Dr. Surabhi Dogra Jani Nutrition and healthy eating have been a concern for centuries, but now that social media has reached every member of the household, public awareness has increased. However, we should be aware of what is good for our health instead of following what others say. National Nutrition Week is observed across India from September 1st to September 7th. For that purpose let's keep in mind some things about nutritious diet. Two Types of Malnutrition Malnutrition: low height for age (stunting), low height for weight (wasting), low weight for age (under weight) and lack of essential minerals (deficiency of micronutrients). Other: Various diseases related to overweight, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 14.5 percent of India's population is undernourished. In the 'Global Hunger Index-2019' report, India ranks 102 out of 117 countries. A report by the 'Indian Council of Medical Research' (ICMR) suggests that malnutrition among children is a major factor behind the death of children under the age of five in India. According to a UNICEF report, India ranks 10th among the countries with the most underweight children and 17th among the countries with the most stunted children. Unfortunately, women's nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum is still largely neglected. ICMR asserts that optimal nutrition in mother and child during the first 1,000 days (from conception to two years of age) is closely related to growth and learning in the early stages of development and reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart disease later in life. Earlier vegetarian Indian diet regularly emphasized meals of dal, rice, roti, vegetables and salad. Now unhealthy diet is increasing diseases. Such a diet is cheaper, tastier and gives a satisfying meal. Therefore, the family income is spent more on junk food. In fact 56.4 percent of diseases in India are caused by unhealthy diet. A healthy diet should consist of 45 percent grains, 14-15 percent legumes-eggs-non-vegetarian foods, 30 percent or less total fat, 8-10 percent nuts-oilseeds-milk and milk products. Salt and oil intake should be limited and cold drinks should be avoided with meals. Along with a healthy diet we should not forget 'healthy snacks' consisting of vegetables/fruits with curd or seeds or dry fruits. Boiled/roasted pulses/white rice/chickpeas/peanuts should also be added to it. Along with this food group, vitamins and minerals are also an important part of our diet. It is essential for the maintenance of skin, hair, nails, blood and soft tissues. It also maintains nerve cell transmission, acid-base and fluid balance, enzyme and hormonal activity. A chubby looking baby is not a healthy baby. As packaged food becomes more and more available and is cheaper in price, children consider it as food and gain weight due to it. Such a child is considered by the family as a sign of good health which is wrong. Unhealthy diet during pregnancy/infancy among causes of abdominal or overall obesity; Low birth weight babies (less than two kg) or overweight babies (more than four kg), spending too much time on screens like mobiles or TV, inadequate sleep, etc. Due to the rise in childhood obesity, cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a fatty liver disease, are on the rise in children. In short, in the fast-food and fast-life era, it is very important for children to eat nutritious food regularly as it can help us prevent many lifestyle-related diseases in the future.}
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
Health: Nutritious food builds healthy societies, World Nutrition Week (1 to 7 September)
