Month: July 2021

2021-07-20T08:43:00

(BPT) – Most Americans know firsthand how delicious beef can taste in salads, appetizers, and entrees. But many are less aware of how a diet rich in the savory red meat promotes strength and overall good health.

That fact is well-understood by our country’s elite athletes, who continually fine-tune their diets to maximize their performance in international competition. As our top athletes prepare to compete for gold this summer, a registered dietitian has tips for how you can eat like a champion at home.

“Simply put, beef is a protein powerhouse, especially when compared to some of the most popular plant-based protein options,” notes Dr. Shalene McNeill, Registered Dietitian and Executive Director of Nutrition Science, Health & Wellness at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “You’d need to eat three cups of quinoa or 6.5 tablespoons of peanut butter to get the same amount of protein as three ounces of cooked beef — and that would mean consuming more than three times as many calories.”

Though multiple myths exist about beef production and consumption, the truth is that incorporating the protein-packed taste treat into your diet can benefit your health while supporting an industry that’s sound, sustainable into the future and of key importance to a wide segment of the world population.

In that spirit, here are six other facts about beef that may surprise you.

1. A unique mix of nutrients. By providing high-quality protein and multiple other essential nutrients (iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6), beef wards off deficiencies in those elements. No other protein source offers that unique and important mix of benefits.

Sources:

• US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy. Version Current: April 2018. Internet: /nea/bhnrc/nd
• Zanovec M, O’Neil CE, Keast DR, Fulgoni VL 3rd, Nicklas TA. Lean beef contributes significant amounts of key nutrients to the diets of US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Nutr Res. 2010 Jun;30(6):375-8

2. Big bang for the buck

Beef is an excellent food choice for those watching their weight, as 3 ounces pack approximately 25 grams of mind- and body-building protein into just about 170 calories. Overall, beef contributes only 5% of the calories found in the diet of the typical American. And it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes (as well as snacks).

Sources:

• US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy. Version Current: April 2018. Internet: /nea/bhnrc/nd
• Zanovec M, O’Neil CE, Keast DR, Fulgoni VL 3rd, Nicklas TA. Lean beef contributes significant amounts of key nutrients to the diets of US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Nutr Res. 2010 Jun;30(6):375-8
• Michaelsen KF & Greer FR. Protein needs early in life and long-term health. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99:718S–22
• Benton D. The influence of dietary status on the cognitive performance of children. Mol Nutr Food Res 2010;54:457–7
• Bonci LJ. Eating for performance: bringing science to the training table. Clin Sports Med 2011;30:661-7
• American College of Sports Medicine, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada. Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2016;48:543-68

3. Beneficial for all ages

In young children, beef provides the protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins that help build growing bodies and brains. For those over age 50, the protein in beef helps prevent the loss of muscle mass that can lead to frailty and/or falls as people age.

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. 7th ed. Elk Grove, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 201
• Tang M, Krebs NF. High protein intake from meat as complementary food increases growth but not adiposity in breastfed infants: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr2014;100:1322-
• Nyaradi A, et al. The role of nutrition in children’s neurocognitive development, from pregnancy through childhood. Front Hum Neurosci 2013;7:9
• Krebs NF, et al. Effects of different complementary feeding regimens on iron status and enteric microbiota in breastfed infants. J Pediatr 2013;163:416-2
• Wolfe, R. The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84:475-82
• Layman DK, et al. Dietary protein and exercise have additive effects on body composition during weight loss in adult women. J Nutr 2005;135:1903-10
• Symons TB, et al. Aging does not impair the anabolic response to a protein-rich meal. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:451-6

4. Lean cuts are good for your heart. Lean beef helps support cardiovascular health; happily, nearly 40 cuts of beef (including the ultra-popular sirloin) are classified as lean by the USDA.

Sources:

• Roussell MA, et al. Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet study: effects on lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan;95(1):9-16
• Roussell MA, et al. Effects of a DASH-like diet containing lean beef on vascular health. J Hum Hypertens. 2014 Oct;28(10):600-
• Sayer RD, et al. Equivalent reductions in body weight during the Beef WISE Study: Beef’s Role in Weight Improvement, Satisfaction, and Energy. Obes Sci Pract 2017;3:298–31
• O’Connor LE, et al. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern with lean unprocessed red meat has cardiometabolic benefits for adults who are overweight/obese in a randomized crossover controlled feeding trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jul 1;108(1):33-4
• US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy. Version Current: April 2018. Internet: /nea/bhnrc/nd

5. Plant protein is not the same. Real beef contains an optimal mix of the amino acids needed to build and repair muscle; the body can’t produce amino acids on its own, and plant proteins provide a lesser variety. Real beef is also rich in the iron that helps prevent fatigue, and that iron is more easily absorbed from meat sources than from plant sources. Iron deficiency is already a global public health concern among women and adolescent girls.

Sources:

• US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy. Version Current: April 2018. Available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata (NDB#13364 for beef, 20137 for quinoa, 16167 for smooth peanut butter)
• Sayer RD, et al. Equivalent reductions in body weight during the Beef WISE Study: beef’s role in weight improvement, satisfaction and energy. Obes Sci Pract 2017;3:298-31
• Winter WE, et al. The molecular biology of human iron metabolism. Lab Med 2014;45:92-10
• Clark SF. Iron deficiency anemia. Nutr Clin Pract 2008;23:128-4
• Cook JD. Adaptation in iron metabolism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1990;51(2):301-30
• Le CHH (2016) The Prevalence of Anemia and Moderate-Severe Anemia in the US Population (NHANES 2003-2012). PLoS ONE 11(11): e0166635

6. Beef cattle are raised sustainably. Contrary to popular belief, they’re a sustainable part of the food chain, playing the key role of converting inedible plants and solar energy into high-quality protein that’s helping to feed our growing global population. Not only do grain-finished beef operations in the U.S. generate 19% more protein for the human food supply than they consume, but they produce only 2% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sustain a carbon footprint that’s 10 to 50 times lower than other world regions.

Sources:

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/1901
• Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). 1999. Animal Agriculture and Global Food Supply. Task force report N. 135 July 1999, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA. Available at: https://www.cast-science.org/wp-content/uploads/1999/07/CASTR135Animal-Agriculture-and-Global-Food-Supply.pdf
• EPA. 2018. Inventory of U. S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2016. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D. C
• U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. FAOSTAT Database – Food and agricultural data. Available at: http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#home (accessed August 17, 2017)

Follow the lead of our nation’s champions and support your strength and energy by building the power punch of beef into your daily diet. Your body and your taste buds will thank you.

Find more research about the benefits of enjoying beef at www.beefboard.org or www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

2021-07-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – According to the American Cancer Society, half of all ovarian cancers are found in women who are 63 years old or older. However, low grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), which represents approximately 10% of all ovarian cancer types, tends to be diagnosed at a younger age. While this kind of cancer is associated with slow tumor growth, it is also resistant to chemotherapy (the resistance is primarily in the recurrent setting). Previous studies have found that approximately 85% of patients with LGSOC experience recurrent disease, after remission.

Treatments for LGSOC

The initial treatment for LGSOC consists of surgery to remove visible signs of cancer, followed by chemotherapy. Potential treatments for the recurrence of the disease after initial treatment also include hormone inhibitors and MEK inhibitors.

However, effectively treating LGSOC remains challenging for doctors and their patients. A 2020 paper published in Gynecologic Oncology reported that the current treatments are associated with:

• Low response rates
• Less than optimal efficacy
• High toxicity, making it difficult for patients to stay on the therapy

In an effort to improve the treatment of LGSOC, targeted therapies are being studied that may have the potential to stop or slow tumor growth, along with less toxicity than previous treatments. One of them, a new investigational therapy called VS-6766, is now being evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial called RAMP 201. The trial is evaluating whether this new therapy, either alone or in combination with another agent called defactinib, can be effective and safe in treating patients with this specific form of ovarian cancer.

“Women who are diagnosed with LGSOC often experience a significant amount of pain and impact on their lives over a long period of time, as currently available therapies have low response rates and significant toxicity,” said Kathleen Moore, MD, MS, Associate Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Oklahoma and Associate Director for Clinical Research at the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma and one of the study’s investigators. “Our goal with this trial is to evaluate a new investigational treatment regimen that may be able to provide better outcomes for these patients.”

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that people volunteer to take part in. Clinical trials can help doctors find better treatments for cancer and other diseases. Most new ways of finding, preventing and treating cancer were discovered in clinical trials. You might want to consider taking part in a clinical trial for a specific reason, or for several reasons, such as:

• Your healthcare team might recommend one as part of your treatment strategy.
• You want to be able to try an investigational treatment that is under study.
• You may want to help other people who have cancer.
• You might want to help doctors find ways to prevent cancer or get better at treating cancer.

In order to fully investigate whether VS-6766 is safe and effective, more patients are needed to participate in the RAMP 201 clinical trial.

If you are being treated by an oncologist for LGSOC, ask your doctor about the possibility of enrolling in a clinical trial such as RAMP 201. You can also visit www.ramp201study.com to learn more, and to take an initial online pre-screening to determine if you might be considered eligible to participate in the clinical trial.

2021-07-19T08:41:00

(BPT) – As pandemic restrictions have continued to shift in the last year and are now beginning to loosen, many Americans are struggling to find the right balance in their routines, and that imbalance can negatively impact their gut health. A recent survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Benefiber found that more than half of Americans (52 percent) experienced an increase in digestive problems during the last year, with eight in ten (85 percent) agreeing that added stress contributed to the increase.

Fortunately, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Keri Glassman has a few expert tips on ways to support gut health and overall wellness as Americans resume and refine their pre-pandemic routines:

Prioritize a Good Night’s Rest

Not getting enough rest can not only make you irritable, but can also have a negative effect on your gut health. To improve your sleep, start by establishing a consistent bedtime routine. Healthy sleep hygiene includes allowing enough time for a full night’s sleep, as well as preparing to rest by tuning out from any distractions. That means shutting off all devices at least one hour before bedtime to let you wind down before you fall asleep. Also, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is a good step in cleaning up your sleep routine.

Get Up and Move

After spending more time indoors and on the couch this past year, it may take some extra effort to get back out and move your body more. Even with a busy schedule, try to sneak in “movement breaks” throughout your day, whether that’s a morning bike ride, a walk around the block at lunch or playing outside with the kids in the evening. Breaking up the time spent sitting and exercising more are two easy ways to support your gut health. Give yourself a movement goal for the day such as 45 minutes or 60 minutes. These minutes can be broken up throughout the day.

Make Time for Self-Care

Managing stress is a vital part of overall wellness. Of course, everyone has a different idea of how to relax. Some prefer yoga, while others may turn to meditation or reading a book or even running a bubble bath. What’s important is to explore a few different calming activities to see what works best for you. It’s not about what you do, but rather setting time aside each day, even just 15 minutes, to slow down, breathe and de-stress.

Help Your Gut Flourish with Fiber

Diet is one of the primary factors that helps shape your gut microbiome. Survey data revealed that while 71 percent of Americans believe a balanced and healthy gut can help maintain general health and well-being, 57 percent are not confident that they consume the amount of fiber they need daily. Fiber helps maintain a diverse community of microorganisms in your gut by feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) and helping to suppress the bad bacteria, which is why I often recommend a plant-based prebiotic fiber like Benefiber for those not meeting daily requirements. Benefiber is a clear, taste-free* prebiotic fiber that nourishes the goodness inside your gut to help maintain digestive health**. Plus, it can be easily mixed into non-carbonated beverages or your favorite recipe, making it simple to add as a part of your daily wellness routine.

For a tasty way to try incorporating Benefiber into your diet, try these ‘Stay Satisfied Wild Blueberry and Fig Scones’ for a great breakfast or on-the-go snack:

Stay Satisfied Wild Blueberry and Fig Scones

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

4-8 teaspoons Benefiber Original Prebiotic Fiber Supplement
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup milk of choice (we prefer almond milk)
1 cup almond flour
1 cup spelt flour
1/3 cup coconut sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup wild blueberries, frozen
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped

Directions:

Defrost and strain blueberries and pat dry.
Preheat oven to 375 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and milk. Stir, and allow to sit for 15 minutes to create your ‘buttermilk.’
In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, spelt flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and Benefiber. Add ‘buttermilk’, vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Mix well until dry ingredients are completely incorporated to make a dough.
Using a spatula, fold in the blueberries and figs just until combined. Do not overmix.
Using generous ¼-cup measures, drop batter about 1″ apart onto prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush surface of scones with the ‘buttermilk’.
Bake 14 to 18 minutes, or until tops are lightly golden brown and firm to touch.

*Most Benefiber skus are clear and taste-free, excluding the Strawberry Kiwi Stick Packs.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2021-07-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – The topic of wellness is a bit intimidating. With so many different trends, ways to diet or hit the gym, it can be overwhelming. With her busy and on-the-go schedule, Ana De La Reguera’s wellness routine is flexible and effective. Check out Ana’s four easy tips to make you feel your best.

Suit up as soon as you wake up

“Between my busy work and travel schedule, it’s difficult to do the type of exercises I really enjoy, like tennis or dance classes. So, if you’re like me and have a difficult time being consistent with going to the gym, I recommend changing into your gym clothes as soon as you wake up. That way, after breakfast, you’re already suited up and committed to working out.”

Squeeze in those veggies

“Don’t get me wrong, I love eating my carbs and bacon, but I truly believe that being proactive about squeezing veggies into every meal and eliminating heavier, processed foods is a healthy habit that keeps me going. One of my easy, go-to rituals is having a green juice in the morning. It’s a burst of freshness and boosts my energy for the day.”

Revitalize your smile!

“We often don’t pay attention to the importance of gum care until it is too late! And as we age, we could develop gum issues. Recently, I learned the importance of taking care of not only my teeth but also my gums. And ever since, I have made gum care a regular commitment. My favorite toothpaste is Colgate Gum Renewal. It helps target and repair early gum issues and keeps my smile healthy and revitalized.”

Make time for “me time”

“We’re all busy. Whether it’s responsibilities at home or work, many of us focus so much on doing it all that we forget to focus on ourselves. I always try to designate a time in the day where I’m spending it for myself. Having time to drink my coffee, a bath at night, or tending to my garden — those moments for myself have made me so much happier than when I’m constantly on the go.”

Be intentional about living life with smiles and positivity

“Being positive is an intentional act, and we all have the power to choose the energy we put into the world. I like to remind myself to smile, even in the most mundane situations, like during my commute to work, because that brings more positivity into my day, and that rubs off on the people around me.”

2021-07-19T08:01:01

(BPT) – It may be mid-summer, but back-to-school season is just around the corner. While the world is slowly returning to normal, it can be a hectic time for you and your kids. You want your kids to have everything they need to do well in school. At the same time, balancing their educational needs with your responsibilities can be challenging.

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring your kids maintain a healthy lifestyle. A CDC study shows that when kids have healthy habits, they tend to have high academic achievement and display better classroom behavior.

When you encourage the proper habits, you can help your kids reach their full potential. To do so, make sure they:

1) Get quality and consistent sleep

Rest is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to Abington Health, young elementary school kids should get at least 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, which can feel impossible on a hectic schedule. However, there are a few easy ways you can help ease them into bedtime, like:

• Cutting out electronics one hour before bed
• Creating a bedtime routine
• Keeping their room at a cool temperature

2) Eat a healthy breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for a good reason. Breakfast not only helps your child break their overnight fasting period; it also boosts their energy. That energy can help keep them full and focused throughout the day. A solid breakfast with a mix of whole grains, fruit and protein can give them the energy they need to do well in school.

At the same time, getting your child to eat a healthy breakfast can feel like pulling teeth, especially when you’re trying to get yourself ready in the morning. However, there are both convenient and nutrient-packed options your child can enjoy. Shine Bakehouse’s pancake and muffin mixes are packed with plant-based proteins, allowing you to give your child a nutritional boost without the extensive meal prep. For the pancakes, all you need to do is add water to the mix, stir, pour, cook and serve. The muffins offer simple recipe prep as well. Check out shinebakehouse.com to find more mixes your kids will love.

“Most healthy foods require extensive prep, but with an easy-to-make mix, you can achieve a great balance that you can feel good about,” says Randy Newbold, CEO of Custom Bakehouse, which makes the Shine Bakehouse Brand. “Even better? Shine Bakehouse Baking Mixes strike a balance of using plant-based protein and identifiable ingredients without sacrificing taste. Kids can have a breakfast or snack they can fully enjoy!”

3) Drink plenty of water

Keeping kids hydrated can significantly impact their health, especially if they’re involved in sports or active when the weather is hot. The amount of water your child should drink depends on how old they are. According to a BBC Good Food report, children between ages 4 and 8 should drink approximately 5 glasses of water per day. If your child is between 9 and 13, they should drink around 6 cups a day for girls, and boys should drink approximately 7 cups a day.

Kids might find drinking that many cups of plain water a day boring, but there are plenty of simple ways to make it fun, like putting fruit in their water, or getting them naturally flavored sparkling water.

4) Have nourishing snacks when working on assignments

Your child probably has homework and projects to work on after school. Having a snack that keeps them full and focused can help them tackle those projects with ease. Nutritional snacks can provide a natural source of energy, which is necessary for students of all ages. Shine Bakehouse has cookie, brownie, muffin and no-bake bar mixes to help you make delicious, better-for-you snacks.

As the days get shorter, it’s important to have nutritious snacks that are easy to make so you can care for your kids on your timeline.

2021-07-16T10:59:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing quite like packing up your car and heading out onto the open road. With over four million miles of road crisscrossing the country, how do you choose where to go?

In much the same way Congress set aside lands to be protected as national parks, the Department of Transportation has designated a network of spectacular drives that are protected as part of the America’s Byways collection. Currently, the collection contains 184 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads in 48 states. To become part of the America’s Byways collection, a road must have features that don’t exist anywhere else in the United States, and be unique and important enough to be destinations unto themselves.

In support of the great American road trip, Toyota Motor North America has become the Official Automotive Partner of the National Scenic Byway Foundation. Included in Toyota’s support is $50,000 to fund the inaugural year of the Love Our Byways micro-grant program, to help support local conservation and beautification programs that will be amplified by grassroots volunteers. Find out how you can get involved at NSBFoundation.com, where you can join, volunteer or donate today!

“America’s Byways are roads that take you to the very heart and soul of America, connecting us to this country’s beauty, history and culture,” said National Scenic Byway Foundation president Chris Sieverdes. “Whether you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia on Historic Route 66 or culturally relevant exploration by touring the Selma to Montgomery March Byway, the collection has a road that’s sure to stir your soul. As the national voice of scenic byways and roads, we’re excited to partner with Toyota and look forward to working with them to preserve the grand drives that are part of our nation’s automotive heritage.”

If you’re searching for great road trip ideas, visit TravelByways.com to scout routes all over the country. Just click on the states that interest you and you’ll find myriad choices to begin the trip of a lifetime. Now all you have to do is pack!

2021-07-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Fresh sweet Northwest cherries are a tasty summertime superfruit packed with nutrients. It’s easy to find fresh cherries during the summer, but the rest of the year may leave you yearning for the delicious and nutritious snack. Stock up on fresh cherries now and preserve their flavor and health benefits for year-round enjoyment.

Four reasons to stock up on sweet cherries while they’re fresh!

Sweet Northwest cherries are as healthy as they are delectable, making them the perfect treat to satisfy a sweet craving without the sugar spike. Northwest cherries boast incredible health benefits for the mind and body, including:

1. Fighting chronic inflammatory diseases

Sweet cherries can help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Inflammation has also been tied to increased risk factors of cancer and research is suggesting that sweet cherries may possess cancer-fighting properties.

2. Exercise recovery

Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins, which appear to shut down enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in a similar manner to ibuprofen and naproxen. Those anti-inflammatory properties also make cherries a great workout recovery snack.

3. Low glycemic, big on nutrients!

Sweet cherries boast a lower glycemic index than almost any other fruit and promote healthy blood glucose by releasing glucose slowly and evenly so blood sugar levels stay steady longer. According to a 2019 article in Trends in Food Science & Technology, cherry extracts reduce glucose blood levels and protect pancreatic beta-cells from oxidative damage, enabling them to continue balanced production of insulin.

4. Enhanced cognitive function

The anthocyanins found in sweet cherries may improve memory and cognition in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia. Also, cherry phenolics appear to protect cells from damaging stress while the cherry’s serotonin reduces stress and improves mood.

Enjoy the sweet taste of summer all throughout the year.

Preserving sweet cherries can be quick and easy, and a great way to extend their short peak season. Two popular ways to preserve sweet cherries are freezing and drying.

Freezing sweet cherries

The first step in the freezing process is to rinse firm, ripe cherries — stems and all — in cold water and drain thoroughly. Next, decide how you’re most likely to use them. For snacking, you can leave them whole and just enjoy them off the stem later. If smoothies and sauces are your game, then pitting the cherries at this point will save time and mess later. Once that’s decided, pack the cherries in plastic freezer bags or freezer-proof containers, remove excess air, seal the package and freeze.

Drying fresh cherries

For dried sweet cherries, the simplest step is to use your oven to preserve this summertime superfruit, or even invest in a food dehydrator. The Northwest Cherry Growers recommend drying at 140-degrees Fahrenheit for six to 12 hours, low and slow. Once dry, they can be stored in plastic bags with the excess air removed, and stored in a dark, dry, cool place. Enjoy them straight, tossed into trail mix, as a sweet-tart topping for granola or oatmeal, or substituted for raisins in a favorite cookie recipe.

For more tips on turning your summertime snack into an all-the-time staple of a nutritious diet, or to learn more about the numerous health benefits of sweet cherries, visit the Northwest Cherry Growers website at nwcherries.com/sweethealth.