En faglig vurdering af den »omvendte« kostpyramide

Food pyramids are used in Denmark and other countries to visualise recommendations on a healthy diet. Based on new information in the field of nutrition, including data used by Willett and colleagues for recommending a new food pyramid, The Danish Nutrition Council has examined the scientific literature to evaluate the potential need for modifying the existing food pyramid. Willett recommends higher intake of monounsaturated fat and less intake of foods rich in starch. Thus, these areas are the primary areas of focus in the present overview. We conclude that monounsaturated fat should be recommended at the expense of saturated fat, but not at the expense of foods rich in starch. The available data do not indicate health problems from intake of potatoes, rice or pasta. Whole-grained cereals are recommended from the groups of cereals. There exist strong arguments for adding physical activity and considerations concerning weight balance to the recommendations of the food pyramid.