Starchild: Malaysian children love their veggies

Muhamad Imran Muzaffar Mohd Hisham, 8

Did you know that 10% of the world’s population are vegetarians?

A vegetarian diet comprises food that’s rich in minerals and vitamins that we can’t always find in meat. Vegetarians eat a lot of vegetables (of course!), tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes for their nutrients.

Vegetables are the leaves, stems and roots of plants. Most vegetables grow above ground. Lettuce, spinach, and cabbage are all leaves of plants. But, did you know broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are actually flowers? Some children love their vegetables roasted. Others like them steams while some prefer to drink the juice of raw vegetables like carrots, spinach and broccoli. How do you like to eat your vegetables?

Vegetarian Day was celebrated recently. Let’s hear what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Healthy Vegetables.

“Celery is good for my bones while carrots are good for better eyesight. Bananas are rich in potassium and they are good for my stomach. I love jackfruit, even though I am unsure what are its benefits, ” writes eight-year-old Muhamad Imran Muzaffa Mohd Hisham.

Mabel Loo Jia Ting, 9

Mabel Loo Jia Ting, nine, likes to eat potatoes and oranges. “I also love to eat soup with lots of tasty vegetables like carrots, cabbage and corn. Fruits and vegetables keep me healthy and strong.”

Debria Preethi Jeyarajah, 9

Nine-year-old Debria Preethi Jeyarajah loves to pack a fruit salad for recess break.

“Fruits and vegetables supply us with vitamins. My favourite fruits are mangoes, kiwi and mangosteen while my favourite vegetables are radish, okra and carrots.”

Jane Ng Ai Wen, 7

“I like to eat vegetables and fruits likes carrot, broccoli, tomatoes, apples and watermelon. These fruits are full of vitamins & nutrition that help to keep my body healthy and strong, ” says Jane Ng Ai Wen, seven.

Ong Keat Hsin, 5

Find the hidden words.

ITEM: Deepavali is primarily celebrated by those of the Hindu faith, but around the world, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists also observe the Festival of Lights. In conjunction with this auspicious festival, we invite you to draw us a greeting card. Make your card as colourful as possible. Send your drawings on white unlined paper. Don’t forget your special greeting cards who Hindu children who will be celebrating the special occasion amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

All letters must reach us by Oct 30. Send your letters to:

Starchild, c/o Lifestyle

Star Media Group Bhd

Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11

46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

You can also e-mail your contributions to [e-mail]. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.