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National Institute of Health News

Sunsweet Introduces PlumSmart Light(R)

YUBA CITY, Calif., Feb. 7 PRNewswire — Due to the overwhelming success of PlumSmart plum juice, Sunsweet Growers Inc. has introduced PlumSmart Light, a lower calorie version of the popular digestive health beverage. With three grams of fiber in each glass and only 11 grams of sugar, PlumSmart Light is a delicious and fresh way to get more fiber and improve the digestive system.

Similar to PlumSmart original, PlumSmart Light is made from clear, crisp all-natural plum juice containing fiber and nutrients such as magnesium and potassium that work together to maintain a healthy digestive tract. One eight-ounce serving of PlumSmart Light has only 60 calories and 11 grams of sugar, but retains the same fiber content and digestive health benefits of PlumSmart original. The American Dietetic Association recommends a minimum of 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day for a healthy adult.

PlumSmart Light is ideal for those suffering from digestive disorders and in need of a low-sugar diet. The new product also meets the needs of the growing diabetic population or simply consumers who want less sugar and more fiber.

"PlumSmart Light is designed for those of us who are health conscious and enjoy the satisfaction of drinking something that not only tastes good, but is good for you," said Steve Harris, vice president of marketing at Sunsweet. "With 60 to 70 million Americans suffering from digestive diseases, PlumSmart Light is the only low-sugar juice for digestive health maintenance."

To educate consumers further about digestive health, Sunsweet has partnered with Carolyn O'Neil, registered dietitian and award-winning author, to launch http://www.SmartDigestiveHealth.com, an online resource that educates men and women on the importance of incorporating fiber and other nutrients into their regular diet. The Web site features an overview of digestive disorders, a nutritional cheat sheet, health tips from Carolyn O'Neil, an interactive quiz and a monthly sweepstakes for a $100 VISA gift card.

Specifically for diabetics, a diet high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is useful in the management of blood glucose levels. According to the National Institute of Health, 21 million Americans age 20 and older have diabetes, while 59 percent of general consumers want to cut down on sugar in their diets. According to the American Dietetic Association Diabetic Exchange, one eight-ounce serving of PlumSmart Light is considered one fruit serving. Whether the motivation is diabetic health, improved digestive health or guiltless indulgence, Sunsweet's new PlumSmart Light caters to a variety of personal and dietary needs.

PlumSmart Light is available in 48-ounce bottles with an estimated retail price of $3.49. Sunsweet products, including PlumSmart Light and PlumSmart original are currently available in the shelf-stable juice sections at major retailers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.plumsmart.net, or for more information on digestive health, visit http://www.smartdigestivehealth.com.

Headquartered in Yuba City, Calif., Sunsweet Growers Inc. is one of the world's largest handlers of dried fruits including dried plums, apricots, cranberries and raisins. A grower-owned marketing cooperative, Sunsweet provides one-third of the world's dried plums. The Sunsweet brand is widely recognized as representing products that promote a healthy lifestyle for today's consumer.

SOURCE Sunsweet Growers Inc.