A balanced diet helps in curing nutritional deficiencies and optimal growth for a child.
Emphasis has been laid on the recommendations which can maximise protective effects in accordance with traditional habits.
Consumers should read all the information labelled on the item to make informed and healthy food choices.
The Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) have been drafted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts led by Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN and has undergone several scientific reviews.
TO BE HIT, EAT FITadvertisementA balanced diet should not provide more than 45% of calories from cereals and millet and up to 15% of calories from pulse, beans and meat.
The latest study finds out, that 56.7 per cent of the disease burden in India is due to an unhealthy diet, as it releases the 17 necessary dietary guidelines to meet the essential requirement of a balanced diet and to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDS) such as obesity and diabetes.
Nutrition plays an important role right from the time of a baby’s presence in the womb of the mother. A balanced diet helps in curing nutritional deficiencies and optimal growth for a child. Emphasis has been laid on the recommendations which can maximise protective effects in accordance with traditional habits.
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The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the apex body, said that healthy diets and physical activity can reduce the amount of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension (HTN) and prevent 80% of 2 types of diabetes.
“The risk of premature deaths can be eliminated by using the right techniques of living”, it said, adding that the increase in consumption of processed foods encumbered with fats, sugar, and salt integrated with diminished physical activity and limited access to nutrients enrich food of diverse categories, worsening micronutrient deficiency and overweight problems.
The National Institute of Nutrition restricts salt intake, adequate levels of sugar and oil-containing food to be consumed in lesser quantities, doing proper exercise, curtailing processed food and all precautions to be taken seriously.
ICMR’S 17 DIETARY GUIDELINES:
Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet
Pregnant women and new mothers should have access to extra food and healthcare
Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond
After six months of age, the infant should be fed homemade semi-solid complementary foods.
Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents in health and sickness
Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes
Use oil/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts etc. to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids
Obtain good equality proteins and essential amino acids; avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass
Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity
Be physically active, exercise regularly
Restrict salt intake
Consume safe and clean foods
Ensure appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods are used
Drink plenty of water
Minimise the consumption of ultra-processed foods and high-fat, sugar, salt
Prioritise nutrient-rich foods in the diets of elderly people
Read information on food labels
It also recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle to eradicate the risk of obesity, diabetes and other cardio problems. Consumers should read all the information labelled on the item to make informed and healthy food choices.
The Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) have been drafted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts led by Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN and has undergone several scientific reviews.
SEVENTEEN GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN LISTED IN THE DGI:
"Through the DGIs, we emphasise that the most logical, sustainable, and long-term solution to all forms of malnutrition is ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutrient-rich foods while promoting consumption of diverse foods. The guidelines contain in them scientific evidence-based information that would facilitate the attainment of goals stated in the National Nutrition Policy," Hemlatha said.
The dietary habits of Indians have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, leading to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases while some of the problems of undernutrition continue to persist, said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR.
"I am pleased that these guidelines have been made very relevant to the changing food scenario in India with the addition of practicable messages and suggestions on handling food safety, choosing minimally processed foods, importance of food labels and physical activity. I am sure these will complement the government's efforts to promote holistic nutrition and the health of our people," Bahl said.
TO BE HIT, EAT FIT
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A balanced diet should not provide more than 45% of calories from cereals and millet and up to 15% of calories from pulse, beans and meat. The rest must be confirmed by vegetables, nuts and fruit and milk products.
It has also been mentioned by NIN that Indians rely on cereals due to the high cost of meat, pulses and other enriched foods, resulti9ng in a poor intake of essential macronutrients and micronutrients.
Low intake of these leads to disruption in metabolism, diabetic problems and risk of insulin resistance and other disorders at a very young age.
Published By: ITGD Sr SUb Editor Published On: May 13, 2024
