February 17, 2021 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10 February 17, 2021 FAMILY FEATURES, ‘ealthful eating starts with the ingredients you use, so it’s important to use fresh, seasonal ingredients that pack a nutritional punch. One ofthe easiest ways to meet your daily nutrient needs is to eat a variety of whole foods like fruit (which about 80% of the U.S. population doesn’t get enough of, according to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans), because they provide a unique mix of beneficial nutrients that can’t always be found in a supplement, Consideran option like delicious California Navel and Cara Cara oranges, which are in season and available nationwide, offering a wide variety of health benefits. Oranges are best known as an excellent source of vitamin C to support a healthy immune system, because one orange can offer 70-100% ofthe recommended daily value of vitamin C depending the varietal. However, oranges also offer other important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, including: = Phytonutrients (beneficial compounds produced by plant foods) like flavonoids, which can help mitigate cell damage and support brain and heart health. ™ Citrus is the only type of fruit packed with hesperidin and naringin, two flavonoids that offer anti- inflammatory properties. = Potassium, which the body can’t produce on its own, supports cell function, healthy blood pressure levels, bone health and hydration. = California Navel and Cara Cara oranges are good sources offiber, which supports gut health. = Oranges are good sources offolate, which is particularly important to consume during pregnancy because of its role in cell growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Oranges are a versatile fruit, making them an easy addition to both sweet and savory dishes as well as beverages. Try incorporating oranges into your weekly meal plan with dishes like a lighter version oforange chicken or drinks like this Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail. To help maximize the flavor profile and nutritional benefits of California oranges, consider these tips: = Numerous parts of citrus can be consumed, including the flesh, juice, zest and peel, meaning a single piece of fruit can go a long way. = Next time you use citrus in a beverage or as part of a meal, bring it to room temperature before cooking to help ensure you get the most juice. = Because vitamin C is water soluble, it’s important to eat it fresh. When using as part ofa recipe, use as little water as possible and avoid overcooking. = For storage, it’s often best to keep oranges refrigerated to help them last longer and ensure freshness. Visit californiacitrusgrowers.com to find more information. Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail Recipe courtesy of Gina Homolka of “Skinnytaste” Servings: 1 1 California Cara Cara orange 1 cupice 1 bottle (6.8 ounces) light ginger beer fresh mint leaves, for garnish Slice orange in quarters then J cut 2-3 slices for garish and set aside, Juice rest oforange and place in copper mug (or any glass). Fill glass to top with ice. ‘Add ginger beer and garnish with orange slices and mint leaves. SWOSU Bulldog Blitz Talent Show Try-Outs are Feb. 22-26 ‘The Collegiate Activities Board at South- Friday, February 19, by 5 p.m. SWOSU students western Oklahoma State University is hosting _can sign up in the Dean of Students office (STF auditions for its annual Bulldog Blitz talent 214) or by calling (580) 774-3767. show. 7 ‘The audition dates are February 22-26 at Bulldog Blite will be held vivtuslly'on March 6-7 pam. and 8-9 p.m. each evening in the Fine _18. First place wins $1,000 and runner-up wins Arts Center. The deadline for sign-ups willbe $500. We now, offer Fixed) Rate Conventional Special election for loans, Modular Home Loans, Canute School District Refinances and home) Equity;Loans! planned for March 2 A Special Election for Beckham County vot- - Anyone who needs to look up their polling Jerrid Cross ers who reside in the Canute School District will _ place, verify their registration information, AVP of Mortgage be held on Tuesday March 2, 2021 to vote for _or view a sample ballot can do so online. The NMLS # 799790 two propositions. However, only Early Voting Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the Okla~ will be available as the school district opted to _homa State Election Board’s website: www.elec- [email protected] close the one polling place with affected voters. __tions.ok.gov. Those who vote by mail can also 580-255-3550 ext 136 Early Voting will take place at the Beckham check the status of their ballot using the Online County Activity Center from 8 am to 6 pm Voter Tool. Sample ballots are also available at ([Jndurance ‘Thursday and Friday, February 25th and 26th. _ the County Election Board office. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER *Approval is not guaranteed. Federal Credit Union Member eligibility required. www.endurancefcu.o! rg Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS #421605.