Interesting must-read story in yesterday's Chicago Tribune that points out some of the biggest conflicts of interest/discrepancies about the new food pyramid recently unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Probably, the biggest of the bunch: U.S. farmers receive $15 billion -- yes BILLION -- in subsidies to grow corn and soybeans that are largely used to feed livestock (in addition to harmful chemicals and antibiotics) and produce artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated oils used to make processed foods that aren't healthy for anybody! In comparison, however, fruit and vegetable farmers receive no subsidies at all, even though whole foods make up much of the pyramid's recommendations.
This disparity just goes to show you how important real nutrition really is when it comes to debating the merits of farm subsidies. Which is why, according to a former U.S. Congressman, those who attend hearings on domestic farm policies are largely lobbyists who protect the interests of a handful of crops:
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Cotton
- Rice
- Wheat
- Sugar
Such waste and gladhanding prompted former Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-Ill.) to compare the USDA, when it comes to farm subsidies, to a fox guarding the henhouse. How true...
Good time to remind you two of the best things you could do for your health are to eat whole foods based on your body's unique nutritional type as well as tapering, with the goal of eliminating, grains and sugars from your daily diet.
Kansas City Star May 3, 2005
Chicago Tribune May 2, 2005 Registration Required