A new international food pyramid has been developed by 22 nutrition experts from the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, offering a revised perspective on healthy eating. Published in the journal Advances in Nutrition in September 2026, the framework suggests prioritising plant-based proteins, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains as the foundation of a healthy diet, while also encouraging the consumption of healthier fats.
Unlike dietary guidelines that focus on animal proteins, this model allows for fish, dairy, poultry, and eggs while stressing the importance of unsaturated plant oils and high-fibre carbohydrates. According to the research led by Karen Della Corte of Brigham Young University, the findings are based on an analysis of dietary guidelines from multiple nations and evidence from over 250 scientific publications.
For Indian households, the guidelines do not advocate for the removal of staples like rice or roti. Instead, nutritionists suggest that individuals should focus on the quality and source of their food. Divya Achrekar, a clinical nutritionist at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, noted that the objective is to create a more balanced approach by increasing the intake of plant-based proteins. Similarly, Kanikka Malhotra, a clinical dietician and diabetes educator, highlighted that the pyramid avoids categorising nutrients simply as good or bad, focusing instead on their origins.
Addressing the high carbohydrate consumption prevalent in Indian diets—which national data indicates accounts for roughly 62% of calories—experts advise that replacing refined cereals with millets alone may not be sufficient if overall intake remains high. Instead, replacing approximately 5% of daily energy from carbohydrates with plant-based, dairy, egg, or fish proteins may help lower the risk of diabetes and prediabetes.
Key facts
- The new pyramid was developed by 22 nutrition experts and published in September 2026.
- Research for the framework included an analysis of over 250 scientific publications.
- Carbohydrates currently account for about 62% of energy in Indian diets, while protein contributes 12%.
- Experts recommend the "10:1 test" for food labels, dividing total carbohydrate content by fibre content.
- Intact grains such as jowar, ragi, dalia, and steel-cut oats are encouraged over finely milled flours.
Why it matters
Adopting a plant-forward diet is associated with improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. By increasing fibre intake through pulses, whole grains, and fruits, individuals may see benefits in blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and the management of LDL cholesterol and hypertension.
Background
The research, which involved a comparative study of various national dietary guidelines, was led by Karen Della Corte from Brigham Young University.
Source: Indian Express
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