The California Prune Board (CPB) has appointed professional nutritionist and author, Jo Travers as its new Health Brand Ambassador.
Also known as The London Nutritionist, Travers is a registered dietitian and author of The Bone-Strength Plan, and The Low-Fad Diet. She will work with the CPB to help raise awareness of the health benefits of California prunes across the UK and European markets.
“I’m delighted to be working with the California Prune Board. Prunes are a great source of fibre and I always recommend them to my clients because of their nutritional profile, taste, and versatility,” Travers said.
“They are a healthy, sweet, and satiating snack and contain a range of vitamins and minerals that are key to maintaining healthy bones, digestive health, and the immune system.”
The CPB first established a nutrition advisory panel in 1997 and has since supported several research studies on the nutritional and health benefits of incorporating California prunes into the diet.
Recent studies by researchers at the University of Liverpool show that the inclusion of prunes in a structured weight management programme is compatible with weight loss, while San Diego State University scientists have revealed that eating prunes daily has a protective effect on bone health in men over 50.
Research published last summer also showed how eating prunes daily may improve heart health and inflammation in postmenopausal women.
Travers commented: “California prunes can play a really important role in healthy eating and are a valuable source of nutrition.
“They contain vitamin K and manganese, which play a role in the maintenance of healthy bones and are a great source of fibre to aid digestive health. They’re also really easy to incorporate into the daily diet as a snack or act as an ingredient swap for fat or sugar.”
Esther Ritson-Elliott, the CPB’s director of international marketing and communications, said Travers’ appointment formed part of the board’s ongoing commitment to showcase thesignificant health and nutritional benefits associated with prunes.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of what they are eating and how choosing well can benefit overall health and wellbeing.
California prunes are premium in both size and taste and serve as a nutritious snack and ingredient. We’re delighted that Jo Travers has joined us as aHealth Brand Ambassador and look forward to working together to raise awareness of California Prunes over the coming year.”
Travers will be releasing a series of nutritious recipes in partnership with the CPB this year. “Kicking off with the California Prune & Stilton nut roast, Jo has created a delicious dish, which combines gut-friendly fibre and plant proteins for a tasty meat-alternative,” CPB said.
