Everyone knows that we must eat in order to live. However, sometimes people are confused about what types of food are healthy and what kinds of food can be harmful to our health. About 20 years ago, the USDA1 prepared a food guide to help people learn about which types of food are the healthiest for themselves and their families. The food guide described six basic food groups: meat (beef, fish, chicken, and beans, too), dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.), grains (bread, cereal, rice, etc.), fruit, and vegetables. The last group was fats, oils, and sweets. The USDA also suggested how much of each food group is healthy to eat daily. This guide was helpful, but it was also confusing. Recently, the U.S. government replaced this guide with a newer, easier one. It is called “My Plate”

As a result of years of research, we now know that too much animal fat is bad for our health. For example, many Americans eat a lot of meat and only a small amount of grains, fruit, and vegetables. Because of their diet, they have a high rate of cancer and heart disease. In Japan, in contrast, people eat large amounts of grains and very little meat. The Japanese also have a very low rate of cancer and heart disease. In fact, the Japanese live longer than almost anyone else in the world. Unfortunately, when Japanese people move to the United States, their rate of heart disease and cancer increases as their diet changes. Moreover, as hamburgers, ice cream, and other foods high in fat are becoming popular in Japan, the rate of heart disease and cancer is increasing there as well. People are also eating more meat and dairy products in other countries, such as Cuba, Mauritius, and Hungary. Not surprisingly, the disease rate in these countries is increasing a long with the change in diet. Consequently, doctors everywhere advise people to eat more grains, fruit, and vegetables, and cat less meat and fewer dairy products.
Of course a healthy diet is important for all family members – children as well as adults. Most of us learn good eating habits from our parents. When parents have poor eating habits, their children usually do, too. After all, most families eat meals together, and children eat the same way their parents do. When parents eat healthy food, their children will learn to enjoy it, and they will develop good eating habits. Doctors advise parents to give their children healthier snacks such as fruit, vegetables, and juice.
Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life. We know that the food we eat affects us in different ways. For instance, doctors believe that fruit and vegetables can actually prevent many diseases. On the other hand, animal fat can cause some diseases. We can improve our diet now and enjoy many years of healthy living.
1 USDA: The United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA’s responsibility is to control the quality of food in the United States.