CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - January 9, 2008) - "Go red" or "wear red" have become universal
mantras for promoting heart-health during February, American Heart Month.
But health and nutrition experts say we should also be eating red to
protect our hearts. Americans are encouraged to discover the power of
eating heart-healthy red foods during the first-ever National Eat Red Week,
Feb. 4-10.
Why eat red? Science suggests the pigments that make up the red color in
many fruits and vegetables, like tart cherries and tomatoes, are powerful
disease-fighting antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation associated
with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and reduce certain risk
factors for heart disease.
A recent study from the University of Michigan(1) revealed that
cherry-enriched diets in animals lowered total blood cholesterol levels and
reduced triglycerides (fatty acids), major risk factors for heart disease.
With more than 80 million Americans living every day with some form of
heart disease, scientists are increasingly studying the heart health impact
of the foods we eat.
"We've always known fruits and vegetables were 'healthy,' but now we're
beginning to better understand precisely why," said Dr. Steven F. Bolling,
a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who
also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. "Researchers are
uncovering the unique potential for plant compounds, like those in
cherries, to affect multiple heart health factors. For cherries, we're
learning the benefits may come from effects on both cholesterol levels and
inflammation."
Dried cherries are certified by the American Heart Association. To help
raise funds in support of the American Heart Association's mission, for
every person who visits
www.choosecherries.com to learn more about the
heart-health benefits of cherries, a donation will be made in their name
(up to $5,000).
Cherries: One of Today's Hottest "Super Fruits"
Cherries are being hailed by nutrition leaders as one of today's hottest
"Super Fruits." According to Doctor of Public Health, registered dietitian
and author of the newest edition of "The SuperFoodsRx™" series, "The
SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients," Dr. Wendy
Bazilian, cherries have quite an untold story.
"Most people don't realize tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants, as
many as blueberries in fact, and are linked to many potential health
benefits including reducing risk factors for heart disease," said Dr.
Bazilian. "What's especially great about these cherries is that they're
available year-round as dried, frozen and juice. And, they're versatile
enough for just about every eating occasion from breakfast to snacks to
salads."
That's good news for those seeking foods with health promoting properties.
A recent survey revealed most respondents would prefer to eat or drink
foods with health promoting properties, with heart-health topping the list,
if they knew it could potentially limit the amount of medication they
needed to take(2).
Science suggests tart cherries may have potential health benefits including
reducing pain related to arthritis and gout. Cherries are also one of the
few food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant that may help improve
the body's natural sleep patterns and aid with jet lag. To learn more about
cherries visit
www.choosecherries.com to view The Cherry Nutrition Report,
the first compendium of peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of cherries.
You also can find new cherry recipes, menu ideas and more information on
where you can buy red tart cherry products.
The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is an organization funded by North
American tart cherry growers and processors. CMI's mission is to increase
the demand for tart cherries through promotion, market expansion, product
development and research. For more information on the science supporting
the unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu
ideas, visit
www.choosecherries.com.
(1) Seymour EM, Singer AAM, Bennink MR, Bolling SF. Cherry-enriched diets
reduce metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in lean Dahl-SS rats.
Experimental Biology 2007 225.8, Presented in minisymposium 225,
Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Chronic Disease Risk Reduction.
(2) Survey of 1,517 adults age 45 and older, conducted by Opinion Research
Corporation's Caravan Services, November 2007, on behalf of the Cherry
Marketing Institute.
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Sarah Kittel
312-988-2043