We research for your health. With "My Energy", discover our formula for a long and fulfilling life full of energy.

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Philosophy on life

Fit for a long life – our "My Energy code" shows you how to stay healthy and active into old age.

Research

What's it about? Research by the Dole Nutrition Research Institute have shown how healthy fruit and vegetables are for us.

My Energy Test

Do you want to maximise your energy? Learn about energy givers and energy takers here. Go to the test.

My Energy Blog

5 facts about grapefruit

Philosophy on life

Healthy, fit, and happy - for a lifetime! It sounds like a fairy tale, but with a little background knowledge, it’s very simple. We here at Dole and our owner David H. Murdock are convinced: An all-round healthy lifestyle permits a long and fulfilling life. That is why we have developed the “My Energy” code, a formula for well-being and genuine quality of life.

Its message is remarkably simple: Eat wisely, exercise regularly, and pursue something about which you are passionate. Learn more about our philosophy and its impressive role models David H. Murdock and Dr. Giorgos Vrettos.

David H. Murdock

"I'd like to live to 125 years old."

Some people have the potential to change all our lives. For the better. Dole's 92-year-old owner, David H. Murdock, is one such person. He is a committed visionary, entrepreneur and philanthropist and in many ways acts as a role model for us and our "My Energy" initiative. Since his wife's death from cancer, David H. Murdock has focused intensively on health and nutrition. To expand the knowledge he has gained and to make it accessible to all of us, he founded the North Carolina Research Campus with his own money. He is convinced that a generally healthy lifestyle leads to a better quality of life and a longer life – and the proof of this comes not just from intensive studies, but in the form of his own vitality right into old age. A daily smoothie, made from fresh fruit, as well as plenty of vegetables, fish and regular exercise such as cycling, give him energy and strength. Also important are a positive attitude to life and the motto, 'everything is possible', you just have to try.

Dr. Giorgos Vrettos

"For me, the sea is a source of life."

A life without sport? For 80-year-old Dr. Giorgos Vrettos, such a thing would be inconceivable. As a doctor, he looked after the Greek Olympic team for many years and took part in countless competitions himself. Even today, he is a keen swimmer and enjoys every minute in the water. Walks with his dog and a lot of time spent with his grandchildren keep him active and give him plenty of energy. And it goes without saying that, as a true "My Energy" role model, he also eats a healthy and carefully selected diet and passes on his knowledge to benefit others. As a retired doctor, he knows how important a healthy lifestyle is. He finds the perfect rest from his active daily life in opera and singing. As a young man, he once faced the choice of becoming an opera singer or studying medicine. Medicine won, but this dynamic Greek doctor's heart has always been quickened by music. He nurtures his passion for music several times a week by being part of several choirs. A vibrant, healthy life full of energy and passion keeps him young.

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Research

From bananas to blueberries and pineapples to lemons – for many years now, at its own research center, Dole has been conducting detailed investigations of the substances contained in fruits and vegetables and the ways in which they affect our health.

The scientists at the Dole Nutrition Institute in Kannapolis are leaders in this field of research. Their studies show us how fruit and vegetables can slow down the aging process, combat illness, and enhance fitness.

You only live once - make the most of every opportunity!

Stay healthy, fit and happy your whole life long! It sounds like a fairytale, but with a bit of background knowledge, it's actually very easy. We at Dole and our owner David H. Murdock are convinced: an all-round healthy lifestyle allows you to live a long and fulfilled life. This is why we've developed the energy code, a formula for true well-being and real quality of life. The secret behind it is a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and also a fulfilling personal passion makes you happy and healthy. The Dole Research Centre in North Carolina investigates every detail of the contents of fruits and vegetables and their effects on our lives. By living your life with more focus today, you can have a positive influence on your health and energy levels later in life. Learn with us about your very own "My Energy" energy sources.

North Carolina Research Campus

We research for your future.

"To stay healthy, you need a healthy diet," says David H. Murdock with conviction. His vision was to create a place where research can be carried out intensively and efficiently into nutrition, health and agriculture. Unique the world over, the North Carolina Research Campus was founded by him in 2005 in conjunction with the Dole Nutrition Institute, which is also part of the Kannapolis-based organisation. Together with 300 scientists, the four-strong Dole team of experts researches the relationships between long life and healthy nutrition. The scientists, who are led by Dr. Nicholas Gillitt, focus primarily on the constituents and nutrients of fresh fruit and vegetables and what effect those can have to our body.

Mary Ann Lila

“The passion of my life is little blue fruits

Dr Mary Ann Lila, Director of the “North Carolina State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute”, puts all her passion and energy into the research of berries. Her research programme, called “LilaLab”, concentrates mainly on the health-promoting combinations in blueberries. She shares these results with scientists and students from all over the world. More than 200 scientific articles about berries have already been published in the most influential journals. With her intensive research, she is hoping to find new ways to prevent chronic diseases or even to counteract them. Her aim is to use proper and verifiable nutrition to improve human health.

Nick Gillitt

"We explain to consumers how a healthy diet can affect the ageing process."

From apples to zucchini – barely anyone has researched fruit and vegetables as intensively as Dr. Nicholas Gillitt. For 10 years, the Vice President of Dole Nutritional Research and Head of the Dole Nutrition Institute has been researching the constituents of fruit and vegetables and their effect on humans. His long-term studies have improved not only the testing methods used, but also our products. Much modern consumer information and nutritional recommendations, along with numerous scientific publications for specialist journals of course, have been penned by Dr. Gillitt. Between his laboratory work and presentations, is there any time for anything else? The sporty scientist tops up his energy reserves with exercise. He relaxes with jogging or mountain biking, thereby promoting both his physical and mental vitality.

Study results

The aim of our research activities is to create sustainable added value and share it with you. We investigate how and why fruit, vegetables, and exercise are beneficial to human health.

That is why you will always find the latest results of our current studies and a wealth of interesting facts about healthy living here and on our blog.Take advantage of our knowledge to lead a more active and healthier life.

Berries and green tea – a powerful team for our immune system

Lay the foundations for a long life by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

Berries and green tea – a powerful team for our immune system

Our immune system needs a lot of care, not just during the winter cold season. Constant job stress or major physical exertion can also weaken our defenses. Help optimize your metabolism and your immune system with fruit and vegetables. They contain polyphenols (secondary plant compounds) that are believed to have a variety of health-promoting effects. Epidemiological studies in recent years have shown that, taken in the form of fruit, vegetables and green tea, they can have an anti-bacterial effect in the body. A current study by the Dole Research Institute in collaboration with the North Carolina Research Campus has added further important findings to this. To investigate the effect of larger quantities of polyphenols in the body, scientists led by Dr. Nick Gillitt gave marathon runners a mixture of blueberries, green tea and soy protein for 2 weeks. Blood tests performed on the participants demonstrated a lower concentration of various inflammatory parameters. "This result indicated that foods containing high levels of polyphenols, such as blueberries or green tea can protect athletes from virus infections following rigorous exercise" confirms Nick Gillitt, Director of the Dole Nutrition Institute.

Lay the foundations for a long life by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

Put more colour on your plate! A range of national eating habit studies in America, England and Germany have confirmed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables prolongs your life. Scientists all agree that vegetarians, flexitarians (people who eat very little meat) and pescetarians (people who don't eat meat but who do eat plenty of fish) live longer, on average. Their diets and lifestyles significantly reduce the risk of a range of chronic diseases. These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, secondary plant compounds and fibre – i.e. the essential components for all of the body's functions. Another bonus is that they also contain little calories and fat. By eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, we eat fewer calories and maintain a lower cholesterol level, slower cell ageing and better perfusion of the blood. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults consume more potassium (around 3.5 g per day) in their diets. "A lot of foods nowadays are highly processed. They therefore often don't contain adequate levels of nutrients. If you buy a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and high-quality foods, you'll get the full range of healthy nutritional benefits," advises Dr. Nick Gillitt.

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by Dr. Ulrich Bauhofer My Energy Test

Discover what's good for you! What foods give you energy, what sports make you fit and how you can optimise your everyday life – after all, it varies from individual to individual. Something that gives one person strength might take valuable energy reserves away from someone else. The specially developed test will enable you to discover which energy type you are and how you can best bring your life back to a healthy balance.

Here's how it works: On the questions, click the answers that most apply to you. If several answers apply, choose the one that describes you best. Don't think about the answers for too long – just choose the answer that you instinctively go for. Be honest too, otherwise the result won't be a true reflection of who you are. Have fun!

Question 1 of 10

Which of the following descriptions fits you best?

I quickly get excited about things, I'm creative, I'm quick-witted and flexible, I grasp new ideas quickly, but I worry unnecessarily a lot too.

I like being a leader, I've got a fiery temperament, I'm ambitious, I love freedom, I'm a perfectionist and I quickly get impatient.

I'm very methodical and patient, I don't get worked up inside or to the outside world easily, I'm resilient, I've got a good memory and I think carefully and calmly before I make a decision.

Next question

Energy type 1: The livewire

You may be tall or short, you've got a light, fairly slender physique with less well-defined muscles, slender joints, clearly visible tendons and veins, dry skin and little body hair. Your appetite varies and your bowels are fairly irregular as a result.

You are agile, mentally alert and creative, imaginative, empathetic, flexible, nimble-fingered and you're quick to pick up new ideas. You are easily excitable, you like to talk, you need little sleep and you tend to sometimes worry unnecessarily.

As the livewire type, what should you be aware of?

The most important for your energy maintenance is regularity and adequate rest and recuperation phases. Chaos and stress as well as environmental influences such as cold temperature, draughts and icy, biting autumn and winter winds are not good for you. Choose warm, cooked and juicy meals (such as vegetable curries, porridge, puréed creamy soups, ripe, sweet and juicy fruit) as well as hot drinks. Gentle yoga exercises, meditation, sport that doesn't over-exert you can all help you to stay in balance.

You can particularly benefit from the following energy providers:

Regular mealtimes, easily digestible foods in the morning and evening, high-quality food with nutrient-rich ingredient
Warm foods
Adequate hydration
Sufficient sleep and recuperation
Sunshine (in moderation)
A fulfilling career and inspirational, exciting activity
A satisfying partnership and relationships

Wherever possible, banish the following energy takers:

Irregular mealtimes
Too little hydration
Lack of sleep
Overexertion and overstimulation
Time pressure
Coffee and nicotine
Excess sport
Job dissatisfaction
Unnecessary worry
Interpersonal problems

What types of sport are best for you?

The types of sport that are best for you are those that work all of the body's muscle groups, such as, dancing, swimming – but only in warm water – hiking or walking and yoga. Sports such as golf, Nordic walking, table tennis, cycling, trampolining, aerobics and badminton are also recommended. The best time of day for sporting activities is the early morning. During the cold season, it is better to train indoors.

To your personal energy schedule

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Energy type 2: The dynamo

They're of medium size, with an athletic build, and slim. Bright eyes and a sharp gaze are typical.

Appetite and digestion are very good. As a dynamic energy type, you love freedom, you're precise, intelligent, ambitious, persuasive, resolute and dedicated, responsible and sometimes slightly dogged in your determination. As a good analyst and persuasive talker, you tend to misjudge the limits of your energy and go beyond them.

As the dynamic type, what should you be aware of?

Ensure adequate distraction and fun. That's because you easily get stuck in a rut with your perfectionism and tend to become like a dog with a bone. Play with children and watch a comedy at the cinema rather than an action thriller. Heat isn't good for you. If you visit a sauna, choose a moderate steam sauna. Avoid meals that are too hot and spicy and avoid too many alcoholic drinks and coffee. Cooling influences are good. Don't take ice-cold baths and don't leave the shower setting on cold, since your body's response to this will produce too much heat. Lukewarm water is just right for cooling you down. Stay in the shade in summer. A diet with gently spiced dishes is especially good for you.

You can particularly benefit from the following energy providers:

Regular mealtimes, but avoid difficult-to-digest foods in an evening such as meat or sausage. High-quality, nutrition-rich food.
Fresh air
Challenging activities
Opportunities for design and self-determination
Successful experiences
Laughter and enjoyable moments
Joie de vivre

Wherever possible, banish the following energy takers:

Lack of stimulation and boredom
Spicy food
Conflict
Control by others
Failures
Interactions with serial worriers and nay-sayers

What types of sport are best for you?

All types of sport are suitable for you that involve winning: from football and triathlons to boxing. Because you love risk, extreme sports such as wild water rafting, hang-gliding and ice climbing can be a major rush. Team sports allow you to experience how important and beautiful the interaction of different strengths and talents can be, and that you don't have to be a stubborn, lone fighter to be a winner. The best training time for you is the early morning and evening, when it is cool. The same applies to the summer months: You should avoid major physical exertion during the hotter season.

To your personal energy schedule

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Energy type 3: The calm one

You have a solid, robust, well-proportioned physique with powerful muscles and well-developed fatty tissue. You've got full, strong hair and a tendency towards greasy skin. Your metabolism and digestion are slightly sluggish.

You're relaxed, tolerant, have healthy, long sleep, an excellent memory, are persistent and have great tenacity as well as a methodical approach. You think through your decisions carefully and conscientiously, you like to tinker and plan, you lose your calm only very slowly, you rarely lose your temper, but when you do, watch out! You tend to be more lethargic and you gain weight easily.

As the calm type, what should you be aware of?

Because of your calm attitude, you need to break free every now and then from a daily routine that is too calm and well-regulated with something unusual. Treat yourself to a trip to the sauna, make sure you take adequate exercise and stay active. Heavy food and excessive eating should be avoided, especially in the evening. You can however make your food a little spicier. Avoid cold food and drinks, and the same goes for greasy food. If you eat animal protein, then choose poultry or sea fish. You shouldn't feel tired after meals. Drink hot or warm drinks.

You can particularly benefit from the following energy providers:

Balanced nutrition – not too much, not too heavy, two main meals a day, no snacking
Adequate exercise
Regular detox
Light and sunshine
Successful experiences
Esteem and recognition
Enjoyment

Wherever possible, banish the following energy takers:

Frequent, heavy, late dining on poor-quality food
Lack of exercise
Lack of esteem and recognition
Inactivity and lethargy

What types of sport are best for you?

As a calm energy type who is fond of pleasure, you may find motivating yourself to engage in exercise and sport somewhat difficult. If you've put on a few extra pounds, it's advisable to start gently with Nordic walking and then later, once you start enjoying it, make the transition to light jogging. After all, once you've overcome your lack of willpower, you will find you've got plenty of strength and endurance for sports. Your preferences will therefore be for gentle types of sport such as rowing, swimming, cycling and jogging. You can also exhibit your physical strength with weight training, such as in the gym. This is particularly recommended for autumn and winter, since you should avoid the cold. The ideal time of day for sporting activities is afternoon, since you are more mobile and agile at this time of day.

To your personal energy schedule

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