Author
|
Submitted to: Cereal Foods World
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/6/2006 Publication Date: 5/1/2006 Citation: Kahlon, T.S. May-June 2006. The New Food Guide Pyramid: Recommendations on Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables. Cereal Foods World. 51(3):104-107. Interpretive Summary: New Food Guide Pyramid recommends controlling the caloric consumption from all food groups for males and females depending upon their age and physical activity level. One needs to get the most nutrition out of the calories consumed, maintain an active life style and maintain body weight at a healthy level. Physical activity of moderate to vigorous of 30-60 minutes/day is recommended for healthy living. The milk consumption for males and females at all of the above age groups is 3 cups per day for healthy strong bones. The American population needs to increase the consumption of grains, fruits and vegetables 20-25% and that of dietary fiber 40-50%. Technical Abstract: New Food Guide Pyramid recommends controlling the caloric consumption from all food groups for males and females depending upon their age and physical activity level. There is emphasis on meeting 100% of the nutrient needs for protein, vitamins and minerals while controlling the amounts of fat, cholesterol and sodium. In the males, the recommended consumption at 4-5, 16-18 and 66-90 years of age is 1600, 3200 and 2200-2400 calories, respectively. In the females, the appropriate intake at 5-6, 14-30 and 61-90 years is 1600, 2400 and 1800-2000 calories, respectively. Physical activity of moderate to vigorous of 30-60 minutes/day is recommended for healthy living. The milk consumption for males and females at all of the above age groups is 3 cups per day for healthy strong bones. One-half of the grain consumption is recommended to be from whole grains, to increase the dietary fiber intake and to derive benefit from nutrients present in the bran and the germ. Regular consumption of whole grains, fresh fruits and deeply colored vegetables has been linked to keeping ideal body weight, healthy bowel function and lowered risk of premature degenerative diseases. Grains should provide 60% of the calories, mainly as complex carbohydrates. American population needs to increase the consumption of grains, fruits and vegetables 20-25% and that of dietary fiber 40-50%. One needs to get most nutrition out of the calories consumed, maintain active life style and maintain body weight at a healthy level. |
