In light of new scientific research and an attempt to improve dietary habits and their impact on Lifestyle diseases, the World Health Organisation has decided to change the recommendations for carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates and fats have been the primary energy sources for humans and animals.
The main aim of these alterations in the levels of total fat, saturated fat, and carbohydrate percentages in the diet is to prevent unhealthy weight gain and control the rampant prevalence of obesity in adults and children. This good also affects the rate of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, and even certain kinds of cancer, acting as a preventive measure for non-communicable and lifestyle diseases.
With its new guidelines, the FDA is also trying to focus on the quality of fats and carbohydrates rather than just their quantity so that these nutrients, even in limited amounts, can continue to perform their bodily functions. Guidelines encourage the consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibres, and complex carbohydrates. They have also suggested the quantity of fruits and vegetables consumed depending on the age group. The guidelines promote the consumption of whole foods and fibre in increased quantities. And limit intake of free sugars and packaged food.
The guidelines established by the WHO can also help parents make more informed decisions about their children’s nutritional and dietary needs. A good relationship with food and early habit formation for healthy food can help lay the foundation for a future free from lifestyle diseases and lower hospitalization rates. The focus is on preventing lifestyle diseases rather than treating the same.
Why did the WHO update the guidelines on the intake of fats and carbohydrates?
The update in the guidelines for fat consumption as well as carbohydrate consumption is in View of the results of several randomized control trials that have highlighted the role of SFA, cholesterol, and carbohydrates in the disease process of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and the protective functions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and whole foods.
Some of the research findings taken into consideration while planning the guidelines are as follows:
1. Lower saturated fatty acid intake decreases the levels of low-density lipoprotein(LDL) and cholesterol, which decreases the chances of cerebrovascular disease.
Diseases: There is also evidence of a reduction in the incidence of mortality overall and also from heart diseases.
2. Replacing saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids also enhances the beneficial effect of reducing trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and saturated fatty acids in the diet. An increase in PUFA intake also reduces the levels of LDL and cholesterol in the blood.
3. Higher dietary fibre consumption can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
4. An increase in the consumption of whole green fruits, pulses, and vegetables can lead to a decrease in overall body fat percentage and reduced obesity.
Recommendations for carbohydrates:
Excerpts from the guidelines stated on the WHO international website, who. int, are as follows:
1. WHO recommends that carbohydrate intake should come primarily from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and pulses (a strong recommendation, relevant for all individuals two years of age and older).
2. In adults, the WHO recommends an intake of at least 400 g of vegetables and fruits per day (a strong recommendation).
3. In children and adolescents, WHO suggests the following intakes of vegetables and
fruits (a conditional recommendation):
*2-5 years old, at least 250 g per day
*6–9 years old, at least 350 g per day
*Ten years or older, at least 400 g per day.
4. In adults, WHO recommends an intake of at least 25 g per day of naturally occurring dietary fibre as consumed in foods (a strong recommendation).
5. In children and adolescents, WHO suggests the following intakes of naturally occurring dietary fibre as consumed in foods (conditional recommendation):
*2–5 years old, at least 15 g per day
*6–9 years old, at least 21 g per day
* Ten years or older, at least 25 g per day.
Recommendations for Fats:
Short-Chain Fatty Acids:
1. WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (a strong recommendation).
2. WHO suggests further reducing saturated fatty acid intake to less than 10% of total energy intake (a conditional recommendation).
3. WHO recommends replacing saturated fatty acids in the diet with polyunsaturated fatty acids (strong recommendation), monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources (conditional recommendation), or carbohydrates from foods containing naturally occurring dietary fibre, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and pulses(conditional recommendation).
Trans-fatty Acids:
1. WHO recommends that adults and children reduce trans-fatty acid intake to 1% of total energy intake (a strong recommendation).
2. WHO suggests reducing trans-fatty acid intake to less than 1% of total energy intake (a conditional recommendation).
3. WHO recommends replacing trans-fatty acids with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids primarily from plant sources (a conditional recommendation).
This move by WHO, the leading authority on World Health programs and initiatives, highlights the commitment of international organizations to control the worldwide epidemic of lifestyle diseases. Implementing these guidelines in the food and beverage industries could have real positive impacts on citizens worldwide. It will also encourage political organizations to form policies that are strengthened and guided by excellent guidance from nutritional and health experts.