Last month, the USDA released the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Issued every five years, these guidelines provide advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutritional needs, promote health, and prevent disease based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Scientific Report. They guide public policy as well as the CWB’s communications guidelines under USDA AMS.
The California Walnut Commission is engaged throughout the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee process by submitting appropriate CWC-supported publications and attending DGAC meetings either in person or virtually. The CWC also supported comments submitted by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation with focus on increased consumption of all tree nuts including walnuts based on current scientific evidence across the life span.
In regard to nuts in general, mentions in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines are relatively consistent with previous recommendations. Nuts are included in the protein and oil categories and listed as examples within these core elements that make up a healthy dietary pattern. Nuts are recommended as part of all three dietary patterns included in the guidelines: Healthy U.S.-Style, Mediterranean-Style, and Vegetarian-Style.
The California Walnut Commission continues to engage with policy makers to ensure scientific research on walnuts is considered in public policy. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are used by health professionals who may recommend walnuts to their patients and clients. The CWC is also able to use these recommendations in our communications to consumers, promoting the many health benefits of walnuts.
