All dieticians and food specialists around the world have a wish to design balanced diet, a single dish that would cater all needs of human body and keep a person fit all the times. Researchers have suggested many regimes but none so far has been as good as food pyramid.
This brilliant idea was given by Ann-Britt Agnsater to the world when she visualized the food guide in the form of a pyramid for a co-operative test kitchen while in Sweden. It took only a short period to conquer Europe. The whole world realized the importance latter on of this simple dietary tool towards community health. It is proven to be a boon for people seeking weight loss help
Doctors and nutritionists had been searching for a simple visualization tool which will be easy to use and still provide advice on a “balanced diet”. A balanced diet is one which supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and roughage in the right quantities which are needed to maintain good health.
The Department of agriculture is the nodal agency on food and nutrition in the Unites States. The food pyramid version given by this nodal agency is most popular reference today than any other versions. The food pyramid version of US Agriculture department includes personalized dietary advices with quantities of calories taken based on weight, sex, age and height of a human.
The food pyramid is divided into six parts. The far left contains grains; the minimum recommended value for grains is three ounces. For these, it is best to choose “whole grains,” or grains rich in fiber or roughage. The next category contains leafy greens, orange vegetables, and beans. Next is fruit. Here, whole fruits are preferred over fruit juices.
Next are oils. It is advised that a combination of low cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acid containing oils be used. Next is milk and milk products like cheese. Last division is of meat and beans which are rich sources of proteins. It is advised that combination of lean meat and beans be included in diet, and they be baked, broiled or grilled instead of fried.
Nutritionists/dietitians strived for a perfect diet plan. Researchers tried to get to the food pyramid without success. The food guide given by Ann-Britt Agnsater of proved to be a boon for people seeking weight loss help. Doctors/nutritionists want a simple visualization to recommend “balanced diet” which supplies carbohydrates/proteins/fats/vitamins/minerals, and roughage in the right quantities. The federal government’s version of the pyramid helps in dietary advice based on factors such as body weigh/gender/age/ height. It is advised that combination of lean meat/beans be included in diet, and they be baked/broiled/grilled instead of fried. Planning the components of your food will ensure you that lungs/heart/liver/ pituitary glands and hypothalamus are functioning correctly.
- Jeff Svoboda