Fruits Info

COLLEGE STATION – Nutritionists, medical researchers and agricultural scientists would convene here June 6 for "Partnering for a Healthy tomorrow," a conference for researchers who collaborate on studies aimed at preventing or even curing human disease.

"We want people to know about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables," said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of the Texas a&M University Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, which is hosting the event. "We'll showcase the benefits of these foods in preventing disease."

The event begins at 8 a.m. on June 6 in the Bush Library's Annenberg Presidential Center at Texas A&M, 1000 George Bush Drive W., College Station. The public is invited.

The morning includes the release of "Citrus Health Benefits," a set of research papers published by the American Chemical Society. Patil said that in addition to the scientific reports, each chapter provides "a summary in lay terms" about what the findings mean to consumers.

The day also includes presentations about cancer preventatives found in fruits and vegetables, how diet impacts disease control and prevention and studies that show the successful impact of freeze-dried strawberries against that disease.

Afternoon sessions would offer reports on breeding and genetics, public policy and health promotion.

A tour of the center, opened to the public, will be June 7, 9-11 a.m.