Table 1 South African food-based dietary guidelines approved by Department of Health as a health promotion tool
From: Evidence to support a food-based dietary guideline on sugar consumption in South Africa
Food-based dietary guideline | Underlying reason for guideline |
|---|---|
Enjoy a variety of foods | Protection against micronutrient deficiencies |
Be active | Prevention of non-communicable diseases |
Make starchy foods the basis of most meals | Emphasising that carbohydrates also play a role. Also prevention of under-nutrition |
Eat dry beans, peas, lentils and soya regularly | Affordable source of protein and minerals |
Chicken, fish, milk, meat or eggs can be eaten daily | Promoting sources of animal protein and contributing to iron and calcium needs |
Drink lots of clean safe water | To maintain healthy body hydration |
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day | For prevention of non-communicable diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. A |
Eat fats sparingly | Prevention of non-communicable diseases |
Use salt sparingly | Prevention of hypertension |
Use food and drinks containing sugar sparingly and not between meals | Prevention of dental caries |
If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly | Prevention of chronic alcoholism and micronutrient deficiencies |