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Americans still consume too many low-quality carbohydrates and saturated fats compared to recommendations, according to a new study by Harvard and Tufts.
The study, published today in the journal JAMA, revealed that carbohydrates from refined grains, starchy vegetables and added sugars accounted for 42% of an American's daily calories, researchers said. Only 9% of carbohydrates were high quality, made from whole grains and whole fruits.
"Because poor carbohydrates are associated with a risk of disease, taking better carbohydrates could mean better health for Americans in the future," said Zhilei Shan, a researcher in nutritional epidemiology at Harvard TH Chan School. of Public Health, first author of the study, said in a statement. At the time of the study, he was also working under the auspices of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Experts recommend that carbohydrates be at the origin of 45 to 65% of a person's diet, but they should limit carbohydrates from added sugars and refined grain.
The study examined dietary trends over a period of 18 years, examining data from 43,996 adults.
Total intake of saturated fat was 12% of daily calories, more than the recommended daily amount of 10%.
During the study period, total carbohydrate intake and insufficient carbohydrate intake declined slightly, the researchers said.
The authors noted that food improvements were less pronounced among low – income and lower – educated people.
"While there are some encouraging signs that the US regime has improved slightly over time, we are still far from getting an" A "on this newsletter. Our study tells us where we need to improve for the future, "said in the statement Zhang Fang Fang, an epidemiologist in nutrition at the Tufts Friedman School of Science and Policy Nutrition.
"These results also highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing socio-economic differences in food quality, so that all Americans can benefit from the health benefits of improved nutrition" Zhang said.
The study was based on in-person health surveys conducted every two years, which asked adults to remember what foods they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. Beginning in 2003, this question was asked of adults twice, several days apart.
US food guidelines recommend a "healthy eating pattern" to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease. The focus should be on nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products; More sources of various proteins, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds, say the recommendations.
During the years of the study, diabetes rates in the United States have almost doubled, reaching more than 7%. Obesity rates have increased over many years, with about 70% of American adults now overweight or obese. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death.
In addition to continuing public health efforts, "food industry cooperation" is essential, said an editorial of the magazine, including reducing sugar, salt and saturated fats in foods.
The Associated Press documents were used in this report.
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