Abstract
No studies have examined the association of consuming fresh pears on nutrient intake or adequacy, diet quality, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The purpose of this study was to examine these association in adults (N=24,808) participating the NHANES 2001-2010. Covariate adjusted linear regression was used to compare macronutrients, diet quality, and CVRF. Diet quality was determined using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI- 2010). The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the usual intake (UI) of nutrients. Appropriate sample weights were used. Percentages of the population below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or above the Adequate Intake (AI) were determined. Consumers had higher mean intakes of total sugars and lower total, mono-, and saturated fatty acids, and added sugars than non-consumers; consumers also had higher UI for vitamin C, copper, magnesium, and potassium (p<0.01). Consumers had a higher percentage population meeting the EAR for vitamins A and C, copper, and magnesium; consumers had a higher percentage above the AI for fiber (p<0.01). HEI-2010 was higher in consumers (52.4 ± 0.4 vs 48.5 ± 0.3) (p<0.01). Compared to non-consumers, consumers were 35% less likely to be obese (p<0.05). Fresh pears should be encouraged as a component of an overall healthy diet.
Highlights
Fruit, which is defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) as a nutrient-dense food [1] is part of a healthy diet [2]
Approximately 2% of the adult population consumed fresh pears, with the average consumption of approximately 170 g/day; this equates to 1 medium pear [20], an amount slightly above the reference amount customarily consumed of 140 g [51], or 1 cup equivalent
Consumption of fresh pears had a positive effect on nutrient intake since consumers had higher usual intake (UI) intakes of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, copper, and potassium, and higher mean intakes of total sugars; consumers of fresh pears had lower intakes of total, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and added sugars
Summary
Fruit, which is defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) as a nutrient-dense food [1] is part of a healthy diet [2]. Most Americans fail to meet this relatively modest level of fruit intake [4,5]. Consumption of fruit, as part of an overall healthy diet, has been inversely associated with cardiovascular disease [6,10,11], type 2 diabetes [6,12,13], metabolic syndrome [14], and some types of cancer [6,12,13]. Many of the health benefits seen may be due to these nutrients or to the phytochemicals found in fruit, especially in pears [21,22,23]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
