The food pyramid is one of the references for healthy nutritional habits, although it has undergone variations over the years, the result of new scientific evidence. Our partners in Peques and more realize the latest reviews and proposals for changes for the food pyramid.
From the Review, Study and Positioning Group of the Spanish Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists (GREP-AEDN), discuss the review of some points of the pyramids. They offer some recommendations that affect the position occupied so far by some foods, for the benefit of health.
Let's see what are the possible changes to the food pyramid, according to nutrition experts, regarding the position in the pyramid and other recommendations that must be taken into account for a healthy lifestyle.
Proposed changes to the food pyramid
The first change proposed by the GREP-AEDN is at the base of the pyramid, since they are in favor of it being occupied by fruits, vegetables and vegetables, instead of cereals (together with their derivatives and tubers).
The reason for this change would be that vegetables are the only foods that so far have shown evidence in the prevention of chronic diseases and that are also consumed less than necessary, as we do not reach the recommended amount of five servings of fruits and Vegetables a day.
Instead, the cereals that until now occupied the first step would change to the next position. Studies have shown that not all cereals (like many of those marketed for breakfast) are so healthy and that the degree of refinement of cereals has an inverse association with cardiovascular health.
In relation to cereals, the consumption of whole grains and of some cereals unknown to us such as millet (of African origin).
As always, the message towards healthy eating does not remain in the pyramid and the population must be made aware that it is necessary to be prudent and decrease consumption of trans and saturated fats and increase the consumption of whole grains and their derived products. It is important to recognize "good fats," such as olive oil and nuts.
Water, of paramount importance in the children's diet, remains at the base of the pyramid and excludes any type of alcoholic beverage.
Legumes would be in the same position as cereals, in fact we take them twice a week.
As for dairy products, a clear division is established between milk, yogurts, fresh cheeses on the one hand and cured cheese, which is a fatty protein food, on the other. Similarly, it should be reported that these foods are not the only sources of calcium, since green leafy vegetables, nuts, sesame seeds and sardines are rich in this mineral.
Animal protein can be included weekly but not necessarily consume these products daily: meat (preferably poultry), fish, eggs, cured cheese. And finally (at the apex) all unnecessary foods are placed, and also not very suitable for health care, such as pastries, snacks, sweets ...
As we see, advances in research suggest modifications to the current food pyramid, something that we will see soon put into practice or at least spread with new images of these healthy pyramids.
