While the federal government is pushing red meat consumption these days, the American Heart Association remains committed to recommending limited meat consumption, according to its newly polished food guidelines.
The federal guidelines highlight animal sources like eggs, dairy, poultry, seafood, and meat as “safe and high-quality options,” offered alongside plant proteins. The AHA, on the other hand, recommends shifting from meat to plant sources (legumes and nuts) and seafood, with guidance to limit red meat and choose lean cuts if consumed,” reports Mindbodygreen.com.
Two other major areas of disagreement emerge as well, Mindbodygreen.com reports.
“The federal guidelines moved away from low-fat recommendations and gave full-fat dairy its own spotlight, acknowledging it as a nutritious source of protein, fats, calcium, and fat-soluble vitamins.
“The AHA continues to recommend selecting low-fat or fat-free dairy products instead of full-fat options, citing the benefit of shifting dietary patterns toward higher unsaturated-to-saturated fat ratios.” it says.
And regarding alcohol consumption, “the federal guidelines say ‘drink less alcohol for better overall health.’ The AHA takes it a step further: don’t start if you don’t already drink, and if you do, limit intake. The AHA also explicitly recommends avoiding alcohol for blood pressure management,” it reports.
So who do you believe — doctors or politicians — when it comes to the healthiest way to eat?
To read more about the AHA’s new guidelines, just click here. To review the federal guidelines, click here.
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