The Polly Hale Newsletter Sept 1996: American Heart Association picks Florida Grapefruit
“Grown in Florida for the Health of the Nation”
This is the new theme of Florida citrus growers… to promote grapefruit as a weapon against heart disease. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice have been named “Heart Healthy” by the American Heart Association. It’s the first to be so named.
The American Heart Association is seen as the utmost authority on heart-health matters. “To get this endorsement is very exciting,” according to the chairman of the Indian River Citrus League.
Grapefruit if free of fat and cholesterol, and rich in dietary fiber, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. One medium grapefruit contains 10 grams of dietary fiber – more than double the fiber in a serving of any of the top 20 most popular fruits and vegetables, and more than double the fiber in a serving of oatmeal.
The Journal of the American Medical Association recently published a study showing that a diet high in fiber can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks. Grapefruit is also high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and a good source of folate and vitamin A.
“Florida grapefruit deserves the American Heart Association’s Heart Check mark because it’s an ally in the battle against heart disease,” said cardiologist and national American Heart Association spokesperson Dr. Mary Ann Molly. “The mark guides people to foods that are low in saturated sat and cholesterol, and can be valuable part of the heart – healthy diet.”
As part of its overall health and wellness program, the Department of Citrus will help educate people that there may be no better weapon than grapefruit in the battle to stay healthy. You will see this theme in magazines and television ads for Florida Grapefruit.
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