New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Urge Americans To Reduce Sugar Intake

by Jean Marie Abellana / Jan 08, 2016 09:08 AM EST

The new dietary guidelines urges Americans to reduce intake of sugar and trans and saturated fats. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The United States Department of Health and Human Services issued a press release Thursday about the updated nutritional guidelines to improve the eating habits of every American. The guidelines aim to reduce obesity and prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart diseases, and diabetes.

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on the same day, a new guideline that will help the general public in making the right choices in their personal diets whether they are at home, work, school, or in their communities.

Secretary Burwell said, "The Dietary Guidelines provide science-based recommendations on food and nutrition so people can make decisions that may help keep their weight under control and prevent chronic conditions."

The new guidelines encourages every American to adopt a healthy eating pattern, which includes a variety of starchy and other kinds of vegetables, whole fruits, whole grain, low-fat dairy such as cheese and yogurt, fortified soy beverages, protein foods like lean meats and eggs and oils such as olive and sunflower oil.

It also suggests Americans to consume no more than 10 percent of calories per day from foods and beverages with added sugars and those that have trans fat and saturated fat like butter and whole milk.

Sodium in take should be limited to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, particularly for children aged 14 years old and above.

The guidelines also remind Americans that the most important factor to improving their health is doing regular physical activities like walking, aerobic exercises and other muscle and bone-strengthening activities.

"The latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines provides individuals with the flexibility to make healthy food choices that are right for them and their families and take advantage of the diversity of products available, thanks to America's farmers and ranchers," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack.