ICMR new dietary guidelinesIn a new released set of dietary guidelines, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that even home-cooked meals can be unhealthy if prepared with high fat, sugar or salt content.
Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys.
Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," the guidelines further stated.
ICMR has also advised people to avoid protein supplements for building body mass in the guidelines along with restricting salt intake and reducing the intake of sugar and ultra-processed foods.
The medical body recommended reading information given on food labels to make the right food choices.
ICMR new dietary guidelines
In a new released set of dietary guidelines, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that even home-cooked meals can be unhealthy if prepared with high fat, sugar or salt content. The top medical body warned that consuming foods that are high in fats, sugar or salt (HFSS) can lead to various health related issues including obesity as they are very low in micronutrients and fibre but possess a high quantity of calories.
As per ICMR, “it also deprives one of the healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bio-active substances." "High-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," the guidelines further stated.
Homecooked foods
A diet that lacks sufficient amount of essential amino acids, fatty acids and micronutrients can lead to severe conditions like anaemia and have an adverse effect on cognition (brain function) and learning ability. ICMR has also advised people to avoid protein supplements for building body mass in the guidelines along with restricting salt intake and reducing the intake of sugar and ultra-processed foods. The medical body recommended reading information given on food labels to make the right food choices.
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad under the apex healthy research body has released updated dietary recommendations for Indians on last Wednesday. These guidelines aim to ensure people get the nutrients they need and avoid chronic diseases. Some of the key takeaways are 'sugar should be less than 5% of total energy intake' and the diet must not contain more than 45% calories from cereals and millets. While the calories from pulses, beans and meat should be 15% and rest of the calories can be absorbed from nuts, vegetables, fruits and milk. One must not consume more than 30% fat.
Here are a few guidelines to make your homecooked meals healthy.
Use pre-cooking methods like soaking, sprouting and fermenting to retain more nutrients in the food.
