Less meat, more plants: top US heart body’s diet advice at odds with MahaAmerican Heart Association bucks Trump administration line to suggest prioritizing plant-based protein over meat In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA pushed for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds. Photograph: Allen J Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images The American Heart Association’s new nutrition guidance, released on Tuesday, emphasizes a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, prioritizing plant-based protein over meat. It also suggests limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy. Donald Trump earlier this year announced a new slate of dietary guidelines that recommended Americans eat more protein from both animal and plant sources, and encouraged the consumption of full-fat dairy. In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA is pushing for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy, and, when consuming red meat, selecting lean cuts, avoiding processed forms and keeping portions small. The Trump administration and health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s push to “Make America healthy again” has focused on the removal of synthetic dyes, other chemical ingredients, ultra-processed foods, consumption of less sugar and seed oils. The AHA also suggests Americans choose sources of unsaturated fats, avoid ultraprocessed foods and minimize intake of added sugars in beverages and foods. The organization recommended Americans to prepare foods with minimal or no salt, and limit the intake of alcohol. The guidance also recommended children can and should begin following a heart-healthy dietary pattern starting at one year old. The AHA’s guidance was aligned with the US Food and Drug Administration’s dietary guidelines on major issues, a spokesperson from the FDA said, adding they looked forward to working collaboratively with AHA. The AHA, which is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, releases dietary guidance about every five years to promote cardiovascular health. ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/american-heart-association-dietary-guidelines-maha
After what seem weeks of fiery exchanges, Robert Kennedy Jr. is now finally confirmed as HHS secretary. Labeled as an anti-scientist (sounds familiar?) he was strongly opposed by industry backed politicians. For the first time we have somebody speaking out on the toxicity of our food, the poor state of our health, and our dire drug problems in the US. We've had plenty of lip service over the years while seeing the aforementioned problems getting worse and worse but now there's a tiny bit of hope. Actions of course, will speak louder than words. Let's see what changes can be made, said out loud, without being nullified by these monolithic industries suppressing any other approach but pills, pills, and more pills.
Political affiliation aside, this has got to be good news for those that are aware of how much our diets can impact us, and even heal us. We'll see.
https://healthpolicy-watch.news/robert-f-kennedy-confirmed-as-health-and-human-services-secretary-on-a-52-48-vote/