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What were the six food groups included in the 1992 United States Department of Agriculture food pyramid?
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food pyramid
The original U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid, introduced in 1992, recommended a liberal daily intake of grain products (represented by the wide base of the pyramid) and a sparing intake of fats, oils, and sugary foods (represented by its tip).
The 1992 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid, designed to guide healthy Americans toward a balanced diet, illustrated concepts of variety, proportion, and moderation. It featured five major food groups:1
- Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta: Recommended 6 to 11 servings daily.
- Vegetables: Recommended 3 to 5 servings daily.
- Fruits: Recommended 2 to 4 servings daily.
- Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese: Recommended 2 to 3 servings daily.
- Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts: Recommended 2 to 3 servings daily.
At the apex of the pyramid were fats, oils, and sugary foods, which were advised to be consumed sparingly.23