Posts Tagged “feature”
Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables and other foods are believed to help to slow memory decline. The findings are reported in a recent study of the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People who eat or drink more foods with antioxidant flavonols, which are found in several fruits and vegetables as well as tea and wine, may have a slower rate of memory decline.
Flavonols are a type of flavonoid, a group of phytochemicals found in plant pigments known for its beneficial effects on health, according to a news release.
“It’s exciting that our study shows making specific diet choices may lead to a slower rate of cognitive decline,” study author Thomas Holland of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago said in the release. “Something as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more tea is an easy way for people to take an active role in maintaining their brain health.”
The study involved 961 people with an average age of 81 without dementia, according to the release. Participants in the study were followed for an average of seven years. Besides filling out questionnaires about their food intake, the participants in the study also completed annual cognitive and memory tests including recalling lists of words, remembering numbers and putting them in the correct order.
The study also asked about levels of education, how much time participants spent doing physical activities and how much time they spent doing mentally engaging activities such as reading and playing games, according to the release.
The people were divided into five equal groups based on the amount of flavonols they had in their diet. While the average amount of flavonol intake in U.S. adults is about 16-20 milligrams (mg) per day, the study population had an average dietary intake of total flavonols of approximately 10 mg per day. The lowest group had an intake of about 5 mg per day, and the highest group consumed an average of 15 mg per day, which is equivalent to about 1 cup of dark leafy greens.
To determine rates of cognitive decline, researchers used an overall global cognition score summarizing 19 cognitive tests. The average score ranged from 0.5 for people with no thinking problems to 0.2 for people with mild cognitive impairment to -0.5 for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
After adjusting for other factors that could affect the rate of memory decline, such as age, sex and smoking, researchers found that the cognitive score of people who had the highest intake of flavonols declined at a rate of 0.4 units per decade more slowly than people whose had the lowest intake. This is probably due to the inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonols, Holland said in the release.
The study also broke the flavonol class down into the four constituents: kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and isorhamnetin. The top food contributors for each category were: kale, beans, tea, spinach and broccoli for kaempferol; tomatoes, kale, apples and tea for quercetin; tea, wine, kale, oranges and tomatoes for myricetin; and pears, olive oil, wine and tomato sauce for isorhamnetin.
People who had the highest intake of kaempferol had a 0.4 units per decade slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those in the lowest group, the study found. Those with the highest intake of quercetin had a 0.2 units per decade slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those in the lowest group. And people with the highest intake of myricetin had a 0.3 units per decade slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those in the lowest group. Dietary isorhamnetin was not tied to global cognition.
The study shows an association between higher amounts of dietary flavonols and slower cognitive decline but does not prove that flavonols directly cause a slower rate of cognitive decline.
Other limitations of the study are that the food frequency questionnaire, although valid, was self-reported, so people may not accurately remember what they eat.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, and USDA Agricultural Research Service.
The Maine Potato Exchange based in Presque Isle reports gauging this year’s potato crop was difficult because the early acreage numbers reported last spring by the USDA appear to be inaccurate.
USDA estimated 60,000 acres of spuds compared of to 53,000 the previous year.
When the crop was harvested and put in storage, the final acre figure was again around the 53,000 acre level.
Maine farmers seem to be having a pretty good yearl in part because . potatoes are a rotation crop being grown on the same land one year out of every three. During the other two years, growers plant such crops as broccoli, barley, alfalfa and clover to help the soil.
Florida strawberry shipments are expected to be greater than a year ago as increased acreage now is approaching 12,000 acres. Loadings are increasing with the biggest months for shipments coming with the New Year.
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL reports in the calendar year 2021, Florida shipped 17% of its annual volume in December, 13% in January, 35% in February, 32% in March and 2% in April.
Florida’s strawberry production in 2022-23 has increased to close to 12,000 acres. In 2021, Florida’s office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated harvested acres at 10,400, with a reported crop value of nearly $400 million.
Wish Farms of Plant City, FL last season had around 2,100 acres of red strawberries, both conventional and organic, as well as Pink-A-Boo Pineberries. The company sees a 10% increase, with that number going to around 2,300 acres.
Wish Farms report a good, consistent crop with shipments ramping up in January through February and into March.
While Florida strawberries are very popular within the state, distribution also is heavy throughout the U.S. southeast. The grower/shipper also ships significant volume to the mid-Atlantic, Midwest and as far north as Ontario, Canada.
GEM-Pack reports its has doubled its production of pineberries for the new season. The company started shipping in December and continues until April.
Pineberries are a hybrid cross and are smaller than a common strawberry, measuring between 15 to 23 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in). When ripe, it is almost completely white, but with red seeds.
The company’s berry loadings will be heaviest from now until Valentine’s Day.
Cornell University researchers found that pistachios contain antioxidants on the same level as blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and beets. The surprising amount of this substance found in this particular fruit is among the highest, a press release by American Pistachio Growers said.
The team analyzed pistachios using two different methods to measure the antioxidant potential of pistachios: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and Cellular Antioxidant Activity (CAA).
While these tests don’t prove a specific health outcome, they suggest a high level of antioxidant compounds within pistachios. The fruit is also high in copper and manganese and a source of selenium, zinc, riboflavin and Vitamin E.
All these nutrients contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This is particularly interesting as research suggests that a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods may even help to reduce the risk of premature death.
Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals, or oxidants. Free radicals attack healthy body cells and this damage is thought to contribute to inflammation and aging in addition to chronic health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
“We believe the high antioxidant activity of pistachios may be due to the unique compounds in pistachios including vitamin E, carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids. The combination or interaction of these beneficial antioxidants, bioactive compounds, along with other nutrients, is likely what contributes to the many health benefits we have seen in pistachio studies from recent years,” said Dr. Rui Hai Liu, Professor of Food Science at Cornell University.
The study also found that pistachio phytochemical extracts showed potent antiproliferative activities against human breast, liver and colon cancer cells in vitro with exceptionally high activity seen against the human breast cancer cells.
The extracts were shown to inhibit cancer growth in all three cancer cells without causing cytotoxicity to the cells. The researchers report that this area of study is worthy of future research to determine how pistachio extracts are blocking the growth of cancer cells as seen in this new study.
Pistachios used in the Cornell study were grown in California, which have a different nutritional profile than those grown in other countries.
Pistachios grown in the U.S. are also a plant-based source of complete protein and can be part of a balanced and varied diet and healthy lifestyle.
Imported Chilean cherries are expected to make another dramatic increase this season, while fewer blueberries and grapes are predicted.
Chile has become the leading supplier of cherries in the southern hemisphere, delivering 96 percent of the world’s counter season supply. Last season’s exports exceeded 356,000 tons, reflecting a growth of 98 percent in three years when compared to the 179,927 tons exported in 2018-2019. It is projected that this season will incur another 25 percent increase.
According to figures from the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (Odepa), cherry exports to the U.S. totaled 4,638 tons in 2020 and rose to 7,615 tons in 2021. So far in 2022, the figure has already reached 9,328 tons.
During the 2021-2022 season, cherry exports to the U.S. grew by 94 percent, according to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. The organization
expect exports to the U.S. to double again this 2022-2023 season.
In the case of table grapes, the main market is North America, receiving 320,000 tons during the 2021-2022 season, equivalent to 53 percent of total world grape exports.
According to estimates by the Table Grape Committee, this year’s harvest will be 7.7 percent lower than last season.
The projections of the Chilean Blueberry Committee-ASOEX estimate a volume of 98,228 tons of fresh Chilean blueberries for the 2022-2023 season. Shipments to the US market have already started and will continue until February. If the committee’s estimate is reached, it will mean a drop of 8 percent for the 2021-2022 season.
Peru will continue to be the world’s main exporter of blueberries in 2022 for the fourth year in a row, as reported by Andina, based on projections by the Association of Peruvian Exporters (Adex).
In 2021, Peruvian blueberry exports reached $1.221 billion, reflecting a 172 percent increase of the previous year.
Expectations for the current year are based on good performance in the season thus far and the distance created from the second largest blueberry exporter (Spain), whose share is half of what Peru has recorded.
Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company has supported the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio, an organization dedicated to helping the underserved communities of Los Angeles. Started by former NFL player, Danny Villanueva, and students from UCLA, their mission was to provide a robust Christmas dinner to families in Southern California. The past couple of years have proven to be quite challenging for most, but with great efforts, Navidad en el Barrio has been able to succeed with amazing donors.
“Every year, we look forward to working with Navidad en el Barrio to collect, organize, and distribute groceries for families to make a healthy Christmas dinner. We also rely on our network of truck drivers to move the donations,” said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing at ALC, “This year we had help from Jose Roberto Gonzalez of JRG Trucking, who donated his time and truck, Nicolas of County Line Transport Corp., and Taffy of Dreamland Trucking. A&E Arias Transport assists with many loads each year.”
ALC employees volunteered to secure dry goods, produce, and perishables as well as, assist with the transportation of the goods to California for distribution via Navidad en el Barrio.
“More than ever, there is a need for good food for families in need all around Southern California. Once again, Navidad en el Barrio stepped up to provide bags of groceries to more than 15,000 families. Allen Lund Company and ALC Logistics played a crucial role in securing and delivering fresh produce and other grocery items to this program. In addition, we worked directly with Catholic Charities and St. Vincent De Paul to be onsite with the families to facilitate a better Christmas. We are blessed to share our blessings,” stated Executive Vice President, Kenny Lund.
The Allen Lund Company appreciates our Navidad donors immensely and we thank you for your generosity in helping a great cause.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, may each of you have a Merry Christmas. Hopefully you will be able to spend time with those you love most.
Pray for peace, good health and joy.
In the third estimate of the season, Chile’s ASOEX’s Table Grape Committee has further reduced the export forecast.
The Committee now expects volumes to reach 66.9 million boxes, which is 10% lower than last season and 2.5% lower than the second estimate.
“The decrease is due to a varietal reconversion that the industry has been doing for some time and that is today beginning to see its fruits, since more than 50% of exports will be of new varieties,” said Ivan Marambio, president of ASOEX.
The executive added that it has been more than a decade since “the sector began with this effort, and this season will mark a milestone in terms of volumes in exports of our grapes”.
For the upcoming season, Chile will send 36.3 million boxes of new varieties and 19.5 million boxes of traditional varieties. In addition, 11.2 million boxes of Red Globe will also be shipped. This particular variety is increasingly losing ground in exports, dropping 25% this season compared to last year.
Among the new varieties, red varieties lead shipments with 17.6 million boxes, where Timco, Allison and Sweet Celebration stand out. White varieties follow with 14.1 million boxes, especially ARRA 15, Timpson and Sweet Globe.
Finally, the new black varieties with 4.5 million boxes, are led by Sweet Favours, Sable Seedless and Sweet Sapphire.
Regarding destinations, Ignacio Caballero, Coordinator of the Committee, said that “the U.S. will continue to be our main market. We are estimating that close to 40 million boxes will be destined for this market, 15 million will be delivered to Asia, while 9 million will go to Europe, followed by 6 million to other destinations such as Latin America and the Middle East.”
Caballero also indicated that “estimates fluctuate based on external variables that affect the volume, availability, dates and destinations of our grapes, such as weather conditions, freight, availability of workers and other global logistical variables external to the sector. According to the Committee’s plan, we will deliver a fourth estimate at the end of December”.