| Eating healthy is fast becoming a way
of life. American’s are living
longer, however, the goal of many
is not to simply live longer,
the goal it is to live a longer
and healthier life. Simple everyday
fruit can help. Recent studies
have indicated that the antioxidants
in fruit provide a whole host
of health benefits: the anti-aging
power of blueberries and the joint
pain relieving properties found
in cherries to name a few. The
multitudes of health components
found in fruit are truly a gift
from Mother Nature. Here are a
few everyday fruits for healthy
living in 2005: Cherries – The
Supercharged Fruit: Are cherries
truly fruit for a healthy you?
Recent studies have revealed that
cherries offer an assortment of
health benefits including the
ability to offer natural relief
from joint pain caused from gout,
arthritis and joint inflammation.
The wonder of the cherry is the
anthocyanins. According to research
from Michigan State University
tart cherries contain anthocyanins
and bioflavonoids, which inhibit
the enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 and
-2, and prevent inflammation in
the body. These compounds have
similar activity as aspirin, naproxen
and ibuprofen. Further investigations
revealed that daily consumption
of cherries has the potential
to reduce the pain associated
with joint inflammation. Many
are choosing to drink cherry juice,
eat cherries or consume tart cherry
pills for relief of gout, arthritis
and joint pain. Linda L. Patterson
is a living testimony of the soothing
affects of cherries on her joint
pain. “I enjoy crocheting and
lately my hands have been so painful,
I couldn’t crochet for more than
about 30 minutes.”, says Patterson.
In an attempt to find relief from
her pain, she located Fruit Advantage
Tart Cherry capsules, (www.fruitadvantage.com)
a supplement made from red tart
cherries. “Within the first week
of taking the tart cherry capsules
my hands felt so much better.”,
says Ms. Patterson. “I am now
able to crochet without the pain
in my hands.” Blueberries – Nature’s
Top Antioxidant Fruit: Blueberries
emerged as the top antioxidant
capacity fruit in a laboratory
testing procedure called ORAC
- Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
developed by the USDA*. ORAC has
become the definitive measurement
of antioxidant capacity. James
Joseph, Ph.D, Chief of the USDA
Human Nutrition Research Center
on Aging in Boston, is working
with blueberries to examine their
potential to help improve motor
skills and reverse the short-term
memory loss that comes with aging.
"The blueberry has emerged as
a very powerful food in the aging
battle," said Joseph. "Given the
possibility that blueberries may
reverse short-term memory loss
and forestall other effects of
aging, their potential may be
very great." Terry Johnson, a
resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan,
munchies on dried blueberries
for the convenience and taste.
“I work behind a computer for
eight hours a day and I like to
snack. I began eating dried blueberries
instead of a candy bar from the
vending machine. Now I feel good
when I snack because I am eating
fruit instead of candy.” Strawberries:
Studies have shown that strawberries
can help promote a healthy digestive
system and help lower blood cholesterol.
A handful of strawberries can
go a long way to a helping you
maintain a healthy lifestyle.
According to Jennifer LaPointe,
Director of Marketing for Traverse
Bay Farms, www.traversebayfarms.com
“many of our customers are looking
to eat healthier and our gourmet
fruit product fit this trend.
It’s certainly better than fast
food.” Traverse Bay Farms sells
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules,
cherry juice concentrate and a
variety of dried fruit products
including: cherries, blueberries,
red raspberries, strawberries.
The company may be contact for
additional information or interviews
at 1-877-746-7477 or www.traversebayfarms.com
Andrew LaPointe is a writer, entrepreneur
and consultant.He enjoys spending
time with his family, writing
and traveling. |
