BETHESDA, Md., March 3 (UPI) -- Despite their different methodologies, three leading dietary guides agree people should stay away from sugar and solid fat, U.S. researchers say.
National Cancer Institute researchers find essential recommendations of the three leading dietary guides -- the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's DASH Eating Plan; and Harvard's Healthy Eating Pyramid -- are basically consistent.
Although derived from different types of research, the plans all advise to eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains; to eat less added sugar and saturated fat; and to emphasize plant oils.
Differences in the dietary plans were seen in the types of recommended vegetables and protein sources and the amount of recommended dairy products and total oil. Overall nutrient values were also similar for most nutrients, except vitamin A, vitamin E and calcium.
"The evidence base for optimal diets continues to evolve. However, inherent in these guides is a pattern of eating that focuses on nutrient-rich foods and limited calories from added sugar and solid fat," the researchers say in a statement.
The findings are published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
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