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Sherman Oaks, CA (April 3, 2006) – Finding the keys to successful aging begins early in life.
Choosing the right foods to nourish the body inside and out can make a difference not only in how we
feel, but how we look. Citrus contains vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can
help the body and the mind as we age.
Cheryl Forberg, Registered Dietitian and author of Stop the Clock! Cooking: Defy Aging—Eat the Foods
You Love, considers fresh citrus a healthy aging gold mine, and notes that sweet navel oranges are
at peak season this time of year. “Citrus offers potassium, fiber, vitamin C and disease fighting
anti-oxidants that can help maintain healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Even the peel is good for you—packed with plant compounds called flavonoids that may help
protect against certain types of cancer.”
Another benefit of healthy eating is better brain function. A new case of dementia is diagnosed every
seven seconds.[1]
However, recent studies suggest that the B vitamin folate offers protection against age-related mental decline
[2]
[3]
[4]
. Among fruits, oranges are one of the best sources of folate, providing
15% of the Daily Value of this vital nutrient.
The right diet not only enhances internal health, but is reflected on the outside through healthy,
glowing skin. Citrus contains nutrients essential to skin health, as well as compounds that may
help protect the skin against damage that can cause signs of aging. In fact, scientists are
studying a compound in lemon oil they hope may be an effective aging retardant for the skin.
Successful Aging with Citrus
As we age the amount of calories needed for bodily functions decreases two to four percent per
decade after age 30. Since fewer calories are required, it’s important to maximize nutrient
intake with less food and citrus fits the bill—it’s low-calorie and nutrient-dense. “The foods
we eat can be our most empowering weapon in the healthy aging game,” says Forberg. “Fresh
fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and healthy fats provide nutrients
that protect our cells and boost the nutrient quality of our diets.”
Forberg offers the following healthy eating tips for people of all ages:
- Add fresh citrus to your favorite salsa recipe
- Place lemon slices in and around fresh trout or salmon, bake and enjoy a tangy, tasty main dish
- Add grapefruit and orange sections, crystallized ginger and pecans to spinach salad for a tongue-tingling sensation
- For a quick and delicious side dish, cook couscous in freshly squeezed orange juice and add orange sections before serving
- Stir 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice and 1 Tbsp orange zest to 1/2 cup “lite” whipping cream for a luscious topping to your favorite dessert (Serving size: 1 Tbsp).
Citrus fruits are included in the dietary programs of some of the world’s leading nutrition
organizations including USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Produce for Better Health
(PBH) Foundation’s 5 A Day Program, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and
the National Cancer Institute.
About Sunkist Growers
As one of the world's oldest and largest citrus marketing
cooperatives, Sunkist Growers is owned by more than 6,000 citrus growers in California and
Arizona, most of whom are small family farmers harvesting oranges, lemons and grapefruit.
For more citrus information, nutrition tips and healthy recipes, visit
www.sunkist.com.
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