Ministry of Health Introduces: This Weekly Menu Will Prevent Diseases

The Ministry of Health is launching nutritional recommendations for the public for the first time. These recommendations, to be presented at the upcoming forum on sustainable nutrition at the Weizmann Institute, emphasize a significant reduction in animal-based product consumption. The average Israeli currently eats meat daily. According to the new guidelines, poultry or turkey can be consumed 2-3 times a week, it is recommended to minimize beef consumption as much as possible, and processed meats — including schnitzels and sausages commonly found on Israeli tables — should be limited to once a month, and ideally avoided altogether.

The Ministry of Health recommends reducing animal protein intake, while increasing the consumption of varied plant-based foods and legumes.

The ministry's recommendation document states: "Numerous studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet pattern can prevent heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and various types of cancer. It has also been found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is protectively associated with Alzheimer's disease."

According to the document, it is advisable to consume fish once a week, which are a good source of Omega-3 fats (it is important to note that this refers to fresh and frozen fish, not salted/smoked fish). Additionally, it is recommended to increase the intake of vegetables and fruits: at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of fruits. It is better to eat the whole fruits and vegetables, not in juice form. The Ministry of Health also recommends ensuring daily consumption of legumes: for example, lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, fava beans, and black-eyed peas in dishes or as a substitute for a meat dish.

Among the additional recommendations: consume cold-pressed olive oil as a primary fat source, both for short cooking and seasoning, incorporate nuts, almonds, and various seeds as a source of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibers, and use spices that add flavor and help reduce salt consumption.

The ministry explicitly states that one should avoid processed meats, sweetened foods, and snacks, artificial sweeteners, and energy drinks. Food without or with minimal additions of sugar, salt, or high-calorie or saturated fat sauces should be preferred. These foods should be consumed in moderation only on special occasions.

Currently, the diet of many Israelis is very far from the Ministry of Health’s recommendations. Many children in Israel regularly drink sweet drinks, eat processed chicken schnitzels for lunch several times a week, consume junk food, and sweets. The Ministry of Health hopes that the new guidelines will help parents take responsibility for their and their children's diet, thereby reducing vascular diseases, diabetes, and more.