Chapter
The History and Politics of Nutrition in the U.S.
12:01 - 19:39 (07:38)
This episode discusses how the US government's approach to nutrition shifted in 1977 from encouraging more food intake to advocating for a reduction in consumption. It also explores the creation of recommended dietary allowances in 1941 and their prevalence on nutrition facts panels today.
Clips
The US government's shift in their approach to nutrition started in 1977, where their goal became to get people to eat less, particularly less fats and sugars, due to the rising costs of healthcare.
12:01 - 14:38 (02:36)
Summary
The US government's shift in their approach to nutrition started in 1977, where their goal became to get people to eat less, particularly less fats and sugars, due to the rising costs of healthcare. This came after their release of the first set of recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) in 1941.
ChapterThe History and Politics of Nutrition in the U.S.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The decision to give nutrition research a permanent home in the US government was made by Congress.
14:38 - 15:46 (01:08)
Summary
The decision to give nutrition research a permanent home in the US government was made by Congress. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare were in contention to house the initiative.
ChapterThe History and Politics of Nutrition in the U.S.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The USDA's dietary guidelines have been shaped by both politics and science, evidenced by the change from urging Americans to decrease meat consumption to urging them to decrease animal fat consumption instead, which may be unclear to many.
15:46 - 18:23 (02:36)
Summary
The USDA's dietary guidelines have been shaped by both politics and science, evidenced by the change from urging Americans to decrease meat consumption to urging them to decrease animal fat consumption instead, which may be unclear to many. Additionally, the USDA has a dual mandate to promote agricultural products, creating a potential conflict of interest.
ChapterThe History and Politics of Nutrition in the U.S.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
This podcast episode discusses the history of the USDA's dietary guide for the public, including the creation of the 1991 food pyramid and the debate over whether to use a circle or triangle shape as the visual representation.
18:23 - 19:39 (01:15)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the history of the USDA's dietary guide for the public, including the creation of the 1991 food pyramid and the debate over whether to use a circle or triangle shape as the visual representation.