The food pyramid, which model to follow?

There are many tools to advise the population on the adequate consumption of From the nutrient traffic lights displayed by some labels, infographics on certain foods or information aimed at specific population groups, different representations of the so-called "plate method" (or "the plate from Harvard ”) to know how to balance our intakes, etc. Now, probably the most popular image to inform the population about healthy eating is the food pyramid. Is it useful to us?

Where did the idea of ​​the food pyramid come from?

Despite what it may seem the food pyramid It is a tool that emerged in Sweden during the 70s, as a result of an unexpected increase in food prices, in such a way that a pyramid was raised that had cheaper bases at its base. Later, in 1992, taking the same type of image, the United States Department of Agriculture proposed a pyramid to promote good eating habits and gave rise to what we know today as the food pyramid.

What model do we currently follow?

In 2017, the new “Food Guidelines for the Spanish Population” were presented, prepared by the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC), the current pyramid is contained in these guidelines. The truth is that its publication has not been spared controversy and today there is a need to rework new tools. Under the food pyramid There are tips such as recommending: physical exercise, emotional balance, weight maintenance, healthy cooking techniques and water intake. On these tips the pyramid itself begins and the main points of discrepancy appear.

Controversial points of the food pyramid

The conflictive aspects that generate controversy in said pyramid are the following:

• At the base of the food pyramid the and farinaceous foods are located. The current recommendations converge on the need to promote the consumption of vegetables and, accordingly, it seems more reasonable to place these foods at the base and flours and cereals in a higher place. In this way, we would be getting closer to the proportions that are advised through the "".
• At the top of the pyramid we see the presence of the supplements that are indicated as an individualized option. Although it is specified as an individual option, it is true that these products are not foods and their presence may suggest their need for a healthy diet.
• Fermented drinks such as beer and beer are presented with the indication of optional, and of moderate and responsible consumption. Despite being on one side of the pyramid, the way they are presented can suggest that their consumption is approved within a healthy diet, while current evidence does not justify the consumption of alcohol, even in moderate amounts.
• At the top of the pyramid we can observe the presence of sweets, r, pastries, candies ... Foods that under the eyes of a nutritionist cannot be recommended under the name of healthy eating and that, therefore, if indicated, should be outside of the recommendations of this type of diet, or what would be the same, outside the food pyramid.

Are there other proposals?

The answer is yes, many, and each country has different references to follow, some in the shape of a pyramid, in the shape of a wheel, etc. Different ways that serve to advise the population on the best way to eat. Today, a large part of nutritionists support and positively value examples such as those offered by Belgium and Australia.

The Australian Food Pyramid In 2013 Australia proposed a new Food Pyramid, which has been reissued in 2015 and which brings together many of the characteristics that nutritionists claim as necessary so that the pyramid can be used and established as a reference to follow. In this pyramid, vegetables and fruits occupy the base, favoring compliance with the recommendations of consuming five daily servings of foods of this type. In the second level are cereals, giving priority to whole grains. At the third level, we find dairy and protein foods, including nuts and dried fruits. Finally, on the fourth level, healthy fats like. On the other hand, water is specified as the drink of choice and the consumption of spices and aromatic herbs is encouraged, while it is advisable to limit the consumption of salt and sugar.

The Belgian food pyramid In 2015, the Flamenco Institute for a Healthy Life actually drew up an inverted triangle or pyramid to promote healthy eating among its citizens. This triangle presents fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and oil in the widest part and where the word "more" is also specified. In the center are fish, dairy and fermented milk, white meat, and cheese. Finally, at the top and accompanied by the word "less" we find butter and red meat. In addition, there is an outer red circle with the message "as little as possible" where we can see represented alcoholic beverages and sugary soft drinks, precooked foods such as pizza, snacks such as French fries, processed meats and sausages, salt and foods rich in sugar such as chocolates, candies and cookies. Finally, we can see how water is singled out as the beverage of choice.

• Analyzing the known Food pyramid drawn up within the framework of the SENC Dietary Guidelines for the Spanish Population, some nutrition professionals raise the need to rework new tools.
• Some points create controversy among experts, such as the fact of placing the cereals at the base, that sweets and trinkets appear (even if it is at the top), or the presence of alcohol next to the pyramid.
• Other proposals such as the Australian Pyramid or the Belgian Pyramid are being positively valued as alternatives by a large part of nutritionists.

Mercè Gonzalo

Bachelor of Food Science and Technology Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics