Pears listed as top fiber source in new Dietary Guidelines
Pears listed as top fiber source in new Dietary Guidelines
PORTLAND, OR " Eating just one juicy fresh pear with the skin is a good way to obtain a good portion of the recommended daily fiber requirements, according to the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
At about the size of a tennis ball, one medium-sized pear has nearly five grams of fiber or about 17 percent of the recommended daily intake for most adults.
Released in January, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans make it clear: Wiser food choices for weight control and better health are needed. Specifically singling out fiber as lacking in the average American diet, the guidelines recommend significantly increasing fiber consumption and eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
In fact, the new guidelines recommend eating more fruits and vegetables than any other food group " five cups, about 10 servings per day for starters.
Although grains are often touted for their fiber, pears actually provide more fiber per serving than most whole-grain foods and many fruits. Providing nearly 17 percent of the new guidelines? daily fiber recommendation of 28 grams per 2,000-calorie intake, pears are the first fruit listed in the guidelines? appendix of top fiber sources.
The fiber in pears is divided almost equally between soluble fiber, predominantly pectin, and insoluble fiber. Fiber does not contribute calories and is a necessary part of a healthy diet. Fiber is the ultimate "something for nothing." Not only does fiber encourage healthy digestive function, it helps reduce cholesterol levels. Recent research also shows that eating more fiber can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as well as Type 2 diabetes. In addition, consuming more fiber increases satiety, helping to reduce overall caloric intake.
Consumers interested in learning more about U.S. pears can receive a free informational brochure from the Pear Bureau Northwest that offers comprehensive pear nutrition information, and easy suggestions on how consumers can start making healthy choices throughout their day. For information, visit www.usapears.org.
At about the size of a tennis ball, one medium-sized pear has nearly five grams of fiber or about 17 percent of the recommended daily intake for most adults.
Released in January, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans make it clear: Wiser food choices for weight control and better health are needed. Specifically singling out fiber as lacking in the average American diet, the guidelines recommend significantly increasing fiber consumption and eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
In fact, the new guidelines recommend eating more fruits and vegetables than any other food group " five cups, about 10 servings per day for starters.
Although grains are often touted for their fiber, pears actually provide more fiber per serving than most whole-grain foods and many fruits. Providing nearly 17 percent of the new guidelines? daily fiber recommendation of 28 grams per 2,000-calorie intake, pears are the first fruit listed in the guidelines? appendix of top fiber sources.
The fiber in pears is divided almost equally between soluble fiber, predominantly pectin, and insoluble fiber. Fiber does not contribute calories and is a necessary part of a healthy diet. Fiber is the ultimate "something for nothing." Not only does fiber encourage healthy digestive function, it helps reduce cholesterol levels. Recent research also shows that eating more fiber can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as well as Type 2 diabetes. In addition, consuming more fiber increases satiety, helping to reduce overall caloric intake.
Consumers interested in learning more about U.S. pears can receive a free informational brochure from the Pear Bureau Northwest that offers comprehensive pear nutrition information, and easy suggestions on how consumers can start making healthy choices throughout their day. For information, visit www.usapears.org.
