Food pyramid

The food pyramid is defined as a graphic intended to illustrate the principles of good nutrition with fruits and vegetables on the bottom representing the bulk of a healthy diet and fats and oils at the top. An example of a food pyramid is a graphic used to illustrate good eating habits.

About two decades ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a powerful icon – so called “Food Guide Pyramid”. This originally presented simple illustration was very simple presentation of healthy diet. Later different types of Pyramid were invented for schools, medical institutions and general public. Thanks to mass media Food Pyramid became very popular fast.

Generally speaking, these pyramids are just diagrams (healthy diet) used in nutrition education that fits food groups into a special triangle.

Usually at the base of Food Pyramid are introduced products which should be eaten more frequently than those at the top of pyramid.

It is recommended to have 6-11 servings daily for food from the base of Food Pyramid. Products from next level of pyramid can be used for 2-4 servings per day and products from pyramid apex should be avoided or used very rare.