Leaders of a cross-section of wheat industry organizations wrote USDA’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee last week emphasizing the importance of carbohydrates to a healthy diet.

 

The letter is one of a variety of activities meant to provide industry comment to the dietary guidelines revision process.

 

Specifically, the letter pointed out the results of a study published in the July 2009 Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA) comparing food intakes and body mass index (BMI) of non-dieting adults, based off information from a cross-sectional survey of 4,451 Canadians conducted in 2004-2005.

 

In the study, the researchers looked at individual food intake as well as total caloric intake, leisure time energy expenditure, gender, smoking, education and income. They found participants who consumed 47 percent to 64 percent of their diet in the form of carbohydrates had the lowest risk of being overweight or obese.

 

These individuals also ate more fruits, vegetables and fiber and less saturated fat, and a higher percentage reported being more physically active than those who ate fewer carbohydrates.

 

The letter was signed by NAWG CEO Daren Coppock as well as the heads of the American Bakers Association; Biscuit and Crackers Manufacturers Association; Grain Foods Foundation; National Pasta Association; North American Millers’ Association; and Wheat Foods Council.

 

The full letter is available online at www.wheatworld.org/policy