Rainier Fruit Company

Whole Body Health Benefits for Apples

Lower blood cholesterol, improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma

The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a "whole-body" health benefit.

A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Preliminary research from Finland indicates diets with the highest intake of apple phytonutrients were associated with a 46 percent reduction in the incidence of lung cancer. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the "bad" LDL cholesterol.

• Interpoma 2002 Conference, Bolzano, Italy
• Dianne Hyson, Ph.D., M.S., R.D., University of California-Davis

USA Apple Consumer Health Information
WAC Consumer Health Information

Pears a Healthy Choice

Fresh pears are a delicious, healthy choice whether you're calorie conscious, looking for a healthy menu addition or you just plain love a sweet juicy snack.

Pears are a Sweet, Low-cal Alternative
A medium sized pear (weighing about 166 grams) contains only 100 calories even though Levulose, the sweetest of known natural sugars, is found to a greater extent in fresh pears than any other fruit!

Fresh Pears Have No Sodium
A diet high in sodium is a risk factor for osteoporosis, can upset the body's fluid balance, and can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure). Children who are made aware of this early in life when nutritional habits are being formed will benefit in the long run.

Fresh Pears contain no Cholesterol
Pears are a cholesterol-free food. Cholesterol is a type of fat that can be harmful at high levels in the body.

Fresh Pears Have No Saturated Fat
Saturated fat contributes to obesity and cholesterol in the body, which in turn can contribute to coronary disease, and some forms of cancer.

Pears are a Natural Energy Source
Fresh pears are a natural, quick source of energy due largely to high amounts of two monosacharides (fructose and glucose) and carbohydrates.

Northwest Pear Bureau

Cherries: Sweet Message for Health

Written by: Roberta L. Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS, Food and Nutrition Consultant/President, Duyff Associates

Author of: American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide

Sweet cherries a wonderful short and sweet season makes these gems of nature a delicious summer snack. Nutritionally speaking, their benefits are well valued: good source of the antioxidant vitamin C and fiber; low in fat, including saturated fat; and sodium- and cholesterol-free. In any meal or snack, a serving of sweet cherries contributes good nutrition to any healthy eating score, with a modest amount of calories. Great for fitness-minded consumers!

Today's research is stepping beyond nutrients to uncover the phytonutrient story of sweet cherries--and how these bioactive nonnutritive plant substances contribute to health promotion and disease prevention.

In the bigger picture, fruits and vegetables contain thousands of phytonutrients with a myriad of properties. These properties might account, at least in part, for the many protective effects of fruit and vegetables, and the potential benefits of sweet cherries.

NW Cherries