Originally published December 18 2005
Cancer Institute advocates nutritional reforms to battle chronic diseases
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The "New American Plate" concept advocated by the American Institute for Cancer Research redistributes the balance of food on America's plate, to reflect the need for more fruits and veggies in the average American's diet.
Thanksgiving is a prototype for the traditional American plate: centered around an 8- to 10-ounce piece of meat, a large helping of potatoes or white rice smothered in gravy, and perhaps a green vegetable - maybe green beans - as a kind of afterthought garnish.
Our traditional food habits combined with swollen portion sizes and sedentary lifestyles have resulted in a major obesity problem.
They also contribute to high rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a different approach.
More than two-thirds fruits, vegetables and whole grains dominate the plate.
Their basic meal plan suggests two servings of fruits or vegetables and one serving of whole grains.
A smaller portion of meat rounds out the plate.
That approach crowds meat and poultry to the edge of the plate.
The result is a meal high in fiber, vitamins and phytochemicals, those plant substances that seem to protect us from cancer, heart disease and other threats.
This plate also grabs the eye with color, unlike the predominant brown and white of the traditional plate.
A growing body of research suggests that a diet high in plant foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes better health.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml