Friedman Seminar - 2015 Dietary Guidelines
Updated Tuesday, February 2, 2016
This Friedman Seminar features Friedman Dean Dariush Mozaffarian and HNRCA scientist Alice Lichtenstein, presenting "The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - What Does Everyone Need to Know?" This seminar was held on January 27th, 2016.
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are to (1) follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan; (2) focus on variety, nutrient density and amount; (3) limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake; (4) shift to healthier food and beverage choices; and (5) support healthy eating patterns in all venues. Key recommendations include: (a) consume a healthy eating pattern that accounts for all foods and beverages within an appropriate calorie level; (b) a healthy eating pattern includes a variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups, fruits (especially whole fruits), grains (at least half of which are whole grains), fat-free or low-fat dairy (including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages), a variety of protein foods (including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes [beans and peas], and nuts, seeds and soy products), and oils; (c) a healthy eating pattern limits, saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars and sodium; (d) if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation and only by adults of legal drinking age; and (e) meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for American report has engendered considerably controversy within the scientific community. Issues underlying some of these controversies will be addressed.