Food & Farm News

» March 3, 2008 «

March is National Nutrition Month

What better way to march into spring than to kick off National Nutrition Month with a visit to one of California's more than 500 farmers markets? Started by the American Dietetic Association in 1973, the entire month of March is dedicated to teaching people how to make informed food choices and develop sound physical activity habits. Special events are happening at farmers markets across the state, including markets in Berkeley and Westwood.

Research that will have you seeing red

Moms have been dispensing the advice to eat your fruits and vegetables for generations - and it's probably no surprise that they were right all along. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of diseases including heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and type-2 diabetes. A report by the Tomato Products Wellness Council sheds light on just how good tomatoes are for your health. So eat your spaghetti, pizza and tomato-topped tacos in good health.

Enhancing crop nutrients

A researcher reports a gene from orange cauliflower may make food crops more nutritious. The newly discovered gene induces high levels of beta-carotene in food crops. Using this discovery could make a huge impact on vitamin A deficiency, which has been reported to affect 250 million children worldwide. The gene originated in an orange cauliflower plant found in a Canadian field 30 years ago, and recently has been studied by researchers.

Watermelon study shows promising health benefits

Watermelons have more nutrients than previously reported. Scientists have found watermelons not only contain large amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant, but also an amino acid that plays a role in wound healing, cell division and other positive results. Study volunteers drank differing amounts of watermelon juice and had improved levels of a substance researchers think might treat high blood pressure.