The analysis examined the association between dried fruit consumption and body weight and waist circumference in adults 19 years old and older, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2004. For the purposes of the analysis, dried fruit eaters were defined as those eating greater than or equal to one-eighth (1/8) cup of fruit equivalent per day either out of hand or contained as an ingredient within other foods.
"The results of this analysis showed a lower prevalence of obesity, specifically abdominal obesity, among adults who consumed dried fruit as compared to those who did not eat dried fruit," said lead researcher Debra Keast, Ph.D., President of Food and Nutrition Database Research Inc.