Nutritionists at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine say the Food Guide Pyramid (see accompanying illustration) should be changed to show that a vegetarian diet offers the most disease protection of any dietary pattern. The Ag Department is reassessing the Pyramid. PCRM calls for three changes to the Pyramid:

(1) Delete the Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group. There is no consensus that dairy consumption is beneficial, and no other food group in the Pyramid is focused on a specific nutrient (calcium). Recent studies link consuming dairy products to increased risk of prostate cancer and new research contradicts the notion that consuming lots of dairy products protects against bone loss.

(2) Emphasize plant sources of protein, such as beans and nuts, which are healthier protein choices and have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. A diet low in or free of animal products also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, kidney stones and colon cancer.

(3) Promote whole grains, which boost fiber and can lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. PCRM promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. It is working to improve the Food Guide Pyramid and in 2000 won a lawsuit against the USDA proving that the agency concealed data proving that members of the advisory group revising the Guidelines had financial ties to the meat, dairy, and egg industries.

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