One Brooklyn
July 16, 2020
“Yesterday, the US Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released its official 2020 scientific report, which will inform the pending ‘2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.’ The report is, in one regard, a big win. The Committee acknowledged, after reviewing the latest research, something I have long-known and long-championed: Plant-based eating is the most healthful dietary pattern in preventing chronic diseases.
“Although the report cautions against red and processed meat products, it still green-lights lean meats, poultry, and fish. Additionally, while the report warns that dairy is the number one source of saturated fat in Americans’ diets, it ignores the risks associated with the consumption of low-fat dairy products. Dairy consumption is linked to asthma, certain cancers, and the ill-effects of lactose intolerance. When trusted sources ignore the science, we run the risk of falsely incentivizing ‘healthy choices,’ which can be, at best, confusing to the public and, at worst, deadly. In addition, we must consider the environmental implications of such guidelines. We know that following a plant-based diet results in a much lower carbon footprint than diets involving meat or dairy products.
“What we need instead are clear messages based on the truth: In order to maintain personal and planetary health, individuals need to eat a variety of plants — vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds — not meat, and not dairy.”
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