How and Why Did Half-Time Oranges in Junior Sports Become a Tradition?

The Origins of Oranges in Sport

Eating oranges at half-time has been a popular and long-standing tradition in junior sports in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. But why do we do this, and how did it start?

According to US business Florida Fruit Shippers, eating oranges has been a tradition in England since the 1950s. Another suggested origin story is that the tradition was started by a donation from a supportive local citrus growing business. It has also been suggested that in Australia and the UK, it may have emerged during the second world war, linked to government concerns about poor nutrition after rationing.

The Benefits of Eating Oranges

Fruits like oranges contain carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals; carbohydrates are important in providing energy while vitamins and minerals are important in growth and development. Together, these nutrients help contribute to good health.

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In Australia, only about two-thirds of children up to the age of 18 eat the recommended serves of fruit. For good health, you should try to eat at least two serves of fruit every day. Encouraging children to eat fruit could help improve their health and sports performance.

Choosing fruit at half-time (or quarter-time) is a great way to increase fruit intake. There are also benefits from eating oranges over lollies, which contain only added sugars. One benefit is that oranges contain large amounts of water, which can help with staying hydrated, which is vital in all sports at all ages.

Another benefit is that oranges contain natural sugars to provide energy during exercise. This makes them ideal half-time snacks. An average-sized orange will provide around 10-12 grams of carbohydrate via natural sugars. This carbohydrate is easy to digest to provide sustained energy.

Are There Any Downsides?

Despite the benefits of eating oranges, 15 years ago, Netball Queensland reportedly banned them at half-time. The concern? Potential damage to children’s teeth due to the acidity of oranges. Coaches were encouraged to promote fluids instead of oranges to keep players hydrated.

While it’s true that increased consumption of fruits and fruit juices can harm teeth, eating a few orange slices at half-time is unlikely to cause significant damage. In fact, dehydration is more of a concern for dentists due to the resulting lack of saliva production. Saliva helps to protect the teeth from tooth decay and erosion – when saliva production is reduced, so too is the protection of teeth.

Recently, some South Australian soccer clubs have also banned oranges, with some teams replacing them with lollies. This shift seems to have evolved from parents talking to each other and deciding a sugar hit is beneficial. However, lollies are often sticky, causing them to adhere to the tooth’s surface and remain there for extended periods. This prolonged exposure to sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tradition of eating oranges at half-time in junior sports is a long-standing one, with various origin stories and benefits. While there may be some concerns about the acidity of oranges, it is unlikely to cause significant damage. In fact, dehydration is a more significant concern for dentists. Choosing fruit at half-time is a great way to increase fruit intake and provide a natural source of energy.

FAQs

Q: Why do athletes eat oranges at half-time?
A: Oranges provide a natural source of energy, are easy to digest, and contain large amounts of water to help with staying hydrated.

Q: How did the tradition of eating oranges at half-time start?
A: According to US business Florida Fruit Shippers, eating oranges has been a tradition in England since the 1950s. Another suggested origin story is that the tradition was started by a donation from a supportive local citrus growing business.

Q: Are there any downsides to eating oranges at half-time?
A: While oranges do contain acidity, eating a few orange slices at half-time is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, dehydration is a more significant concern for dentists due to the resulting lack of saliva production.

Q: Are lollies a suitable alternative to oranges at half-time?
A: No, lollies are often sticky and can cause tooth decay due to prolonged exposure to sugar.