When compared with non-consumers, fresh pear consumers have a better nutrition profile
Fresh Pear Consumption Associated with a Better Nutrient Profile, Better Diet Quality, and Lower Risk of Obesity in Adults
PORTLAND, Ore. – May 6, 2014 – Pear Bureau Northwest, the nonprofit marketing association that promotes fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington, recently commissioned nutrition research examining fresh pear consumption and the associated nutrition and health benefits.
The research, which was led by Dr. Victor Fulgoni III, Ph.D, was presented at Experimental Biology in San Diego last week and revealed that when compared with non-consumers, fresh pear consumers had a better nutrition profile and overall better quality of diet, for example, more dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Fresh pear consumers also had lower added sugar intake, as well as lower intake of total fat, monounsaturated fat, and saturated fat. Furthermore, the likelihood of being obese was 35 percent lower among fresh pear consumers than among their non-consumer counterparts.
The association between fresh pear consumption with nutrient intake, dietary quality, and risk of obesity was examined in adults 19+ years participating in the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the USDA’s Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies.
“We are pleased to see healthy pears as part of the greater scientific conversation and look forward to growing our nutrition research and communications program,” said Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest.
About Pear Bureau Northwest
Pear Bureau Northwest was established in 1931 as a nonprofit marketing organization to promote the fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington. Today, the United States is the third largest pear-producing country in the world, and Oregon and Washington comprise the nation’s largest pear growing region with 1,600 growers producing 84% of all fresh pears grown in the United States. Pears grown in these two Pacific Northwest states are distributed under the “USA Pears” brand. Pears are an excellent source of fiber (24% DV) and a good source of vitamin C (10% DV) for only 100 calories per medium sized pear. Sweet and juicy with no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol, pears are a perfect choice for a snack as well as for any course of any meal of the day. For more information, visit www.usapears.org, www.facebook.com/USApears, and follow @USApears on Twitter.
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Contact:
Cristie Mather, Director of Communications, Pear Bureau Northwest
(503) 651-9720