USDA Diet Guidelines

1. Yes
2. No
3. Sometimes

Correct answer:

c) Sometimes

What you should know:

In 1992, the USDA published the “Food Pyramid”, which recommended that approximately half of the food eaten each day—6 to 11 servings—should consist of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta.  It is now known that consumption of simple carbohydrates increases risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Current guidelines emphasize the importance of fruits and vegetables, but also contain the advice to “make half your grains whole grains.” If you did that, then 50% of the grains you eat would be refined.  When grains are refined, fiber and other important components of whole foods are stripped out and starches are made much easier to digest, which can lead to blood sugar and insulin spikes.

You can learn more about the role of carbohydrates in your health in guidebook series, “Understanding Carbohydrates.”