We reviewed data on the American diet from 1800 to 2019. Methods: We examined food availability and estimated consumption data from 1800 to 2019 using historical sources from the federal government and additional public data sources. Results: Processed and ultra-processed foods increased from <5 to >60% of foods. Large increases occurred for sugar, white and whole wheat flour, rice, poultry, eggs, vegetable oils, dairy products, and fresh vegetables. Saturated fats from animal sources declined while polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils rose. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rose over the twentieth century in parallel with increased consumption of processed foods, including sugar, refined flour and rice, and vegetable oils. Saturated fats from animal sources were inversely correlated with the prevalence of NCDs. Conclusions: As observed from the food availability data, processed and ultra-processed foods dramatically increased over the past two centuries, especially sugar, white flour, white rice, vegetable oils, and ready-to-eat meals. These changes paralleled the rising incidence of NCDs, while animal fat consumption was inversely correlated.
Annual total caloric and macronutrient availability per capita from 1909 to 2010 (Source: USDA ERS).
Full Paper - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.748847
It gives weight to alternative theories of modern chronic disease and demonstrates people HAVE BEEN following the anti-saturated fat messaging.
Sadly when the US dietary guidelines did change recognizing saturated fat as benign and health some, people immediately turned it into a political issue rather then a health issue. So we need this, the JACC Saturated fat review, public policy change, dietitian change, and most importantly persistance to outlast the pharmaceutical financial interest in selling medicine that can lower a intermediate metric.