New Dietary Guidelines Suggest Eating More Beans, Peas, and Lentils
Plant-Based Proteins and Whole Grains Emphasized in Upcoming Guidelines
A new report from an advisory committee to the Agriculture Department suggests potential updates to U.S. dietary guidelines. The guidelines, which are changed on a five-year schedule, are expected to go into effect next year.
Emphasis on Plant-Based Proteins and Whole Grains
The report proposes that the updated guidelines, which would remain in effect into 2030, should emphasize plant-based proteins and encourage people to eat more whole grains and decrease their intake of sugary drinks, sodium, and processed foods.
"There’s strong evidence to suggest that a dietary pattern that is high in beans, peas, and lentils is associated with lower chronic disease risk," said the advisory committee’s vice chair, Angela Odoms-Young, a professor of maternal and child nutrition at Cornell University.
Removing Beans, Peas, and Lentils from Vegetable Group
Under the current dietary guidelines, beans, peas, and lentils are categorized as both vegetables and protein foods. The new report proposes removing them from the vegetable group and putting them at the top of the list of protein foods to encourage people to eat more plant-based protein.
Link Between Processed Red Meat and Health Outcomes
Past research has established a link between diets high in processed red meat (products like bacon and hot dogs) and a greater risk of negative health outcomes, including cancer and dementia. Although questions linger about the health effects of unprocessed red meat, like home-cooked steaks or lamb chops, years of research and diet rankings consistently find a regimen commonly known as the Mediterranean diet to be the healthiest.
The Mediterranean Diet
That eating pattern is primarily plant-based, with multiple servings of fruits and vegetables daily, alongside whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and seafood. Red meats are eaten only occasionally. The diet has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and related conditions like obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Heart Disease and Reducing Meat Consumption
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Replacing some red and processed meats with plant-based protein sources could help address that, Odoms-Young said.
Sugary Drinks, Sodium, and Whole Grains
The report also recommends that people cut down on sugary drinks and sodium and increase their whole grain intake to make up 50% of all grains eaten. Consuming high amounts of sugar and salt, coupled with low amounts of whole grains, negatively affects health outcomes.
Conclusion
The proposed changes aim to make the guidelines more practical and accessible, taking into account differences in socioeconomic status and access to grocery stores. The report has been submitted to the Agriculture Department and the Department of Health and Human Services for review, and a 60-day public comment period is underway.
FAQs
Q: What are the proposed changes to the dietary guidelines?
A: The proposed changes emphasize plant-based proteins, whole grains, and decreasing consumption of sugary drinks, sodium, and processed foods.
Q: Why are beans, peas, and lentils being moved from the vegetable group to the protein group?
A: To encourage people to eat more plant-based protein and to recognize their high nutritional value.
Q: What is the Mediterranean diet, and how can I incorporate it into my daily routine?
A: The Mediterranean diet is a primarily plant-based eating pattern with multiple servings of fruits and vegetables daily, alongside whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and seafood. Try incorporating more plant-based protein sources and whole grains into your diet.
