The United States Ministry of Health has released the latest edition of its Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 2020 to help people in the United States make informed decisions about what they eat.

The guidelines set out evidence-based advice on food and nutrition for most Americans aged two years and older.

The five key guidelines:

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans contain the following five key guidelines:.

1. Follow a Healthy Dietary Pattern at Every Life Stage:

The guidelines recommend following a healthy dietary pattern throughout life to meet their nutritional needs, support a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A healthy dietary pattern includes:.

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages
A variety of protein sources, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products
Oils

2. Customize and Enjoy Nutrient-Dense Foods and Beverages:

The guidelines emphasize that nutrient-dense foods and beverages are crucial to ensure adequate nutrition within calorie limits and to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among all food groups, so as to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits. Vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended by the guidelines for some Americans based on specific life stage, sex, and/or health status.

3. Limit Foods and Beverages Higher in Added Sugars, Saturated Fat, and Sodium, and Limit Alcoholic Beverages:

The guidelines recommend limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcoholic beverages.

The guidelines suggest that Americans satisfy their appetite without overeating and consume nutrient-dense foods and beverages within calorie limits.

Saturated fats should make up less than 10 percent of daily caloric intake
Added sugars should make up no more than 10 percent of daily caloric intake
Sodium should be limited to less than 2,300 milligrams per day for adults
Alcoholic beverages, if consumed, should be consumed in moderation – up to one drink per day for women, and up to two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age

4.

Follow Healthy Eating Patterns Across the Lifespan:

The guidelines recommend following healthy eating patterns across the lifespan by meeting the nutrient needs within calorie limits, choosing foods and drinks in recommended amounts, and following healthy eating patterns that include nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. These guidelines can be customized based on personal preferences, cultural traditions and budgets.

5. Support Healthy Eating Patterns for All:

The guidelines recommend that all Americans, regardless of their dietary patterns, should meet nutrient needs, support healthy eating patterns, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by focusing on foods and beverages that are nutrient-dense, ensuring food safety, and avoiding food waste.

Conclusion

As we have seen above, the US Ministry of Health has issued the new dietary guidelines. It is recommended that the guidelines be followed for a healthy life.

These are the five guidelines: Following a healthy dietary pattern, nutrient-dense foods and beverages, limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcoholic beverages, following healthy eating patterns across the lifespan, and supporting healthy eating patterns for all. Following these guidelines will not only help us lead a healthy life but will also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.