Below is testimony given in Washington, DC by IVU International Council Deputy Chair Saurabh Dalal to the Advisory Committee for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Good morning. I’m Saurabh Dalal and I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony as you reshape the influential Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These comments are presented on behalf of three volunteer-driven, non-profit organizations:

The Vegetarian Union of North America (www.ivu.org/vuna)
The Vegetarian Society of DC (www.vsdc.org)
The International Vegetarian Union (www.ivu.org)

Vegetarian foods offer powerful advantages for humans. A large number and wide variety of scientific studies have shown that well-planned vegetarian diets support good health for all stages of the life cycle. Many nutritionists and other health professionals recognize that a well-planned, low-fat vegetarian diet – and preferably a vegan diet, completely free of all animal products - is the best diet for humans. Animal products are the main source of saturated fats, the only source of dietary cholesterol, and contain no fiber, often resulting in high cholesterol levels and a variety of diet-related disorders in people. Preventing and sometimes reversing heart disease, preventing several types of cancer, preventing and reversing diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and helping manage weight are among the many successes of such a diet.

We urge the advisory committee to clearly emphasize plant foods and alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A wide variety of plant foods consisting of whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals and fortified plant milks like soy milk can ensure a healthy, well-balanced diet. Naturally and strongly colorful vegetables and fruits should also be emphasized for their anti-oxidant and phyto-nutrient value.

I’d like to highlight some key points.

1. A diet drawn from varied plant sources can be nutrient-dense and easily satisfies protein requirements, without the potential for protein excess. Soy protein has been shown to be nutritionally equivalent in protein value to proteins of animal origin. Animal products being acidic, force calcium out of the body, thereby promoting bone loss.
   
2. Many plant-based sources of calcium exist. Excellent examples are dark leafy greens like collard greens and kale and fortified soy milk. The more extensive range of dietary sources of calcium from plant foods would increase intakes of boron, vitamin K, and magnesium, helping reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
   Calcium absorption and bio-availability from dark leafy greens have been shown to be very good.
   Also very important in regard to the basic food groups is that each serving of leafy green vegetables count as a serving from the calcium-rich foods group AND in the vegetable group. This is an added benefit, showing the versatility and benefit of plant foods.
   
3. Iron is plentiful in beans, whole grains, and fruits.
   
4. Flax seed oil and ground flax seeds are good sources of omega 3's, while consumption of fish and other sea animals have the downside of potential mercury and other contaminants, along with significant cholesterol.
   
5. An adequate intake of B12 is necessary and straight-forward, and should be from fortified foods or a reliable supplement. Fortified soy milk for example is a good source of vitamins B12 and D as well as protein and calcium.
   
6. Eating patterns are changing and the diets of a great many are more plant-based than a decade ago. The Dietary Guidelines must address the needs of those moving away from animal products, consistent with the messages of many major public health organizations, but also with guidance that is more comprehensive in terms of alternatives to animal foods and cow's milk.

We urge the advisory committee to clearly incorporate even more plant foods, specifically a well-planned, low-fat, vegan diet, with its health benefits and other benefits in all respects, as you update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2010

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