Intake of diversified nutrients vital for healthy life, say nutritionists

Team L&M

Imbalanced diet is one of the top three causes for the high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. This disturbing news came to light following an ASSOCHAM study on the rising burden of NCDs in the country. The report titled “Non-Communicable Diseases in India” covered nearly 2.5 lakh people and 673 public health offices across 21 states.

The study found that people were increasingly consuming diets low in legumes, milk, omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, calcium etc., and were opting for foods rich in sugar and trans-fats. The most common NCDs due to consumption of unhealthy diet included hypertension, digestive diseases, and diabetes. The prevalence of NCDs in India was found to be 116 per 1000 population.

“In today’s times, optimum nutrition is truly medicinal,” says Dr Zubeda Tumbi (PhD Nutrition), Founder, HealthWatch Nutrition, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Weight Management & Metabolic Diseases Expert. Switching to functional foods for therapy to protect, reverse, or remove an ongoing condition can assist relieve mental, economic, and financial stress, she added.

“Issues related to diet, weight and physical activity are public health challenges. Even though our policy makers are taking significant steps to inculcate a healthy food culture through interventions such as The Eat Right Movement, Task Force on Balanced and Healthy Diets, Poshan Abhiyan among other, sustained action from all stakeholders is critical to identify strategies for promotion of wholesome and healthful diet across all sections of the society,” says Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council

“Healthy diet enhances the body performance, strengthens your immune system, and protects you from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and others. Eating whole grain cereals, ragi, bajra, jwar, legumes, beans, whole pulses, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, helps in wholesome nutrition,” says Dr Shabana Parveen, Group Team Leader, Clinical Nutritionist Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Department, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, adding that it is vital to eat varied diet rather than relying on a single nutrient

Vinita Aran, Senior Nutritionist, Wellness Coach at Apollo Clinic, Andheri (E) Founder of Diet Clinic ‘Eat your way to good health’ stressed on eating traditional and seasonal foods as these are “a great source of nutrients”.