USDA releases guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption
USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.
The new guidelines focus on balancing calories with physical activity and encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars and refined grains, according to USDA.
The dietary guidelines have long recommended that Americans consume more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but 2010’s “make half your plate fruits and vegetables” message is the strongest and most compelling to ever come out of USDA and HHS about fruits and vegetables. The “half-a-plate” visual lets Americans know exactly how to picture the amount of fruits and vegetables they should eat at every meal, according to United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA).
“By making an overarching recommendation like ‘half a plate,’ the guidelines provide clearer guidance to Americans that, no matter what their age or calorie intake requirement, everyone needs to strive to have fruits and vegetables make up half of what they eat at each meal,” said Lorelei DiSogra, UFPA’s vice president of nutrition and health. “The 2010 Dietary Guidelines really put fruits and vegetables front and center as a critical step toward creating a healthier America.”
USDA and HHS developed and issued the 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in a joint effort mandated by Congress. The guidelines form the basis of nutrition education programs, federal nutrition assistance programs such as school meals programs and Meals on Wheels programs for seniors, and dietary advice provided by health professionals.
The 2010 guidelines are available here.