BEN ALBERT

Food Pyramid no 'miracle' but offers health benefits

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Posted: 8/7/08

Remember those oh so informative health classes back in middle school? Sure, you laughed every time the teacher said "penis," but do you remember the food pyramid? Looking back now, I should have suspected that something was wrong with it. Our so-called nutrition expert, also known as the P.E. teacher, explained how pizza makes a healthy meal because it includes ingredients from all the major food groups.

Although it's easy to pick on the P.E. teacher for grossly misinforming us, I know it's not really his fault. What he was teaching us was based on a flawed food pyramid made by the USDA. The pyramid was not even based on the latest research when it was released in 1992 and has remained unchanged in subsequent years.

Many also believe the original food pyramid was made by the USDA with a hidden agenda aimed at economic gain by emphasizing the consumption of foods produced by the United States, such as grains. Grains formed the foundation of the old pyramid, and the USDA suggested that we eat up to a whopping 11 servings a day.

The old pyramid did not make any kind of differentiation between refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a slew of health problems including diabetes, and the healthy whole grains that should be a diet staple.

"There was also confusion about serving size," says registered dietician Lisa Kobs, an education program specialist in the office of food and nutrition. "The old pyramid didn't include physical activity."

We could continue to ridicule the utter failure that is the old food pyramid, but let us focus on a pyramid that really does provide a healthy guideline for eating.

"The Healthy Eating Pyramid" developed by the Harvard School of Public Health is greatly supported by a vast array of scientific research and lacks any hidden agendas. The first major deviation it makes from the old pyramid is the positioning of daily exercise and weight control at the base of the pyramid in order to emphasize its importance.

The next level on the pyramid consists of whole grains, healthy fats and oils and fruits and vegetables. The pyramid suggests you eat only whole grains as your primary carbohydrate source. Examples include brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat bread.

The new pyramid also includes healthy fats and oils on the second level, which is a drastic change from the old pyramid. This change is based on many studies that show the health benefits imparted by unsaturated fats. These healthy unsaturated fats are found in nuts, vegetable oils and fish. Saturated fats should be avoided and are found in all types of foods, ranging from red meat to whole milk.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, Mom still knows best. You should shoot for nine servings a day.

According to the pyramid, you only need to eat one to two servings of meat and the new pyramid specifies that it comes from poultry, fish or eggs and not from red meat.

It also says to get one to three servings of nuts or legumes as these are a cholesterol free source of protein. One to two servings of dairy a day will meet your calcium needs and these servings should come from low fat products such as skim milk and low fat yogurt. At the very tip of the pyramid are refined grains, butter, juices, salt and red meat. These foods are in the smallest part of the pyramid because they should be eaten rarely.

Now all you have to do to avoid getting every disease known to man and obtain ripped abs is follow the eating guidelines set forth by the pyramid. Well, it's not a miracle worker, but according to Kobs, "It is good as long as people follow it."

Following the guidelines of the Healthy Eating Pyramid will help you live a longer, healthier life. More information about the Healthy Eating Food Pyramid can be found at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/index.html.

- Ben Albert is a staff writer for The Red & Black majoring in Nutrition Science.