Contrasting Pyramids Essay

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Contrasting Pyramids The Asian food pyramid is very different that ours. According to this pyramid you should have servings of nuts, daily. Unlike our pyramid, meat is only recommended monthly. A well known fact is that some Asian countries, such as Japan, are far ahead of the U.S when it comes to education. Could there be a connection?(www.oldwayspot.org/store/images/Pyramid_Asian _w.jpg) When I first looked at the Asian food guide pyramid, one of the first things that stood out at me was that nuts are recommended daily. In moderation, nuts can be very good for you. Almonds, for example, are very rich in calcium. Pistachios can, along with a healthy diet reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke Additionally, Brazil Nuts are rich in selenium, a chemical that can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. The downside of Brazil nuts is their high level of saturated fat, compared to other nuts. . Nuts and their health benefits are often overlooked. (www.food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_health_benifits_of_nuts) The Asian food guide pyramid recommends fish or shellfish weekly. Fish is a healthy brain food filled with Omega 3 acids, which are usually lacking in our diet. They contribute to brain and tissue development, especially in infants. (www.feap.info/pieces/hottopics/advant5_en.asp) Fish recommended to be eaten weekly is sort of a double bonus because you are getting your protein from other sources and your body acquires Omega 3 acids which cannot be found in many other foods. Since your body does not make Omega 3 on its own, you have to get it through foods. This fatty acid is also crucial for brain functions and normal growth and development. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm) Meat is recommended only monthly in the Asian food guide pyramid, while it is in the protein category that is here in the

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