The Swiss government has updated its dietary recommendations based on the latest scientific findings. Fruit juices have disappeared from the food pyramid.
The Swiss food pyramid has undergone a facelift for the fourth time: coffee is now at the level of healthy beverages, and when it comes to oils, rapeseed oil should now be preferred.
The federal nutrition recommendations are aimed at individuals aged 18 to 65. This age group constitutes the majority of the Swiss population, says Yasmin Matthys, spokesperson for the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV).
Consideration is already being given to future updates that would also take vegetarians and vegans into account. For specific dietary lifestyles, information sheets are available from the BLV and the Society for Nutrition.
However, it is also important to distinguish between detailed dietary recommendations and the food pyramid, says Matthys. The latter is a visual aid.
1. Fruit juices have disappeared from the pyramid
Health data show that fruit juices can have negative effects beyond a certain daily amount, says Yasmin Matthys, spokesperson for the BLV. Therefore, the focus is now on the whole fruit with its nutrients and vitamins.
Fruit juices do not offer the same benefits as whole fruits. Fruit juices contain less dietary fiber, and their glycemic load is higher. Additionally, juice does not lead to the same feeling of fullness as a whole fruit. This can lead to an increase in calorie consumption, the BLV adds.
2. Meat takes a back seat
Meat is no longer prominently placed on the food pyramid. Legumes are now at the forefront. Plant-based diets are to be promoted, says Urs Stalder, head of the Nutrition Department at the BLV. Additionally, meat alternatives like tofu are now depicted, and the egg has secured its place in the pyramid.
3. The coffee myth debunked
Contrary to the widespread belief that coffee dehydrates the body, it appears on the revised food pyramid at the bottom level alongside water.
Moderate coffee consumption—up to 3 cups a day—can be health-promoting and contribute to hydration, according to the BLV. They refer to scientific literature in this regard.
4. Fresh instead of processed
“We recommend consuming little or no processed foods,” says Yasmin Matthys. Initial studies have shown that highly processed foods can increase the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, or fatness. Therefore, those who want to eat healthily should focus on freshly prepared meals.
5. Nutrition is more than eating
Sustainability is a very important aspect of our eating behavior, says Yasmin Matthys from the BLV. The new dietary recommendations aim to reflect this.
We must begin to view nutrition as an ecosystem, where humans, animals, and the environment are considered and respected equally.
A healthy and balanced diet is also a sustainable diet. “We must begin to view nutrition as an ecosystem, where humans, animals, and the environment are considered and respected equally,” says Matthys. Those who prioritize regional and seasonal products while avoiding plastic bags and preventing food waste can significantly contribute to environmental protection.