Archive For The “Health” Category
The index for fruits and vegetables posted the largest increase of any food 
group, rising 1% percent in April after a series of declines, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistcs. Despite the April increase, the report said the fruits and vegetables food group is the only one to decline over the past 12 months, falling 1.7% compared with this time last year.
Lower energy costs in April helped hold the Consumer Price Index steady despite a pne percent hike in price index for fruits and vegetables.
The agency said the 1.7% decline in energy costs offset increases in food, which saw five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increase. Cereal and bakery products rose 0.4%, while the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 0.1%. The index for dairy fell 1% in April, the third straight decline.
Average price data reported by the bureau showed retail tomato prices in April were $1.39 per pound, down from $1.45 per pound in March and sharply off from $2.27 per pound in April 2011.
The average price for red delicious apples in April was $1.26 per pound, down from $1.28 per pound in March and lower than the $1.35 per pound average a year ago. Navel oranges averaged 91 cents per pound, up from 85 cents in March but down from 93 cents a year ago.
Banana prices were also lower than a year ago, with the April price of 60 cents per pound off from 62 cents a year ago.
The report said the food-at- home price index has risen 3.3% in the past year, compared with a 2.9% increase for food-away-from home.
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By Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
YAKIMA, WA — Everyone loves a fresh batch of sweet cherries, but these delicious treats are not just for tasty pies — research have
 received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries:1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003).3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005).4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39).5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003).6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003).
7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . shows they also pack a major punch when it comes to improving health and helping fend off a number of serious diseases. Soon this year’s fresh sweet cherry crop will be available throughout the country, as reported by the Northwest Cherry Growers, and consumers can look forward to plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this superfruit, and even preserve them for year-round use. Sweet cherries — including the golden-blushed Rainier and iconic Bing varieties, among others — are known for their high fiber and low calorie count. Over the past few years, they have received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries: 1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005). 2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003). 3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005). 4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39). 5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003). 6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003). 7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . |
I bought this pair of melons grown in Guatemala at a local U.S. supermarket for 
$1.98 a piece. They were good, but not great. I placed a little salt on each to compensate for the lack of sweetness. The Guatemalan cantaloupe has gotten better as the season has progressed, not unusal for a lot of fruit, not matter where it is grown.
Now get this. In Japan, the Yubari King melon is what Kobe is to beef. Yubari is a Japanese city famous for cantaloupe that is a cross between two varieties. A Japanese auction has gotten as much $26,000 for a pair of these melons! However, the “regular” Yubari melons more typically garner “only” $50 to $100 a pair!
Think I’ll stick with my Guatemalan melons, even if I do have to add a little salt.
There’s some really sweet, tasty late season grapes from Chile in your produce department now. Enjoy them while they last, because 
the season for these imports are just about over…..Never fear though, grapes from Mexico should start arriving in your supermarkets within the next couple of weeks. There also will be the first domestic grapes arriving, from the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, CA. Many retailers I’ve spoken with actually prefer the Mexican grapes over the Coachella grapes. Keep in mind that a lot of the Mexican grapes are actually owned, or financially backed by grape growers from the U.S. — especially from California.
I’ve been a little disappointed overall with California strawberries thus far. Some have been better than others, but overall, the quality could be better…..Of course, I have to qualify this since I shop at a small town Wal-Mart, with absolutely not competition. Wal-Mart’s produce departments have really went down hill in the past several years.
You should be finding those wonderful sweet onions in your stores by now — especially those from Vidalia, GA. Of course, Texas grows some pretty good sweet onions as well.
One reason I love spring so much is because possibly my favorite vegetable of all (just barely ahead of asparagus), the artichoke, is entering peak volume from Castroville, CA, which I think grows the best “chokes” anywhere. Volume is increasing and hopefully your favorite retail store will be having specials on artichokes no later than early May.
I love ’em any way they are prepared, but since I’m a pretty simple guy, and a lousy cook, I simply cut off the stem, place in it a bowl with perhaps a tablespoon of water, cover it with saran wrap, stick it the microwave and cook it for several minutes (depending on the size). Then I melt some butter to dip the leaves in, before scrapping the flesh off the leaves with my teeth. yum, yum.
There’s also countless other great ways to prepare “chokes.” Just go online and google in artichokes, or Ocean Mist Artichokes, which is the biggest grower of the product, located in Castroville.
Enjoy.
When it comes to apples in your local supermarket, the best buys should be with red delicious and granny smiths, since more of each variety remain in storages than a year ago…..You may see higher prices on golden delicious and fuji apples since fewer of those are available to complete the current season, which will be ending around July and August.
Delicious and crunchy apples are one of the most popular fruits favored by health conscious, fitness freaks who believe in “health is wealth.” This wonderful fruit packed with rich phyto-nutrients that in the true sense are indispensable for optimal health. The antioxidants in apples have many health promoting and disease prevention properties; thus justifying the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Apples are low in calories; 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories.
Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-Cand beta-carotene.Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant.
Eating more blueberries, apples and pears may be linked to lower risk of 
diabetes, according to a new U.S. study.
These fruits are loaded with flavonoids, a natural compound present in certain fruits, vegetables and grains, which some research has tentatively tied to heath benefits such as a lower risk of heart disease or cancer.
“People who ate a higher amount of “blues” or apples, they tended to have a low risk of type 2 diabetes,” said An Pan, a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health who worked on the study.
The findings show an association, he added, but don’t prove the fruits, themselves, prevent diabetes.
When the price of gasoline, diesel fuel and other energy products go up, it 
affects everything else in our economy. Fuel prices are killing consumers — and truckers. It is devastating to those involved in transportation because it costs more to deliver products, including produce from shipping points to warehouses, and warehouses to your supermarket.
Consumers also get a double whammy on buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only does it cost farmers more in fertilizers, pesticides, etc., but everyone is passing their costs on to cover their increased costs. Produce prices also are affected more by weather conditions than many products.
Just about everything in your local produce department is costing more. Just two examples are potatoes and blueberries, but for different reasons.
Why is there a good chance potatoes in your local produce department will be costing more? Primarily due to poor eating habits. The demand is up for potatoes from the folks that process them for french fries in the U.S. and for dehydrated potatoes being exported to other countries. Thus, the processors are buying up potatoes that would normally be destined for the fresh market. With reduced amounts of fresh potatoes in your favorite supermarket, expect prices to rise and be higher than they normally would be until the new crop of potatoes begin appearing around August.
However, do not despair. One thing you can count on with potatoes is the irresistable urge of potato farmers to over produce. Potatoes are known for bringing financial “feasts” or “famine” to the growers. They’ll make a bundle one year when the crop is in short supply (and retail prices are high), then the next year the farmers and other investors will pump money into acreage increases. Unless Mother Nature takes care of things through inclement weather, disease etc., there will be too many potatoes on the market, which is good for consumers because of the lower prices.
Now for blueberries. Highly perishable, unlike potatoes, these berries are much more susceptable to freeze damage and other “acts of God” activities. Freezes several weeks ago ranging from Florida to Georgia and North Carolina are expected to reduce blueberry production from those areas, which means higher prices for “blues” at retail.
Late season blueberries from Chile are having quality problems as the season ends in early April. Florida “blues” are now available, but lighter supplies mean higher supermarket prices. To help cover the shortage, you’ll be seeing 4.4 ounce containers of bluesberries offered in stores, instead of 6 ounce containers when supplies are more readily available.
With four percent more apples remaining in U.S. storages nationally, the fruit should remain a good retail buy well into the summer months. Washington state provides more apples than all other states combined, so naturally your choices will be more plentiful from the Northwest, especially if you live in the Western half of the country. No surprise, the most common varieties of apples will be in greatest supply in your supermarket: red delicious, gala and granny smith. There should also be decent supplies of fuji and golden delilcious apples.
It’s almost time for domestic sweet onions. Texas will be providing the first sweet onions in many retail stores, with arrivals by late March. Expect sweet onions from Vidalia, GA to be availble in limited qualities in some stores by Easter (April 8), with plentiful supplies by mid-April.
Chilean red seedless grapes are reasonably priced now, and have a great sweet taste. Berry size has improved from a few weeks ago.
Here are some excerpts from an article written by the editors of Runner’s World, titled, Battle of the Super Foods. Following are some comparisions of the most nutritional among nutritional fruits and vegetables.
STRAWBERRIES vs. BLUEBERRIES The winner: Blueberries
Both are health all-stars, but a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that blueberries (particularly wild ones) showed the most antioxidant activity of all the fruits tested. “These antioxidants help keep your immune system strong and reduce muscle-tissue damage from exercise.” ,” says Mitzi Dulan, R.D., co-author of The All-Pro Diet.
SPINACH vs. KALE The winner: Kale
Kale’s nutritional might would win over even Popeye. Gram for gram, kale contains four times more vitamin C, and one and a half times the amount of immune boosting vitamin A and vitamin K. “Vitamin K ensures that blood clots properly,” says says sports dietitian Suzanne Girard Eberle, R.D., author of Endurance Sports Nutrition., “but it’s also needed to make a bone protein essential for strong, healthy bones.” Kale contains three times more lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants deposited in the retina that work together to protect eye health.
Orange beats apple. They have similar amounts of calories and fiber, but oranges have 12 times as much vitamin C.
Red pepper beats green pepper. It boasts eight times the vitamin A, which keeps your immune system strong.