Did you know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not changed its rules regarding foods that can be declared “healthy” on package labels? since 1994This basically means that the current regulatory definition of what constitutes a healthy ingredient or food does not reflect nearly 30 years worth of advances in health and nutrition science.? . But the FDA’s “health” standards appear to be undergoing a long-awaited change.
of The agency recently announced plans to propose “Update the suggested nutrient content claim definition of ‘healthy’ to be consistent with current nutritional science and federal dietary guidance.” Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020–2025), and updated nutrition facts table.
This new classification aims to focus more on the value of eating specific food groups, rather than trying to get individual nutrients.Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, Registered Dietitian and NOW Wellness Expert,I am excited.
“this is wonderful Move forward,” says Blatner. “The new definition focuses on actual food groups, which is what health care professionals are telling people to focus on for overall health. is not from individual nutrient intake, [from] It’s about eating food groups that have different nutrients working together. ”
Under the proposed rule, to qualify for the “healthy” label, a food must meet the following criteria, Blatner explains.
1. Must contain significant amounts of foods from at least one food group recommended by current dietary guidelines (vegetables, dairy, whole grains, etc.).
2. Must contain limited amounts of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.
Blatner also adds that the new label will no longer consider total fat and will include added sugar. “[This] instead of eating low fat eat the right kind of fat,” she says. Exceeding Added Sugar Recommendations”
Related: How to start eating more anti-inflammatory foods and why it’s so important
What is behind the proposed changes?
the point is No make grocery shopping and eating well It’s even more complicated. Rather, the goal is to educate and empower consumers—to be aware and make choices. nutritious and good for you Food becomes easier and eventually long healthy life.
“The proposed rule is part of the agency’s ongoing effort to help consumers improve their nutrition and eating patterns to reduce the burden of chronic disease and improve health equity.” FDA press release “Adopting the updated definition could help promote a healthier food supply if some manufacturers reconfigure or develop products that meet the updated definition. ”
The FDA is also working on creating a new “healthy” symbol to appear on food. It also aims to help consumers easily identify smart, nutritious choices.
Related: 3 Important Macronutrients to Eat Every Day (And How They Differ From Micronutrients)
So which foods are healthier, according to the FDA?
The good news is that the FDA is trying to catch up here. healthy and balanced diet upside down. Nor am I promoting a fad diet or a new list of trendy, expensive, and hard-to-pronounce superfoods.
In fact, it just confirms much of what we know with a visual stamp of approval. Already recognized as nutritious and healthyYou will be able to meet the newly created regulatory definition and literally use “healthy” claims on your packaging.
“Under the proposed definition, raw, whole fruits and vegetables automatically qualify for the ‘healthy’ claim because of their nutritional profile and positive contribution to an overall healthy diet.” I guess. ” FDA explains.
nuts, seeds, eggs, fatty fish (salmon, anchovies, albacore tuna, etc.), olive oil, low-sugar yogurt, and even bottled water will make a cutIn fact, according to the existing definition (also established in 1994!), Avocadofatty fish, and certain oils are technically No It’s eligible to claim a “healthy” label — something the proposed rule would fix. Conversely, foods that currently qualify for “healthy” claims—white bread, sugar-filled breakfast cereals, and yogurt—will no longer qualify.
“New Proposed Definition [would] Reinforces the solid nutrition advice we already provide. [That] Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry (with little or no added sugar, saturated fat, sodium). when cooked without) is a nutrient. “Dense foods that help us stay healthy,” Blatner says.
Related: The Top Superfoods to Stock Up on, According to Registered Dietitians
