Norway has published updated dietary guidelines that recommend choosing mostly plant-based foods and limiting red and processed meat consumption.
The guidelines advise that all meals should include fruits and vegetables, while several servings of whole grains should be eaten each day. Meanwhile, the maximum recommended red meat consumption has been lowered from 500g to 350g per week, and people are advised to eat as little processed meat as possible. The protein group in the food wheel now contains legumes and tofu as well as meat and seafood, and the recommendations suggest replacing some or all of the meat in certain dishes with beans or lentils.
Low-fat dairy consumption is still recommended as a source of calcium, but the guidelines acknowledge that plant-based alternatives are a suitable option for those who do not consume dairy. Soft margarines and vegetable oils containing unsaturated fats are recommended over butter and tropical oils.
The guidelines also advise eating a small handful of unsalted nuts every day and incorporating seeds into the diet. Water is the only recommended beverage.
Dietary guidelines across Europe
To develop the new guidelines, Norway is likely to have taken inspiration from the latest edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, which was published last year. Taking into account both health and sustainability, the recommendations advise a mostly plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Since then, Austria and Germany have also updated their dietary guidelines to recommend eating mostly plants. Both countries have given legumes their own separate recommendation, while advising that meat consumption should be limited.
“The body needs us to take in more nutrients every day so that we can function well here and now, but also so that we can stay healthy and prevent chronic disease,” say the Norwegian guidelines. “If you follow the dietary guidelines, you reduce the risk of, among other things, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, several forms of cancer, osteoporosis, tooth decay, overweight and obesity. You will also have your body’s need for nutrients covered.”
Original source: https://vegconomist.com
https://www.animalagricultureclimatechange.org/dietary-guidelines-not-climate-friendly/
