A study conducted by University of California Los Angeles researchers and published recently in the Journal of Medicinal Food further indicates the prevalence of antioxidants in strawberries and subsequent health benefits from eating strawberries.

According to the study, 21 healthy women ate about one-half pound of frozen strawberries daily for three weeks. Several measures of antioxidant capacity in the blood were taken.

Eating strawberries resulted in an increase in the body's ability to prevent the oxidation of blood lipids such as LDL cholesterol.

HLB Tropical Food USA Inc. is using a recent study by the University of Florida to promote the health benefits of papayas.

HLB, which is based in Plantation, FL, and is among the bigger U.S. importers of Brazilian papayas, is citing a study published March 9 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology titled "Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibit anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects" to raise the awareness of the fruit's health benefits, specifically the cancer-fighting properties of papaya leaves.

Mangos are one of the faster-growing produce categories in America and currently the number one eaten fruit throughout the world. To promote this popular fruit, Freska Produce, based in Oxnard, CA, is making an appearance on Lifetime Channel's morning show "The Balancing Act."

WASHINGTON -- Lorri Koster, co-chairman of Mann Packing Co., will be the guest speaker at the United Fresh Produce Association's 2010 reception honoring Women in Produce, Wednesday, April 21, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

In an effort to provide consumers with healthy and nutritious meal alternatives to their everyday favorites, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, based in Oveido, FL, has launched Fresh Family Meal Makeover, a featured page on www.DudaFresh.com showcasing how-to videos for nutritious recipes in recognition of National Nutrition Month.

The California Avocado Commission announced two staff additions March 16. Jonathan Dixon, a former research scientist at the New Zealand Avocado Growers' Association & Industry Council Ltd., has been hired as research program director.

Dr. Dixon has 30 years of experience in the avocado, horticulture, plant science, plant health and molecular bioscience realms. He has strong research and industry networks in California, South Africa, Spain, Australia and Israel.