Rethinking Dietary Variety: Why More Food Choices Might Not Mean Better Health

Encouraging a wide variety of foods to meet nutritional needs could have unintended consequences, according to a new scientific statement from leading nutrition experts.

"Eating a more varied diet may lead to greater consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods," says the statement's lead author. "This pattern can increase overall calorie intake and contribute to obesity."

"Eat a variety of foods" has been a cornerstone of global public health advice for decades. Yet dietary guidelines vary on defining dietary diversity, measuring it, and confirming its benefits. Drawing from a comprehensive review of studies published between January 2000 and December 2017, the authors conclude:

• No evidence shows greater general food diversity promotes healthy weight or optimal nutrition.
• Some evidence indicates more food options during meals slow satiety, leading to higher food intake.
• Limited evidence links higher dietary diversity to increased calorie consumption, poorer eating patterns, and weight gain in adults.

Instead of promoting variety, experts recommend prioritizing plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains; low-fat dairy; non-tropical vegetable oils; nuts; poultry; and fish. Limit red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks.