A scientific report issued last week by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes while limiting added sugars to no more than 10 percent of total daily calories.
The 500-plus page report reviews the science related to food, nutrition and health to help inform the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Human Health Services as they move forward with writing the next version of the Dietary Guidelines to be released at the end of this year.
One hundred percent fruit juices, such as 100% Florida Orange Juice, are included in the report as fruit choices to help meet fruit intake recommendations. There is no recommendation to limit intake of 100% fruit juice.
However, the committee does recommend that intake of added sugars be limited to no more than 10 percent of total daily calories, making it more important than ever for consumers to understand that 100 percent orange juice is a nutrient-dense beverage that has no added sugar. As a complement to whole fruit, 100 percent orange juice can help contribute to fruit intake.
Among other findings, the report also recommends a diet rich in seafood and nuts; moderate in low- and non-fat dairy and alcohol; and lower in red and processed meat.
For more information, or to read the whole report, go to health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/. The document is open to public comment for a period of 45 days.
About Gail Rampersaud, MS, RDN, LDN
Gail Rampersaud’s position includes developing nutrition education materials for the Florida Department of Citrus, University of Florida, community, and other state agencies. Her interests include the health benefits of citrus, the health benefits of the vitamin folate, nutrient density, children’s health and nutrition issues, and the health benefits of breakfast.
Rampersaud has a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Florida. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
She has served as the lead or co-author on peer-reviewed articles relating to the benefits of the vitamin folate, beverage consumption in children and adolescents, nutrient density of 100 percent fruit juices, and two comprehensive review articles concerning the health benefits of breakfast for children and adolescents. She has made numerous presentations to consumer and health professional groups, including the American Society for Nutrition, National PTA, American Dietetic Association and Florida Dietetic Association.
