The Food Pyramid
The food pyramid is a la piramide alimentare representation of the nutritional standards that are recommended daily for a healthy diet. Its shape immediately suggests that certain foods should be eaten more often and others should be consumed less frequently. This is true for all foods, but it’s especially true of fats and sweets. The food pyramid also recommends that you drink enough fluids, such as water and tea.
The first food pyramid was created in 1974 in Sweden and later became a popular international health symbol. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced its version of the food pyramid in 1992, and it has been revised several times. The latest, called MyPyramid, was released in 2005.
Esplorando la Piramide Alimentare: Guida alla Nutrizione Equilibrata
Most people can easily understand the food pyramid because it shows what a healthy eating pattern looks like. For example, the bottom of the pyramid is made up of bread, cereals, rice and pasta — all foods that contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a good source of energy for the body, and they help keep the blood sugar steady.
Next comes vegetables and fruits, which are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Then there are meat, fish and eggs and dairy products. The tip of the pyramid is filled with fats, oils and sweets — foods that should be consumed in small amounts.
However, it’s not clear whether the food pyramid has been successful in conveying healthy eating recommendations. Some critics say that the pyramid is too simple and doesn’t give people a variety of choices. Other critics say the USDA has been trying to please agricultural and meat industries, which have powerful lobbyists in Washington.