The Healthy Eating Pyramid Essay Example
The Healthy Eating Pyramid Essay Example

The Healthy Eating Pyramid Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (501 words)
  • Published: March 8, 2022
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Utilizing the Food Guide Pyramid, food labels, and DRI's for a healthy diet

The Food Guide Pyramid is an important resource for understanding proper nutrition. It assists individuals in selecting the appropriate quantities of food from the four main food groups to fulfill their nutritional needs. The pyramid is divided into four sections that provide recommendations on recommended intake amounts. For example, the upper section advises restricting sugar, fats, and oils consumption, while the second level recommends consuming 2-3 servings of proteins, calcium, iron, and zinc.

The third level of the food pyramid suggests eating 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins, minerals, and fibers. The base section of the pyramid recommends consuming 6-11 servings of grain-based foods. To comply with the law, companies must include standardized nutrition information on their packaging through food labels.

Wallace (2012) suggests that food product labels should contain various details to a

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ssist consumers in understanding the food and determining appropriate serving sizes. These include information on ingredients, nutrition facts, daily values, nutrient claims, and health claims. Additionally, Wallace (2012) explains that the Dietary Reference Intake serves as a guide for recommended energy and nutrient intake among healthy individuals. Its purpose is to prevent nutrient deficiencies and minimize the chances of developing nutrient-related diseases.

These dietary recommendations cover a range of factors, including energy requirements, weight management, physical activity, encouragement of food groups, and food safety. By following these guidelines, individuals can achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The measures included in these recommendations are the Estimated Average Requirement, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level, Estimated Energy Requirements, and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range.

What is the difference between macronutrient

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and micronutrients? In comparison to micronutrients that are needed in smaller amounts,micronutrients are required in larger quantities. While macronutrients provide sufficient energy for the body,micronutrients play a vital role in detoxification and protecting against diseases. Macronutrients consist of protein, carbohydrates,and fats while Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals.

The impacts of consuming excessive or insufficient amounts of both Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

As per recommended dietary guidelines, it is advised to consume larger quantities of macronutrients in comparison to micronutrients (Bierenbaum, 1974). Insufficient intake of micronutrients can result in age-related conditions such as cancer caused by mitochondrial decay. Conversely, excessive consumption of micronutrients can lead to various health issues including bleeding, blurred vision, birth defects, heart diseases, and liver diseases. Similarly, the overconsumption of macronutrients can cause unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of heart diseases. On the other hand, inadequate consumption of macronutrients can lead to illnesses like kwashiorkor, heart diseases, and fatigue.

References

  1. Wallace, T. (2012). Dietary Reference Intakes and Nutrition Labeling: Updating the Daily Values for Vitamins and Minerals. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 31(4), 233-238.
  2. Bierenbaum, M. (1974). To diet or not to diet and what diet? American Heart Journal, 87(3), 401-402.
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