Feds Could Change The Way We View Sugar, Salt And Meat

WASHINGTON (AP) — For years, the government has told Americans to eat their vegetables. A rewrite of the government's dietary guidelines could include some new advice, too, on sugar, salt, meat and caffeine. Whether individuals listen or not, the dietary guidelines affect nutritional patterns throughout the country — from federally subsidized school lunches to labels on food packages to your doctor's advice. They also form the basis for the government's "My Plate" icon, which replaced the food pyramid a few years ago. A government advisory committee made up of medical and nutrition experts is set to issue preliminary recommendations this month. It indicated in draft recommendations circulated in December that it may suggest some changes in current dietary advice. The secretaries of the Agriculture and Health and Human Services Departments will take those recommendations into account as they craft the final 2015 guidelines, expected by the end of the year. Five things to watch for as the government begins writing the new guidelines: REAL LIMITS ON SUGAR The 2010 dietary guidelines recommended generally reducing caloric intake from sugars added during food processing or preparation. Those added sugars act the same in the body as naturally occurring sugars, but generally add empty calories. In its draft recommendations, this year's advisory committee is suggesting specific limit...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news