NPPC supports Dietary Guidelines’ goal of more nutrient-rich foods
The National Pork Producers Council expressed support for federal dietary guidelines released today whose goals are to reduce obesity, encourage the consumption of nutrient-rich foods and increase physical activity. Many cuts of pork, the organization pointed out, are lean, nutrient-dense sources of protein.
NPPC recognizes for food policy and nutrition guidance the importance of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which were issued by the U.S. departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS).
“NPPC agrees with the guidelines’ call for eating nutrient-dense foods, and many cuts of lean pork, including tenderloin and loin chops, contain quality nutrients,” said NPPC President Sam Carney, a pork producer from Adair, Iowa.
“NPPC agrees with the guidelines’ call for eating nutrient-dense foods, and many cuts of lean pork, including tenderloin and loin chops, contain quality nutrients,” said NPPC President Sam Carney, a pork producer from Adair, Iowa.
Lean meat offers nutrients that often are lacking in Americans, including heme iron, potassium and vitamin B-12, a micronutrient not found in plant-based foods. Based on current consumption data from the HHS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Americans on an average 2,000 calorie-a-day diet consume 5.3 ounces of meat or meat equivalents. The USDA “Food Pyramid” suggests two to three servings of 2- to 3-ounce portions of meat, poultry or fish, meaning from 4 to 9 ounces a day.
“The solution to the obesity problem is not a shift from animal-based foods to plant-based ones but rather a shift from nutrient-poor foods to nutrient-rich foods, emphasizing the consumption of lean meats, including pork, along with vegetables, nuts and beans,” Carney said.
Source: www.nppc.org
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