New Jersey peaches. All photos at Delicious Orchards. By Paul Goldfinger

Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC

Of all the fields of medical clinical science, the one that has least science behind it is nutrition. The reason is that no one wants to invest millions of dollars into trials to prove the point. Yet, in the field of cardiovascular and cancer prevention, the one thing that all the experts agree on is that fresh fruits and vegetables will help prevent disease. How do we know? Well there are many observational trials that show an apparent prevention result with diet, including less cancers and overt heart trouble. Most of these studies are not hard science, but there have been so many bits of clinical evidence that most experts are convinced.

In April 2013, a major randomized trial from Spain provided hard evidence regarding Mediterranean diets in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. (New England Journal of Medicine)

Whether one is discussing cardiovascular or cancer prevention, doctors now know that those diseases do not begin with heart attacks or tumors. Instead, both conditions develop over time and that trying to catch them early is the way to go. Unfortunately, many in the medical profession are tuned to treat diseases and do not pay much attention to prevention.

Tropical fruits. Start at upper right and go cw: dragon fruit, Asian pear, guava, passion fruit (red).

In both cases, the factors that cause trouble are multiple and often begin with genetics. Many environmental risk factors have been identified already, but others are yet unknown. In the cancer field, for example, we know about the risks of carcinogens in tobacco smoke. There are hundreds of chemicals in tobacco smoke, either inhaled or second hand. In the cardiovascular field we know about the risks of obesity, saturated fats, cholesterol and high blood pressure, for example.

But fresh fruits and vegetables are good for everybody as part of a prevention program. Which brings me to July in Jersey. That is the time. If you go to Wegmans or Delicious Orchards, the selections are amazing, and you can find good produce elsewhere as well. We are lucky to have a plethora of fresh produce in stores and at local farmers’ markets.

Delicious Orchards is at 320 Rt. 34 in Colts Neck. Just head north on 18 and get off at 34 north, and it’s just up the road on the left. It is worth the visit. They have an incredible array of produce. Other strong points include dried fruits, coffee, meats, chocolate, and pies. They have a nice outdoor cafe for food, smoothies and drink.

The prices of fresh produce tend to be higher than canned or frozen food because fresh has better taste and nutrition. Processed foods contain chemical preservatives and salt, and nutrients are sometimes cooked out. Fresh produce prices also include the challenges of shipping in state, from other states,  and even from outside the country

Take advantage of the Garden State’s advantages in season and teach your family how to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a heart-healthy life style.

Prevention begins in childhood—and don’t forget the Blogfinger motto: “EAT MORE FISH.”

Here is a link about the Mediterranean diet.

Mediteranean diet

CHRISTY ROMANO. From Woody Allen’s “Everyone Says I Love You.”