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Dried Fruit Intake May Make for a Better Diet
Posted Nov 17, 2009
Data recently presented
at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in
Denver suggest that raisin and dried fruit consumption are associated with
better overall eating patterns and nutrient intake. In addition, dried fruit
consumption was found to be associated with lower body weight measures.
The analysis, funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board, examined the
association between dried fruit consumption and overall diet quality and body
weight in adults (19 + years) using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999 to 2004. Dried fruit "consumers" were defined
as those consuming greater than or equal to one-eight (1/8) cup of fruit per day
from dried fruit (eaten out of hand or contained in foods).
"The findings of this study indicate that people who consume dried fruit have
more nutrient-dense diets," said Debra Keast, Ph.D., President of Food &
Nutrition Database Research, Inc., and lead researcher of the study. "Dried
fruit consumers derive important nutrients specifically from dried fruits, but
the consumption of other healthful foods, such as whole grains, nuts and seeds,
and even vegetables can also be encouraged by incorporating dried fruit into the
diet or cuisine. Whole grains or vegetable dishes that include raisins or other
dried fruit are more palatable. They are flavorful and delicious with less added
sugar or fat."
Dried fruit consumers showed statistically significant better overall diet
quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005), a standardized
government measurement tool designed to assess conformance to MyPyramid and the
2005 Dietary Guidelines. Those who consumed dried fruit ate more total fruit
than non-consumers and had significantly higher intakes of whole fruit, whole
grains and other food groups recommended by MyPyramid. In addition, dried fruit
consumers had significantly lower intake of solid fat, alcohol and added sugars
and significantly higher energy-adjusted intakes of dietary fiber, vitamin E,
calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Raisin consumers, specifically, were also found to have better overall diet
quality measures as compared to non-consumers and this makes sense given
raisins' nutritional profile. Raisins are both fat- and cholesterol -free, low
in sodium, and deliver fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
"The analysis contributes to the growing body of research supporting the
important benefits of raisins and their role, along with other dried fruits, in
healthy diets," said Keast. "Consumers who are choosing raisins as a healthy
snack are likely making other wise choices relative to the rest of their diets."
SOURCE California Raisin Marketing Board
Date: Oct 26, 2009
www.prnewswire.com
Copyright © 2009 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved
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