The Nation - News from March 2, 1989

In the most comprehensive scientific report on diet and health to date, the National Research Council called for broad changes in American eating habits and gave specific recommendations to eat much less fat, much more fruits, vegetables and starches and avoid high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements. The council recommended that people daily eat five or more half-cup portions of fruits and vegetables and a minimum of six portions of starches such as breads, cereals and beans. The recommendations would roughly double the average amounts of these foods currently eaten by Americans. The council also said it found no proof that calcium and fiber supplements confer any health benefit.