FDA Boosts Pears' Fiber Content Rating

FDA recently published new fiber levels for pears. Although the fruit already had a high fiber rating at 4 grams per serving and was a top-recommended fruit by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, FDA now rates a medium pear--about the size of a tennis ball--at 6 grams of fiber per serving. This represents about 24% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for most adults, up from a previous rating of 17%.

Pear Bureau Northwest, Milwaukie, OR (http://www.usapears.org/), worked with FDA to amend the nutrition labeling regulations of the 20 most commonly consumed raw fruits, vegetables and fish in the United States. The new regulations will officially take effect as of Jan. 2007. In addition to the increased fiber content, pears now have higher ratings for potassium, carbohydrates, protein and calcium:

A diet that includes adequate fiber intake encourages healthy digestive function, helps reduce cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fiber can also increase satiety. A June 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association connected low fiber and fruit intake with an increased risk of weight gain and obesity (see http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822306003129/abstract).