations exist in Western Australia around Carnarvon, and close to the Ord River at Kununurra and near Darwin.

Tasty nutritious bananas are now available at local supermarkets and green grocers nationwide. Join the conversation on the Australian Bananas Facebook page www.facebook.com/AustralianBananas or for more information, visit www.australianbananas.com.au

Interview with Accredited Practising Dietitian, Glenn Cardwell

Question: Why are bananas the perfect snack?

Glenn Cardwell: They are affordable, they taste great, are easy to store, easy-to-peel and eat. Plus, bananas are so nutritious, containing vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, fibre and potassium. The natural sugars in the banana will lift blood glucose levels, making it a perfect mid-afternoon snack for those suffering the 3pm slump. The perfect bite for kids for after-school and office-workers wanting a boost of energy.


Question: Where you surprised that 22 per cent of 18-24 year olds went for fresh fruit on the last occasion they reached for a pick-me-up snack or drink, compared to only seven per cent of 50-64 year olds?

Glenn Cardwell: It's great news! It looks like the younger folk are choosing nature as a pick-me-up rather than highly-processed snacks, and that can only be good for their health. It is encouraging to see the youth of the country making smarter snack choices. Let's hope it rubs off on their parents and grandparents!


Question: In terms of a pick-me-up snack why are bananas better for long lasting energy than chips or chocolate?

Glenn Cardwell: The beauty of the banana is that it doesn't contain the fat and salt commonly added to processed snacks. Bananas have a relatively low GI (Glycemic Index) meaning that they are digested and absorbed over 2-3 hours providing long, lasting energy. This is one reason they are popular with athletes – easy to eat, great taste, and natural sugars for sustained energy.

Fresh fruit is the thinking person's snack because the natural sugars help freshen the brain. I also think that eating fruit demonstrates that you are serious about health and want to look after yourself.


Question: Are bananas your favourite fruit? If so, why?

Glenn Cardwell: Yes, I love my bananas. I take a banana on my longer bike rides (60-100 km) to eat at the half-way mark. A slice of my favourite bread wrapped around a banana is the perfect snack after being at the gym or taking the hound for a long walk. And being a dietitian I know all about the nutrition and health benefits of an Aussie banana.


Question: Are bananas higher in carbohydrates than other fruits?
Glenn Cardwell: If you compare fruits per 100 grams, then the banana generally has more carbohydrate because they have a lower water content than, say, apples and oranges. The fact that they are easy-to-peel and eat makes them the preferred fruit for athletes looking for carbohydrate to boost their muscle fuel stores. Both the brain and muscles use carbohydrate as their energy source.


Question: What other positive benefits do bananas have on preventing disease?

Glenn Cardwell: Being low in sodium and high in potassium means they help keep blood pressure levels normal. Australian bananas are a good source of folate and vitamin B6, two vitamins important during pregnancy for a healthy baby. One medium banana will provide about 25% of B6 and 12% of folate needs each day. Of course, they have fibre for bowel regularity. Bananas are the only fruit with resistant starch which appears to help reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Research shows that bananas contain antioxidants and lectins, which seem to protect the body against a range of diseases.


Question: How many pieces of fruit and vegetables should Australians be consuming daily?

Glenn Cardwell: Australian health authorities encourage us to eat two medium fruit serves and five vegetables serves a day (the 2&5 campaign). There is certainly no harm in eating more than that. In fact, active people can benefit from eating four fruit serves a day. I have worked with elite athletes who will eat 2-3 bananas a day, plus a couple of other fruits. Active people need more fuel (food) and fruit with their natural sugars are a perfect choice.


Question: What are the main -no-nos' Australians are choosing? Why should these foods be avoided?

Glenn Cardwell: Too many people mindlessly choose to eat whatever is convenient. Biscuits, cakes, pastries and donuts offer little in essential nutrients. Such foods are usually high in salt, saturated fat and kilojoules and low in nutrients for health. They are not very filling and easy to over-consume.

A much smarter choice is fruit – low salt, no fat, and importantly, they are filling. For example, a medium serve of fries has the same kilojoules of four bananas. After two bananas you are full. After a medium fries you are still looking for more.


Question: What are other healthy snack choices Australians can choose when they need a pick-me-up snack?
Glenn Cardwell: Let's not forget that the humble sandwich is still a great snack, for example wholemeal bread with salad and egg or tuna. I grew up on banana sandwiches. It's time to bring them back in vogue!

Yogurt is another great choice – protein, riboflavin and calcium. Avocado and cottage cheese on wholemeal crispbread. I love nut bars, and dried fruit and nut bars. Or just a handful of trail mix. I love trail mix in a bowl of yogurt with sliced banana. In fact, that combination makes a great meal when I come home late after classes.


Interview by Brooke Hunter