June 12, 2003
NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS
"Nutrition news is important. We help you understand it!"

Today's Topic: Pyramid Power

Many countries and some health organizations have developed their own
food guide pyramids. Most are strikingly similar. Grain products
form the basis for all healthy diet recommendations. Too many calories (from
whatever source) and not enough physical activity are the cause of
overweight. The U.S. pyramid shows 6-11 servings of carbohydrates as
its base. Most people don't know that this is a range of intake based
on differing calorie needs.

Fruits and vegetables generally make up the next largest part of all
pyramids. A minimum of five servings daily is recommended, but some
health groups are now urging nine helpings per day. Beans, other
legumes and nuts are also part of most pyramids. Dairy and meat
products are still recommended in most food pyramids with three
servings of dairy to provide adequate calcium. At the top are sugars
and fats which should be consumed in small amounts.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Food guide pyramids are
useful approximations for dietary intake over time. Your caloric
needs determine the number of servings in each category. It is
important to remember that many foods are combinations providing
servings from more than one food category. Some pyramids include
physical activity, water, and alcoholic beverages in their
recommendations. Remember that a pyramid is a 3-dimensional shape so
the foods at the bottom should be eaten in much larger amounts than
those near the top.


(This story originally appeared in Nutrition News Focus on
March 23, 1999.)