
What makes a food healthy? For the first time in 30 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating its claim on what food products can use the word “healthy” on their labels. And both the foods being taken off the list and the new foods now approved to use that claim might surprise you.
“This was long overdue. The term ‘healthy’ as used as a claim for foods is way out of date,” says Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in nutrition and the editor of “The Mayo Clinic Diet.”
Dr. Hensrud says the FDA’s updated claim for using the word “healthy” on packaging labels is more in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and things like fortified white bread, highly sweetened cereals and yogurt with added sugars will no longer be labeled as “healthy.”
“Now, when people see the simple term ‘healthy food’ on foods, it meets certain criteria. There’s evidence supporting its health. It contains low amounts of saturated fat and sodium like it did before, but now also low amounts of sugar,” he says.
Some new foods that have been added to the “healthy” label list are fruits, vegetables, eggs, whole grains, fatty fish such as salmon, olive oil, nuts, seeds and even water. “And we know from years of research that these foods are healthy,” says Dr. Hensrud.
“The FDA is going to work on a symbol that foods can use that have the healthy claim approved for it, and that’ll make it easier for people to identify healthy foods,” he says.
Do you want to eat a healthy diet but aren’t sure where to start? You’ve probably seen a lot of options for healthy diets online, in magazines and in cookbooks. When you choose an eating plan, make sure to look for one that:
- Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits; vegetables; whole grains; low-fat dairy products and lean protein, including beans and other legumes, nuts and seeds; and healthy fats.
- Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group.
- Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store — rather than specialty or gourmet store items.
- Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget.
Also talk with your healthcare team about your health risks. For example, you may be counseled to eat foods that are low in sodium if you have high blood pressure.
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