Category: Nutrition history

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates famously wrote, "Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food," marking some of the earliest formal thoughts on the role of food in health. While no single person can be credited, the answer to who recommended nutrition involves a fascinating history of scientific discovery, evolving guidelines, and influential figures and institutions.

The originator of the highly restrictive grapefruit diet, a fad that first appeared in the 1920s and 1930s, is completely unknown. This eating plan gained notoriety for its promise of rapid weight loss through a so-called "fat-burning enzyme," though this claim was never supported by science.

Created in response to rising food prices, the world's first-ever food pyramid was unveiled in Sweden in 1974, answering the question of what was the original food pyramid. This visual guide was designed to help consumers make affordable and nutritious choices by depicting food groups in a hierarchical, triangular structure.

The first dietary recommendations in the US were published in 1894, marking a pivotal year for American public health. Produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), these early nutritional guides were developed by chemist W.O. Atwater to help Americans, primarily men, make more informed food choices based on available scientific knowledge at the time.