An expert panel appointed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services has released its scientific report that will be used to create the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are updated every 5 years.
The highlights include:
• Limitations on dietary cholesterol have been removed. Previously, the group recommended no more than 300 mg per day.
• Overall, people should consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts and low in red or processed meats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, and refined grains.
• People should limit their daily consumption of added sugars (<10% of calories), saturated fat (<10% of calories), and dietary sodium (<2300 mg).
• Half of all grain intake should come from whole grains.
• Moderate alcohol intake is fine in most adults.
• The equivalent of up to five cups of coffee daily is not associated with adverse effects in most adults.