What Do Cardiologists Say About the New Food Pyramid? Eat Plants

The new USDA 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have initiated a literal “FOOD FIGHT” like in the movie Animal House!  

This week, the American College of Cardiology published a response to the beef and full-fat dairy recommendations from the USDA. The highlights worth noting are summarized below. 

1. Plant-forward eating patterns remain the most consistent dietary strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk.

2.  Because plant proteins like beans, peas and lentils, and nuts and soy, as well as seafood and dairy sources, have demonstrated greater health benefits than red and processed meats,² and the latter have also been linked to gut dysbiosis, inflammation, diabetes mellitus and several cancers,^4,5 plant protein sources should be emphasized to patients.

3. In short, evidence from feeding trials and/or cohort studies does not support promotion of butter or beef tallow. Moreover, if the newly recommended servings of animal protein foods (e.g., meats and whole-fat dairy) and proposed “healthy fats” (e.g., butter and beef tallow) are incorporated into the diet, saturated fat intake will exceed 10% of daily calories.

4. Without clear accompanying communication materials, the 2025-2030 DGA graphic may confuse some Americans. Ultimately, unprocessed, fiber- and nutrient-rich plant foods featured in vegetarian, whole-food plant-based, Mediterranean, and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are optimal for CV health, cancer reduction, and longevity.^9,10

^{Without clear accompanying communication materials, the 2025-2030 DGA graphic may confuse some Americans. Ultimately, unprocessed, fiber- and nutrient-rich plant foods featured in vegetarian, whole-food plant-based, Mediterranean, and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are optimal for CV health, cancer reduction, and longevity.9,10}