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|  Monday, January 23, 2006 AGE-RELATED MEMORY IMPROVEMENT LINKED WITH CONSUMPTION OF APPLE PRODUCTS LOWELL, MASS. (January 19, 2006) - "An apple a day" now has new meaning for those who want to maintain mental dexterity as they age. New research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell suggests that consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, even in test animals that were not prone to developing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. "This new study suggests that eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress - and that we should eat such antioxidant-rich foods," notes lead researcher Thomas B. Shea, Ph.D ., director of the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, whose study was just published in the latest issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Although more research is needed, Shea is excited about these brain health findings, which are encouraging for all individuals who are interested in staying mentally sharp as they age. Using a well-established animal protocol, Shea and his research colleagues assessed whether consumption of apple juice was protective against oxidative brain damage in aging mice, damage that can lead to memory loss. "These newer findings show that there is something in apples and apple juice that protects brain cells in normal aging, much like the protection we previously saw against Alzheimer-like symptoms," says Shea. The researchers evaluated adult and aged mice using a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet, and a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple juice concentrate in drinking water. Although the adult mice tested were not affected negatively by the deficient diets, the aged mice were, which is consistent with normal aging due to oxidative neurodegeneration. The effect on cognition among the aged mice was measured through well-established maze tests, followed by an examination of brain tissue. However, the aged mice who consumed the diets supplemented with apple juice performed significantly better on the maze tests and all had less oxidative brain damage than those on the standard diet. Supplementation by apple juice fully protected the aged mice from the oxidative stress caused by the nutrient-deficient diet. In addition, stronger mental acuity resulted when the aged mice consumed the human equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or approximately 2-4 apples per day. "We believe that this effect is due to the apple's naturally high level of antioxidants," states Shea. Previous research with his colleagues also determined that it is not the sugar and energy content of the apple juice, but the antioxidant attributes of apple juice that are responsible for the positive effects. This study was sponsored through an unrestricted grant by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council. The research abstract can be found at http://www.j-alz.com/issues/8/vol8-3.html. 7:54 AM 113803197936933312 Thursday, January 12, 2006  New England Fresh-cut Apple Slices A New Opportunity for New England's Apple Growers New England's state departments of agriculture will soon be concluding a market research activity directed at tapping into the fast-growing "fresh-cut" fruit market. The primary goal of the activity has been to increase consumption of New England apples. Fresh-cut apple slices are not seen as a replacement for whole apples, but as an opportunity to gain greater access to the growing convenience or snack-food market (including candy, chips, sugar-laden pastries and other items). During the past 20 years, obesity among adults has risen significantly in the United States. The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older-over 60 million people-are obese. This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6-19 years, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. New England's produce industry can help to reverse this trend by making its products more accessible to "on the go" consumers! Here are some related facts & figures: ? For over a decade, U.S. fresh apple consumption has been on the decline. In 1990, per capita consumption was 19.58 pounds; in 2002, consumption had dropped to 15.6 pounds. ? Convenience has become a critical factor in food sales. Nearly 50 percent of the U.S. food dollar is now spent on foodservice sales (restaurants, schools, etc.). ? Within the next ten years, convenience foods are expected to account for 50 percent of supermarket sales. ? Fresh-cut produce is the fastest growing segment of the produce industry. Nationwide, fresh-cut fruit sales are $300 million, and they're expected to grow to over $1 billion in the next three to four years. ? Last year, MacDonald's introduced its Apple Dippers product, which used 1 percent of the entire U.S. apple crop. ? To ensure New England state apple growers access to this important market sector, the New England state departments of agriculture obtained a USDA grant to conduct a business analysis and explore marketing opportunities for fresh-cut apple slices in our region. ? School foodservice managers are excited about the fresh-cut apple slices. There's no waste to deal with. Kids enjoy eating the slices. Kids in the 5- to 8-year old range (those losing their "baby teeth") can comfortably eat the slices. ? Apples are less likely to promote tooth decay than many other snacks (candy, chips, etc.). The Harvest New England Association would like to thank the New England Apple Association and J.P. Sullivan & Company for their support of the fresh-cut apple slices project. Opportunities may be available for other New England produce, including: Carrots Blueberries Cranberries Cherry tomatoes For more information on the Harvest New England program go to: www.harvestnewengland.org 8:34 AM 113708424114476283 |
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