American Heart Association®’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program
Natural Delights™ medjool dates deemed heart-healthy food
Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates are already known to be a good source of dietary fibre, have 50% more potassium by weight than bananas, provide 16 vitamins and minerals, and contain no fat or cholesterol. This certification by the American Heart Association® means that dates can be part of an overall healthy diet.
Known as the “Fruit of the Kings,” Medjool dates are also naturally sweet, gluten-free, nut-free, Kosher, Halal and Vegan – making them an ideal sugar substitute in recipes and a heart-healthy snack for people with various dietary needs.
According to the American Heart Association®, people who report eating foods that meet the Heart-Check Food Certification Program nutrition requirements are more likely to eat healthier and have fewer heart disease risk factors, based on a recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates are naturally sweet, whole-fruits, containing 16 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A & C, iron, potassium and magnesium, and include 3 g of dietary fibre and 1 g of protein per serving
“The designation of Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates as a heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association®’s Heart-Check Food Certification program represents the culmination of a long-term effort to educate the public and key influencers about the significant health benefits of the fruit,” said BVMDGA Director of Marketing Dave Anderson. “In addition to legitimizing the heart-healthy benefits, we expect the Heart-Check certification to result in an increase in overall Medjool date use, appreciation and fandom.”
Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates will roll out new packaging in October 2014, which will display the American Heart Association® Heart-Check mark for easy identification by consumers.
For more information, visit www.naturaldelights.com.