New 'Health Foods Pyramid' Includes Tea!
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A new health foods pyramid was recently created by researchers at the University of Michigan and tea figured prominently in the pyramid.
The health foods pyramid is a triangle made up of 10 tiers and is based on research on the power of foods to fight illnesses and ailments like chronic pain, heart disease and cancer. The health foods pyramid was created by Dr. Monica Myklebust, director of University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Clinical Services in Ann Arbor , and Jenna Wunder, a nutritionist at the center. |
In a nutshell, the health foods pyramid seems to put forth the message that we should all eat less meat and more plant products, enjoy a variety of foods, and emphasize healthy fats.
The base of the health food pyramid is comprised of water.
The five tiers on top of that base represent foods that are to be eaten daily. These foods include:
- fruits and vegetables
- grains
- legumes
- seasonings
- healthy fats like olive oil, and eggs and dairy products.
The next two tiers represent foods that are to be eaten weekly. These include:
- fish and seafood
- lean meats
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Tea is found near the apex, along with chocolate and alcohol. These foods are referred to "accompaniments," all of which can benefit health when consumed in moderation.
An empty triangle tops out the health food pyramid. Foods to be included here are "special treat that is healing for you," to be indulged in occasionally.
Myklebust and Wunder emphasize buying organic foods whenever possible, purchasing meat and eggs from free-range animals, and avoiding meat and dairy products containing hormones. The section on fish also provides details on which seafoods should be avoided due to the risk of PCB or mercury contamination.
Choosing the proper foods is likely to be healthier for humans as well as for the environment, they say.
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