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PEORIA, Ill. (WCIA) — The people who shape what the government recommends that people should and should not eat have a fresh take. They made suggestions on improving health, but they left some questions unanswered.
A 20-person group from Dietary Guidelines for Americans combed through different research to set their standards. The panel said people should cut back on starchy vegetables like potatoes or peas.
The report also said meats like lamb, beef and pork all raise your risk of heart disease and you should limit them. One dietician said there are negative results if red meat is on your plate.
“Red meat in and of itself does offer up a lot of nutrients,” said dietician Jeanna Rich. “However, the downside is eating a larger quantity of these types of meat can actually [have] a carcinogenic effect inside the body. And it’s also about choosing the red meat appropriately and portion sizes as well.”
Rich suggests adding vegetables or plant proteins to at least partially replace red meat. She also said participating in Meatless Mondays is another good way to reduce your intake.
The researchers did not make a definitive statement on ultra-processed foods, however. The panel said the evidence was not strong enough to say for sure about the effects these have on a person’s health.