Summary
Although the government has advised Americans to eat healthier in order to combat the nation's growing obesity problem, Associated Press columnist Libby Quaid says they are not putting their money where there mouth is when they continue to lend financial support to entities that produce unhealthy, cheap and processed foods.
Original source:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/12384469.htm
Details
- Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and the government tells them they should eat better.
- Rather that focusing on the producers of good-for-you fruits and vegetables --- half its subsidies go to grain farmers, whose crops feed animals for meat, milk and eggs and become cheap ingredients in processed food.
- That's clearly the problem, if you look at the outcome in today's society," said Andy Fischer, executive director of the Community Food Security Coalition, a Venice, Calif., advocacy group.
- Since two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, it's clear people are getting the calories they need and more.
- The Agriculture Department published in April its revised food pyramid, which tells people how, what and how much to eat, with the aim of improving people's health.
- It recommends fewer calories and more fruit, vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grains.
- It tells people to avoid foods made with partially hydrogenated oils and sweeteners.
- Subsidies encourage an abundant supply of corn, wheat, rice and soybeans.
- For example, toaster pastries contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil for that flaky texture and high-fructose corn syrup for a sweeter fruit filling.
- That translates to lots of calories, lots of artery-clogging fat and little or no healthful fiber.
- As those foods, commonly called "junk food" in the United States, become progressively cheaper, the prices of fruit and vegetables rise, said Adam Drewnowski, professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington.
- Many groups are pushing to link farm programs, which are due for an overhaul in 2007, more closely to government nutrition goals.
- "Here we are as a society, talking constantly about obesity and diets, and yet our farm policies are not structured to encourage the kind of diet that the food pyramid suggests we should adopt," said Ralph Grossi, president of American Farmland Trust, a group that advocates conservation on the farm.
Related Articles
• DHEA for weight loss: miracle drug or unproven experiment?
• The link between monosodium glutamate (MSG) and obesity
• Medicare declares obesity to be a disease, stripping away patient responsibility and power
• The Link Between Obesity, Cancer, and Toxicity (Part 1)
• Medical researchers remain baffled at attempts to treat obesity with appetite suppressing hormones like PYY
 |
Popular Topics:
Obesity, Food, Vegetables, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/011378.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
Honeybees Go on Strike

Adventures of Vita-Man

New Warfare

|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|