A new survey of 201 U.S.-based registered dietitians (RDs) revealed that blueberries are their No. 1 recommended fruit. The survey from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with Today’s Dietitian, found that 86% of the surveyed RDs said they recommend blueberries frequently or always. The other fruits making the top of the list were strawberries, apples and oranges.
“We’re committed to working with RDs because they’re at the forefront of making a positive difference in the health of Americans by providing science-based dietary and lifestyle recommendations,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “It’s part of the mission of the USHBC to continuously investigate the role blueberries may play in promoting good health, and it’s encouraging to see that research is reflected by the health professional community.”
Other survey findings show that 88% of surveyed RDs say that blueberries are rich in vitamins and minerals; 85% recognize one cup as a good source of fiber; and 78% note blueberries contain plant polyphenols.
This comes on the heels of new research published earlier this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found participants with metabolic syndrome who consumed the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries showed clinically relevant changes in measures of heart health. Not long before that, USHBC announced that blueberries now are certified as heart-healthy through the American Heart Association Heart-Check Food Certification Program®.
Looking ahead to 2020, USHBC will continue prioritizing health professionals as an influential audience improving the health of Americans by sharing the science-backed ways fresh and frozen blueberries can impact a healthy diet and further encourage consumers to include blueberries in their daily eating habits. USHBC’s 2020 Health Professionals Communications Plan includes a robust earned-media program, sponsorship of the Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium, a partnership with the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and continued work with USHBC’s roster of consumer health ambassadors, “The Blue Crew.”
