Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American’s are
living longer, however, the goal of many is not to simply live
longer, the goal it is to live a longer and healthier life.
Simple everyday fruit can help.

Recent studies have indicated that the antioxidants in fruit
provide a whole host of health benefits: the anti-aging power of
blueberries and the joint pain relieving properties found in
cherries to name a few. 

The multitudes of health components found in fruit are truly a
gift from Mother Nature. Here are a few everyday fruits for
healthy living in 2005: 

Cherries – The Supercharged Fruit:

Are cherries truly fruit for a healthy you? Recent studies have
revealed that cherries offer an assortment of health benefits
including the ability to offer natural relief from joint pain
caused from gout, arthritis and joint inflammation. 

The wonder of the cherry is the anthocyanins. According to
research from Michigan State University tart cherries contain
anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which inhibit the enzymes
Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, and prevent inflammation in the body.
These compounds have similar activity as aspirin, naproxen and
ibuprofen. 

Further investigations revealed that daily consumption of
cherries has the potential to reduce the pain associated with
joint inflammation. Many are choosing to drink cherry juice, eat
cherries or consume tart cherry pills for relief of gout,
arthritis and joint pain.

Linda L. Patterson is a living testimony of the soothing affects
of cherries on her joint pain. “I enjoy crocheting and lately my
hands have been so painful, I couldn’t crochet for more than
about 30 minutes.”, says Patterson. In an attempt to find relief
from her pain, she located Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules,
(www.fruitadvantage.com) a supplement made from red tart
cherries. “Within the first week of taking the tart cherry
capsules my hands felt so much better.”, says Ms. Patterson. “I
am now able to crochet without the pain in my hands.”

Blueberries – Nature’s Top Antioxidant Fruit: 

Blueberries emerged as the top antioxidant capacity fruit in a
laboratory testing procedure called ORAC - Oxygen Radical
Absorbance Capacity developed by the USDA*. ORAC has become the
definitive measurement of antioxidant capacity. James Joseph,
Ph.D, Chief of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
in Boston, is working with blueberries to examine their
potential to help improve motor skills and reverse the
short-term memory loss that comes with aging. "The blueberry has
emerged as a very powerful food in the aging battle," said
Joseph. "Given the possibility that blueberries may reverse
short-term memory loss and forestall other effects of aging,
their potential may be very great."

Terry Johnson, a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, munchies on
dried blueberries for the convenience and taste. “I work behind
a computer for eight hours a day and I like to snack. I began
eating dried blueberries instead of a candy bar from the vending
machine. Now I feel good when I snack because I am eating fruit
instead of candy.”

Strawberries:

Studies have shown that strawberries can help promote a healthy
digestive system and help lower blood cholesterol. A handful of
strawberries can go a long way to a helping you maintain a
healthy lifestyle.

According to Jennifer LaPointe, Director of Marketing for
Traverse Bay Farms, www.traversebayfarms.com “many of our
customers are looking to eat healthier and our gourmet fruit
product fit this trend. It’s certainly better than fast food.” 

Traverse Bay Farms sells Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules,
cherry juice concentrate and a variety of dried fruit products
including: cherries, blueberries, red raspberries, strawberries.
The company may be contact for additional information or
interviews at 1-877-746-7477 or www.traversebayfarms.com 

About the author:
None

Andrew LaPointe