Dec 23, 2019

Blueberries are dietitians’ most-recommend fruit

A new survey revealed that blueberries are the No. 1 recommended fruit recommended by dieticians.

The survey from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with Today’s Dietitian magazine, found that 86% of the surveyed registered dieticians (RDs) said they recommend blueberries frequently or always. Other fruits that were often recommended include strawberries (82%), apples (81%) and oranges (72%).

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council President Kasey Cronquist said the council was committed to working with RDs.

“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,” he said.

Other survey findings note:

• 88% of surveyed RDs note blueberries are rich in vitamins and minerals.
• 85% recognize one cup as a good source of fiber.
• 78% note blueberries contain plant polyphenols.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Registered Dietitian Survey was conducted by Today’s Dietitian in July 2019 with participation from 201 registered dietitians across America, using an online survey.

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.

In 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.”

For more information on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s health professional programs, please visit ushbc.org/health.

Established in 2000, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. Learn more at ushbc.org.

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