Paint Your Plate With Purple Produce For American Heart Month

American diets aren't colorful enough, according to a new survey from Welch's

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Feb 15, 2017, 08:10 ET

CONCORD, Mass., Feb. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of American Heart Month, Welch's is reigniting the conversation about the role of colorful fruits and vegetables in supporting a healthy heart. New survey¹ data announced by Welch's today reveals Americans' confusion about the benefits of incorporating colorful produce into their diet. Almost half of consumers (44 percent) don't know or aren't sure that specific colors of fruits and vegetables offer unique health benefits. And, though 63 percent of Americans know that they should eat colorful produce, only 32 percent often make an effort to include it in their diet.

The Concord grape isn't just naturally delicious, it's a nutrition powerhouse delivering healthy plant nutrients known as polyphenols.

A colorful diet helps ensure you're getting the broadest possible range of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant nutrients, like polyphenols. A perfect example is the Concord grape, a dark purple powerhouse that delivers many of the same polyphenols and heart health benefits as red wine, while promoting healthy circulation to keep your blood pumping and energy flowing. But, for many consumers, fruits and vegetables in the purple category remain an untapped opportunity. While 73 percent of Americans know purple fruits and vegetables are an option, only 18 percent of Americans can name more than three. Currently, only three percent² of Americans' produce intake is from the purple and blue category.

"Colorful produce supports a healthy lifestyle, and my goal is to encourage more people to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. This research shows that Americans need help learning about their options, especially when it comes to purple produce," said Amber Pankonin, MS, RDN, LMNT and consultant to Welch's. "Taking a proactive approach to nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. In the purple category, 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes is a simple way to add healthy polyphenols into your diet."

Additional findings from the survey include:

While 53 percent of Americans acknowledge that they like 100% fruit juice and 93 percent state that heart health is important to them, more than half (57 percent) don't realize that 100% grape juice helps support a healthy heart and contributes purple fruit to their diet.
Red wine and 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes share many of the same polyphenols. Of the 65 percent of Americans who drink red wine, more than two-thirds (67 percent) are willing to swap a glass of wine for a glass of 100% grape juice every now and then, since it offers many of the same heart-health benefits.

More than 40 dark purple Concord grapes go into each 8-ounce glass of Welch's 100% Grape Juice, which counts as two servings (1 cup) of fruit. It contains no added sugar, color, flavor or preservatives, and serves as an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. And, because fresh Concord grapes are only available during a short time in the fall, Welch's 100% Grape Juice is the best way to enjoy their delicious taste and heart-health benefits all year round.

"During American Heart Month, we encourage people to paint their plates with color, including purple. Concord grapes are dark purple with a purpose, delivering beneficial polyphenols that give them their signature color and heart-health benefits," said Casey Lewis, MS, RD, Welch's Health & Nutrition Lead. "Whether enjoyed in a small glass or used in your favorite recipe, 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes can be one tasty way to add more purple fruit to your diet."

To learn more about the research-backed benefits of 100% grape juice made with the Mighty Concord grape and get easy, heart-healthy recipes and resources, visit www.welchs.com.

About Welch's

Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative's approximately 1,000 family farmers own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers' health and nutrition needs. Welch's products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe. Welch's is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans. www.welchs.com

Contact:
Caroline Gould
PadillaCRT for Welch's
804-675-8156
[email protected]

[1] Welch's Heart Health Survey, fielded December 19- 21, 2016 by ORC International

[2] Produce For Better Health Foundation. State of the Plate Study on America's Consumption of Fruits and
Vegetables. Wilmington, Delaware. 2003.

SOURCE Welch’s