After more than ten years, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued dietary guidelines. The challenge of recommending a healthy diet in a diverse and multi-cultural country like India is daunting. However, the new dietary guidelines provide a valuable insight into where many Indians may be going wrong. For example, it states that instead of the required 500 grammes of vegetables and fruits per day, most Indians consume only 100 to 200 grammes. Many people perceive these services to be prohibitively pricey, despite their accessibility.
Overconsumption of grains, sugar, and salt in typical meals was also seen. The suggestions focused on protein powders, despite the fact that many Indians consume insufficient amounts of high-quality protein.
Dietary guidelines provide an authoritative baseline for lifestyle diseases in both urban and rural settings, highlighting the impact of food choices and consumption patterns during the past decade. According to the 17-point guideline, promoting balanced diets and physical activity can avoid approximately 80% of Type II diabetes and the bulk of coronary heart disease cases in the country.
Most Indians eat too many carbohydrates and are increasingly reliant on ultra-processed or convenience foods. The ICMR has issued a caution. The guidelines encourage consumers to study food labels and make informed food decisions. After all, food is a deeply personal and community-based experience. But this can’t be everything. The rules require national and state health authorities to issue cautions, restrict ultra-processed and high-sugar foods in schools, and create a classification of healthy and harmful foods based on local culture.
ABHISHEK VERMA
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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