BEYOND THE FOOD PYRAMID
The USDA Food Pyramid was updated in 2005, but many still contend that its structure is influenced by huge agricultural industries with deep pockets (such as the corn and dairy folks). This still outdated pyramid ignores the quality of foods and does not even mention food production or the value of organic versus processed foods and ignores the harmful effects of processed foods on people.
Here are other somewhat misleading food pyramid suggestions:
Saturated Fats play many important roles in the body. They provide integrity to the cell membrane, enhance the body's use of essential fatty acids, enhance the immune system, protect the liver and contribute to strong bones. Saturated fats do not cause heart disease. In fact, saturated fats are the preferred food for the heart. Your body makes saturated fats out of carbohydrates.
Eat Low Cholesterol Foods
Dietrary Cholesterol contributes to the strength of the intestinal wall and helps babies and children develop a healthy brain and nervous system. Foods that contain cholesterol also provide many other important nutrients. Only oxidized cholesterol, found in powdered milk and eggs, contributes to heart disease. Powdered mild is added to 1% and 2% milk.
Polyunsaturated Oils are Healthy
Polyunsaturates in more than small amounts contribute to cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, learning disabilities, intestinal problems and premature aging. Large amounts of polyunsaturated fats are new to the human diet, due to the modern use of commercial liquid vegetable oils.
Avoid Red Meat
Red Meat is a rich source of nutrients that protect the heart and nervous system including vitamins B12 and B6, zinc, phosphorus, carnitine and Coenzyme Q10.
Cut Back on Eggs
Eggs are nature's perfect food, providing excellent protein, the gamut of nutrients and important fatty acids that contribute to the health of the brain and nervous system. Americans had less heart disease when they ate more eggs. Egg substitutes cause rapid death in test animals.
Eat Lean Meat and Drink Low Fat Milk
Lean Meat and Low Fat Milk lack fat soluble vitamins needed to assimilate protein and minerals in meat and milk. Consumption of low-fat foods can lead to depletion of vitamin A and D reserves.
Limit Fat Consumption to 30% of Calories
30% Calories as Fat is too low for most people, leading to low blood sugar and fatigue. Traditional diets contained 40% to 80% of calories as healthy fats, mostly of animal origin.
Eat 6-11 Servings of Grains Per Day
Most Grain Products are made from white flour, which is devoid of nutrients. Additives in white flour can cause vitamin deficiencies. Whole grain products can cause mineral deficiencies and intestinal problems unless properly prepared.
Restrict Salt
Salt is crucial to digestion and assimilation. Salt is also necessary for the development and functioning of the nervous system. Science has since found out that there is no reason for a person with normal blood pressure to restrict their salt intake.
At Least 5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables Per Day
Fruits and Vegetables receive an average of 10 applications of pesticides, from seed to storage. Consumers should seek out organic produce. Quality counts!
Eat More Soy Foods
Modern Soy Foods block mineral absorption, inhibit protein digestion, depress thyroid function and contain potent carcinogens.
Some of the foods presented as unhealthy by the USDA are some of the same foods that provide important nutrients, that people present the most deficiencies in.
The topics above will be presented in upcoming Feeding Grounds workshops.
