US Health Department Urges Americans to Consume Less Meat

This January, the Health Department released their revised edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This guide focuses on the elements of healthy eating patterns, and describes the shifts needed to align the country with those patterns. 

While much of the information released in this edition was to be expected, one key issue stood out. Meat consumption for males ages 1-70 was dangerously high, and in some cases well above the recommended intake amounts. Specifically, adolescent boys and men ages 14-70 were the most at risk. Overconsumption of meat products can contribute towards various health issues, such as cardiac failure and obesity. The Health Department’s report went on to advocate for the reduction of meat and poultry consumption for all individuals in demographics over the allotted range. 

The recommended course of action for Americans is to “shift to eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy.” This, the Department stated, can lead to an increase in overall wellbeing and health for the general populace, so it looks like reducetarians have the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at their backs.

Written by Paris Martineau