The food pyramid is taught in schools throughout the country. The traditional food pyramid concept has been around since 1992 and since then has had different forms and now has different pyramids for different diets. The traditional pyramid presented its recommendations in food-group servings and aimed to combat rising U.S. obesity rates. In 2005, the pyramid was revised, according to the USDA. The pyramid nutrition concept is designed to teach people how to eat properly. The pyramid concept still is needed because research continues to show that Americans typically eat poor diets, with chronic disease rates still rising. According to a 2005 article in the "Journal of Applied Physiology," overwhelming evidence from a variety of sources links most chronic diseases seen in the world today to physical inactivity and unhealthy diet.
Function
Pyramids are designed to outline various food groups and food choices that form the foundation of a healthy diet, according to MayoClinic.com. Pyramids can exist in two forms. The government pyramid is on its side and places the individual foods into groups. Other pyramids are stacked, and each level up, the number of servings decreases. The Mayo Clinic website says a pyramid is an easy way to show how the pieces of a healthy diet fit together, with the base of the pyramid made up of foods that should be the foundation or bulk of the diet.
USDA Pyramid
According to Medline Plus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a revised food guide pyramid in 2005 in response to rising obesity rates. The new pyramid is called "MyPyramid" and is placed on its side, encouraging consumers to choose foods geared to calorie needs. Medline Plus also says the new pyramid adds regular exercise to the plan. The groups are arranged vertically instead of stacked like a traditional pyramid. The pyramid is also color coded and includes orange for grains, green for vegetables, red for fruits, yellow for oils, blue for milk and dairy, and purple for meats and beans.
Other Types of Pyramids
The MayoClinic.com says different pyramids use the same general principles of healthy eating, but display different food choices based on dietary preferences, food availability and cultural eating patterns. According to the Mayo Clinic website, pyramids exist for Asian, Latin American, Mediterranean and vegetarian diets, among others.
Considerations
The Harvard School of Public Health says the "MyPyramid" created by the USDA in 2005 is simply the older pyramid turned on its side. It adds that the government pyramid is based on out-of-date science and influenced by people with business interests. The faculty of the Harvard Nutrition department created their own pyramid that they say is based on science and is free from business interests. The Harvard pyramid places exercise and weight control at the foundation and builds up with fruit, vegetables, oils, grains, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds. On the top levels, the pyramid places milk and dairy products, meat, potatoes and other American staples.
Expert Insight
Food pyramids can help educate consumers on what foods are healthy. However, sources such as Harvard say pyramids can be influenced by business groups, thereby compromising their objectivity and credibility. Several types of pyramids are available, and the best way to find the correct form is to study several and find that is right for you as well as healthy. Generally speaking, diets that include larger amounts of fruit and vegetables are healthier than diets that emphasize processed foods and animal products.
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