Posts Tagged “feature”
ORLANDO, FL — For the one in three (98 million) Americans living with prediabetes, a surprising fresh fruit pairing may hold promise for heart health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to your daily routine may help support key markers of cardiovascular health. Adults with prediabetes who enjoyed this combination daily for eight weeks saw improvements in blood vessel function and diastolic blood pressure – two important indicators of cardiovascular wellness.
Conducted by researchers at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), the study asked adults with prediabetes to follow an Avocado-Mango (AM) diet – adding one medium Hass avocado and a cup of fresh mango to their daily meals and snacks for eight weeks. A calorie-matched control group followed a similar diet, with avocado and mango replaced by calorically comparable carbohydrate-based foods. Those on the AM diet saw meaningful improvements in blood vessel function, which supports healthy circulation, and diastolic blood pressure, a key factor in long-term heart health, compared to the control group.
Blood vessel function improved significantly in participants on the AM diet. They experienced a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) – a key measure of endothelial function (blood vessel health) – to 6.7%, compared with a decline to 4.6% in the control. This suggests a meaningful improvement.
Diastolic blood pressure also significantly improved, particularly among men. In the control group, men saw an average central blood pressure increase of 5 points (mmHg), while those on the AM diet experienced a reduction of about 1.9 points – a difference that can be clinically significant if sustained. These benefits occurred without changes in calorie intake or body weight, suggesting that nutrient-dense fruits like avocado and mango may support cardiovascular health without major lifestyle changes.
“This research reinforces the power of food-first strategies to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in vulnerable populations like those with prediabetes,” said Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, Principal Investigator and Professor at Illinois Tech. “It’s an encouraging message: small, nutrient-dense additions—like incorporating avocado and mango into meals and snacks—may support heart health without the need for strict rules or major dietary overhauls.”
The Avocado-Mango group also saw increases in fiber, vitamin C, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat – nutrients tied to cardiovascular wellness – without changes in calorie intake or body weight. Select kidney function markers, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), also improved. While no significant differences were found in cholesterol, blood sugar, or inflammation, the findings highlight the value of adding nutrient-rich fruits to the diet, especially for those at risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Together, mango and avocado offer a unique combination of nutrients that may help support heart health:
Mango has fiber (2g/serving, 7% DV) and is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin C (50% DV), which may support blood sugar control, weight management, and overall cardiovascular wellness. Avocado is a good source of fiber (3g/serving*, 11% DV), important for managing cholesterol levels, blood sugar and body weight. In addition, avocado contributes heart-healthy fats (6g unsaturated fats), which can lower the risk of heart disease by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol, and potassium (250mg, 6% DV), important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
The complementary nutrient profiles of these two fruits offer a simple, satisfying way to nourish the body and support cardiovascular wellness.
Looking for ways to enjoy this nutrient-dense combination in everyday meals? Try adding avocado and fresh mango to salads, smoothies, or grain bowls for a flavorful, heart-healthy twist, with easy recipes like Mango Avocado Tuna Ceviche or an Avocado and Mango Topper.
Relief for spring produce loading opportunities is coming, but slowly, according to the website of Pro*Act of Monterey, CA.
Sonora is expected to start in late March with fewer acres planted, while the California desert may begin slightly earlier than normal due to warm weather.
Georgia remains several weeks out, expected in late May. Until
then, expect elevated pricing and continued tightness across the pepper category.
Tomatoes are following a similar pattern, with supply disruptions stacking
across regions.
Mexican production slowed following the mid-March national holiday and is now
further constrained by extreme heat in Sonora and Sinaloa. Harvest crews are
starting earlier in the day, but shortened picking windows are limiting overall output.
Quality remains mixed, with some growers pulling from older or previously
abandoned fields.
Florida continues to feel the impact of recent freezes, winds, and frost damage.
Volume is extremely limited across rounds, romas, and grape and cherry tomatoes,
and additional grading is required to meet specifications.
Rounds are seeing the most pressure on larger sizes, particularly 4×4 and 4×5. Romas
have slightly better availability on medium sizes but remain tight overall. Grape and
cherry tomatoes are also tightening as both domestic and Mexican supplies are
constrained at the same time.
Expect tomato markets to remain firm with upward pricing pressure and continued
volatility through mid- to late April, as new regions gradually come online.
Overall, the market is working through a difficult transition window. Florida is slow to
recover, Mexico is weather-constrained, and supply gaps are showing up across
multiple commodities. We’re expecting continued tight availability, elevated pricing,
and variability in quality and packouts.
A new scientific review published by researchers in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the Illinois Institute of Technology highlights the role of pecans in heart-healthy diets. The data reinforces the nut’s importance within current nutrition and wellness trends.
The research, funded by the American Pecan Promotion Board and published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed 52 studies released between 2000 and 2025, including human clinical trials on cardiometabolic effects and other health outcomes associated with the nuts’ consumption. The data also identified key areas for future research, including the role of fruit in satiety and its impact on weight loss.
According to the analysis, various studies on humans indicate that regular consumption of pecans in snack portions is associated with better key performance indicators of cardiovascular health, particularly in the lipid profile.
Among the observed benefits are reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol. These effects are related to the nut’s content of unsaturated fats, fiber, and bioactive compounds.
Furthermore, the nut is a rich source of polyphenols—natural antioxidants—that might help reduce lipid oxidation, a process linked to oxidative stress and the development of cardiovascular diseases.
The review also cites emerging evidence of pecans’ positive effect on post-meal lipid metabolism, reinforcing their cardioprotective potential.
Blood sugar, satiety, and body weight
Regarding the effects on glycemic control, the results are mixed. While some studies suggest improved insulin response and blood sugar control when the nut replaces refined carbohydrates, the researchers note that more studies are required to establish definitive conclusions.
However, several studies indicate that pecan consumption can increase satiety, which opens opportunities for its use in appetite management strategies.
Regarding body weight, available evidence indicates that the consumption of the fruit is not associated with weight gain, and observed changes remain within normal variability.
Improvement in diet quality
Another relevant finding of the review is that people who include pecans in their diet tend to score higher on the Healthy Eating Index, which reflects better overall nutrition.
Data from the NHANES study—representative of the US population—show that pecans are easily integrated into balanced eating patterns, especially when substituting less healthy snack options.
“What stands out in the research is the consistent relationship between pecan consumption and improved markers of heart health and diet quality. The findings on satiety and weight control also provide valuable information in a context where interest in appetite regulation and GLP-1 therapies is growing,” said Britt Burton-Freeman, director of the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Beyond the scientific results, the authors emphasized that pecans are a practical and accessible option for incorporating plant-based nutrients into the daily diet.
The market remains under pressure as Florida continues to recover from freeze
damage and Mexico struggles with extreme heat. The combination is limiting supply,
impacting quality, and keeping both pepper and tomato markets elevated as March
winds down, according to the website of Pro*Act of Monterey, CA
Bell peppers remain one of the most challenged categories.
Mexico, the primary supplier, is dealing with excessive heat that is slowing
production and limiting harvestable yields. Shortened harvest windows are
reducing overall output, while quality is mixed with increased insect pressure and
fewer premium packs available. Larger sizes and No. 1 grade product are especially
tight, pushing more volume into choice-grade supplies.
Florida is contributing very little volume following winter freeze damage. Many
March fields were lost or set back, and what remains requires heavy grading.
Supplies are inconsistent, with growers focused on managing through reduced
yields until new fields begin in April.
Red bell peppers are even tighter, and recent harvesting decisions are compounding
the issue. Over the past several weeks, growers have been pulling red fields early
while fruit is still green to help cover green bell demand. That shift is now catching
up to the market. True red volume is limited, and quality is being impacted, with
increased reports of “chocolating” and inconsistent color development. Florida
offers little relief, with extremely light, day-to-day volume and variable quality.
Markon First Crop (MFC) Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho and North Dakota. Red potatoes are in good supply with larger sizes dominating packouts. Yellow potatoes are limited in multiple regions due to higher demand and lower yields. Increasing prices are expected over the next six to eight weeks, especially for yellow potatoes, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Idaho, North Dakota, Colorado, Washington
- MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
- Reds: Quality is very good, B size prices are rising
- Yellows: Yields are lower as growers are culling stocks with pressure bruising, air checks, greening and lenticles, and Markets are climbing for all sizes and grades
North Dakota
- MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
- Reds: Quality is good; skins are dark, Prices are holding steady with a slight market increase in B size supplies
- Yellows: Quality is good, Strong demand is pushing up prices
Colorado and Washington
- Supplies are adequate in both regions but demand is shifting from East Coast
- Reds: Quality is good with light pink skin and occasional blemishes, Increasing demand is affect markets
- Yellows: Quality is good, Prices are inching up
Florida
- Availability across all colors and sizes is tight as growers navigate the impacts of the January freeze
- Reds and Yellows: Quality is very good, Expect elevated markets for all sizes, colors, and grades through April
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
By Michael Riser ALC Boise
In June 2024, a five-year-old child, Dalilah Coleman, was injured in a traffic collision involving a semi-truck in Adelanto, California. The driver of the truck was reported to be an undocumented immigrant. During the annual State of the Union Address on February 24, 2026, President Trump referenced the incident and called on Congress to consider legislation referred to as the “Dalilah Law.” The proposed policy would seek to prevent U.S. states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to individuals without lawful immigration status.
Following the address, Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate reflecting the proposal. According to industry reporting, if the bill were passed by Congress and signed by the president, it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Key provisions described in coverage of the proposal include:
- Prohibiting states from issuing CDLs to undocumented immigrants or individuals with certain temporary or non-qualifying immigration statuses.
- Requiring states to revoke existing CDLs held by individuals who do not meet the new eligibility criteria.
- Implementing English-only requirements for CDL knowledge and skills testing.
- Mandating that all current CDL holders complete a recertification process within 180 days.
The U.S. trucking industry relies heavily on a vast network of commercial drivers to maintain freight movement across supply chains. Out of a total workforce of approximately 3.5-3.8 million CDL holders, FreightWaves estimates indicate that foreign-born drivers now comprise roughly 18-19% of the workforce, or approximately 630,000-720,000 individuals. This demographic shift is significant when viewed over time. According to Logistics Management, foreign-born drivers numbered just 316,000 in 2000. Despite that figure having doubled over the last two decades, the sector faces a structural driver shortage estimated at 80,000-100,000. To keep pace with demand, the industry is projected to require up to 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade, according to the same source.
The downstream effects could include increased costs as capacity tightens and pricing pressures rise. At the same time, trucking companies that remain unaffected by the proposed legislation may find themselves in a favorable position. With fewer competitors operating under the new constraints, demand for their services is likely to grow, giving them greater leverage to negotiate higher rates. This dynamic could ultimately shift bargaining power within the market, amplifying cost disparities across the supply chain.
If enacted, the proposed legislation could affect the supply of eligible commercial drivers in the U.S. truckload market, and changes to licensing eligibility and recertification requirements could result in some drivers being removed from the workforce. Ultimately, the scope of the impact from the proposed “Dalilah Law” would depend on several factors, including the final legislative language, implementation timelines, regulatory enforcement, and how our industry adapts over time.
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Michael Riser graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. He has built his career in sales, working across both the logistics and packaging industries. Throughout his career, he has focused on strategic business development, supply chain solutions, and expanding customer partnerships. In the spring of 2023, Michael joined the Allen Lund Company as a National Sales Manager, where he is based in the Boise, Idaho office.
michael.riser@allenlund.com
By Mark Campbell, ProduceIQ
A record-setting heat wave across the West has toppled long-standing March temperature highs from Yuma to Palm Springs, and now that heat is advancing east, according to the article published by the Blue Book.
Forecasts show much of the Southeast running 15–30 degrees above average the week ending March 23.
That surge in temperatures is fast-tracking the close of the Yuma season, raising the stakes for a smooth handoff to California production. If West Coast growers aren’t ready to take the baton, markets could face a brief but impactful supply gap just as production begins a seasonal decline.
Tomato markets are “channeling” the spirit of March Madness. After all varieties posted notable declines last week, prices for round, plum, and grape tomatoes are climbing once again.
Extremely light supply from Florida and Mexico, paired with the +17 percent duty on Mexican tomatoes, is fueling renewed volatility. With supply constrained and demand steady, instability is expected to persist through April.
The same heat driving production shifts in the West is also tightening supply in other categories. Asparagus prices jumped +22 percent week-over-week as heat-stressed supply struggles to keep pace with Easter demand. Week #12 prices are now well above average, ranking as the second-highest in the past decade. Relief remains limited: ongoing heat in the West and delayed shipments from Peru are expected to keep upward pressure on the market through the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, warmer temperatures are beginning to reshape demand patterns. Warmer weather is stirring demand for watermelon, pushing prices up +9 percent from the previous week. Week #12 pricing is now at the second-highest level in the past 10 years. With Florida production still weeks away, the market is leaning heavily on dwindling Mexican supply. Prices are likely to climb further over the next 3–5 weeks until domestic harvests arrive to meet seasonal demand.
Even tropical items are feeling the squeeze as supply struggles to keep pace with warm-weather demand. Pineapple prices continue to hold firm at elevated levels in week #12. Tight import supply, driven by adverse weather, is trailing just behind strong Easter demand. With supply expected to remain limited, prices are forecast to edge higher in the coming weeks.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Extreme heat continues to cause concern for the remaining acreage of row crop vegetables in the Arizona/California desert growing region, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Markon inspectors have observed the effects of the heat in fresh samples and shelf-life retains during recent product cuttings, particularly in value-added romaine items.
With the sustained heat and a limited supply remaining, the quality and shelf-life of commodity and value-added items from the desert region will be challenged until production moves back to the Salinas Valley.
Despite mitigation steps by growers, harvesters, and processing crews, it will not be possible to completely avoid the issues brought on by the extreme conditions. Ordering for quick turns is recommended, and, as always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain will be critical to maximizing quality and shelf-life.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The world is facing a persistent health crisis. Chronic non-communicable diseases – such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer – are the leading causes of death and disability globally.
“Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases” written by The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Chief Medical Officer, Jelena Gligorijevic, MD, is a critical, evidence-based framework for how to begin tackling these problems. The solution is simple and one almost all of us already know: fruits and vegetables.
“This review strengthens the clinical and public health case for produce by confirming that a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone strategy for both preventing and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases.” said Lauren M. Scott, President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It moves far beyond ‘eat your veggies because they’re good for you’ and provides a robust scientific rationale for why fruits and vegetables are an essential part of dietary approaches and healthful lives all over the world.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death. About one in three adult Americans has one or more types of cardiovascular diseases, and one in every three deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the European Union, prompting the E.U. to launch a new Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan. The plan underscores prevention, nutrition, and early intervention as critical levers for reducing non communicable diseases.
This medical review reinforces the evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption plays a vital role in preventing and managing major cardiovascular risk factors both in the U.S., the E.U. and globally.
In addition to examining the effects of fruits and vegetables on heart disease, the review systematically explains how nutrients in fruits and vegetables directly combat the root causes of other major chronic illnesses, such as:
• Vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals reduce the inflammation that underlie many chronic diseases.
• High potassium and low sodium help manage hypertension.
• Low energy density and high fiber promote satiety and combat obesity.
• Fiber and phytochemicals exert a protective effect against diabetes, cancer, and digestive disorders.
• Anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and essential nutrients enhance neurotransmitter function, lower inflammation, and foster a healthy gut, all of which may contribute to better mood regulation and stress resilience.
“The review is more than an academic summary; it is a call to action for the global medical, governmental, and public health communities,” said Gligorijevic. “Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is not just a lifestyle suggestion. It is an essential, powerful, and accessible strategy to improve quality of life and combat the global rise of chronic disease.”
Why it Matters for Global Health
The Foundation urges health professionals and public servants to familiarize themselves with this review. While the produce industry supplies the fruits and vegetables we need, clinicians, dietitians, policymakers, and government agencies must champion their consumption.
The findings are clear: fruits and vegetables provide the essential vitamins, minerals, bioactive phytochemicals, and fiber we need to prevent and treat major common diseases. By focusing on these benefits, the medical community can empower patients, people of all ages and policymakers to shape food environments and public education that move us beyond treatment to a sustainable model of prevention.
For more research and information on resources that support consumption of fruits and vegetables, visit www.fruitsandveggies.org.
About The Foundation for Fresh Produce
The Foundation for Fresh Produce is growing a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. We believe fruits and vegetables are the answer and we must remove barriers that prevent people from eating them.
The Foundation boosts the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, improves access, nurtures passionate fruit and vegetable professionals, and scales partner programs that strengthen our collective global impact. To join in changing the trajectory of human health, visit www.freshproduce.com/foundation to learn more and donate. For consumer inspiration and professional nutrition education, go to www.fruitsandveggies.org.
Elevated temperatures are forcing an end to the seasons in Texas and Florida. California volume is rising in Santa Maria and Oxnard; quality is excellent, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria/Oxnard, California
- Current weather is ideal for strawberries
- Volume continues to increase weekly
- Quality is excellent; good shape, color, and flavor are being reported
- Size ranges from medium plus to large (10-14 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to remain low
Salinas/Watsonville
- Warmer weather in these growing regions has increased yields
- Quality is excellent; defects are minimal
- Size ranges from 14 to 15 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Expect minimal numbers for another two weeks
- Markets are stable
Florida
- Temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s have ended the Florida season for most suppliers
- Fruit has been softened and bruised by heat
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.