Eating Green Benefits Planet

Americans should consider the health of the planet along with the health of their hearts when deciding what to eat, according to an expert panel that advises the federal government on nutrition.

It is the first time the committee, which updates its recommendations in a report every five years, considered the environmental impact of food choices.

Also for the first time, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee singled out added sugars, those not naturally found in foods such as fruit, encouraging Americans to sharply cut back.

Americans should think about healthy dietary patterns including more fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables and whole grains, and less red or processed meat.