The Encyclopedia of Foods: A Guide to Healthy Nutrition imparts the knowledge that eating a healthy diet can provide the various nutrients needed to maintain fitness and prevent the many common diseases that affect our health and longevity. Experts at Mayo Clinic and the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition have contributed their knowledge and experience to this book to improve the quality of life through proper nutrition. This book is a 4-year collaborative effort by a large team of experts from the medical profession and the field of nutrition.

It is very difficult to make up one’s mind to eat properly and avoid the temptations and health consequences of consuming an excess amount of calories, fats, and refined sugar. Too much of these can detract from healthy living and the enjoyment of life. It is now clear from many studies that what you choose to eat can determine whether you have heart disease, diabetes, or many common forms of cancer. An extensive array of books have been written on this subject. This book encapsulates the guidelines for eating foods that are beneficial to the body and that preserve health and longevity.

I, along with most people, have not always been so concerned with health. When I became chairman of Dole Food Company 16 years ago, I truly began to understand the meaning of nutrition and the need for eating a well-balanced diet. A great deal of progress has been made in discovering the benefits to our health provided by fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a healthy diet, and proper exercise and lifestyle. Dole, known as the largest distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables in the world, intends to take a leadership role in disseminating scientific information on the benefits of fruits and vegetables and other foods necessary for promulgating a healthy lifestyle. We intend to publish additional information as it is being developed by institutions throughout the world. We all have the opportunity to instill in our children the knowledge that will enable them to have the healthy life we wish them to enjoy.

The Encyclopedia of Foods is a practical guide and personal reference tool of food, nutrition, and health. Many physicians, doctors of philosophy, nutritionists, dietitians, researchers, writers, editors, designers, illustrators, and countless others have worked together to create a comprehensive reference book and present it in an attractive, useful, and friendly fashion. I personally hope that you will read this book and use it to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle and diet to improve your health and longevity.

David H. Murdock

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dole Food Company, Inc.