Food Politics and Policies

What if you found out the current food pyramid was biased because some of those responsible for our nutritional guidelines had ties to the meat and dairy industries? For real!

Two Committees deciding our nutrition

Committee one is generally run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  They are the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DAGC). They meet once every five years to decide the food pyramid standards. Committee two  determines what net level of nutrients we should consume (RDAs) .  They are the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences (FNB).  They meet every 5 years as well.  These committees provide information fundamental to the school lunch programs, hospital food programs, and the Women Infant and Children program.  They also decide the information on our food labels.

PCRM Studies Prove Different Recommendations than USDA Committee

There were studies done by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) proving that “Vegetarian diets are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and can meet Recommended Dietary Allowances for nutrients.” But the committee removed the recommendation altogether and stated instead, “If you avoid all foods from any of the five food groups, seek guidance to help ensure that you get all the nutrients you need.” (see pg. 6 of this link under Build a Healthy Base – Let the Food Pyramid Guide Your Food Choices). “This remark implies that people who consume a vegetarian or vegan diet are at greater risk of not getting enough vitamins and minerals.  Such statement is not supported by the scientific evidence, is therefore unnecessary, and must be removed”, stated Dr. Neal Dr. Barnard, founder of the PCRM.

The PCRM successfully sued the USDA and the courts ruled against the USDA’s secrecy and conflict of interest when setting policies.  (see also: Physicians Group Sues USDA Over Dietary Guidelines)  The current USDA Food Pyramid Guide stays in place until the new one is decided on this year.  What do you think about that?

Dr. David Pimentel, Professor of Ecology at Cornell University, stated in lecture, “For Vegans who don’t eat any milk or eggs, the energy consumption is reduced by 50% compared to the conventional consumption by people in the U.S.”  Vegetarians reduce energy consumption by 33%.  We so rock the environment! That saves more energy than driving a hybrid!

Check it out (if you find more, please do share):

Why plant-based nutrition? (t. Colin Campbell Foundation)

Huffington Post Article- Attention Athletes: Eat Your Vegetables (Rip Esselstyn author – The Engine 2 Diet)

Milk The Deadly Poison – Robert Cohen (Hard Copy video interview- at 50 sec. shares  sources higher in calcium).