In India, affordability of a healthy-balanced diet is a public health concern. Healthy eating, however, is possible with adequate knowledge on nutritional composition of different foods and combining them to fulfill individual dietary needs.
Eight tips to make diet healthier and budget-friendly
In India, affordability of a healthy-balanced diet is a public health concern. Healthy eating, however, is possible with adequate knowledge on nutritional composition of different foods and combining them to fulfill individual dietary needs
grocery_1200_gettyWith improved agricultural practices and less food waste and loss, the commission estimates this diet could meet the needs of the estimated 10 billion people by 2050
There are more than 2.5 billion malnourished people living in the world; 800 million are undernourished, 2 billion are overweight or obese, and 2 billion have micronutrient deficiencies. Globally, poor diets are causing morbidity and mortality due to inadequate consumption of nutritious foods and excessive consumption of harmful ones. Modern food production poses risk to the planet as well.
In India, nearly 1.7 million people die every year due to diseases caused by dietary risk factors and obesity, according to the State of India’s Environment 2022: In Figures, a statistical compilation published every year by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine.
According to the report, lifestyle diseases include respiratory ailments, diabetes, cancer, strokes, and coronary heart disease. In terms of diet, it refers to ones that are low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and high in processed meat, red meat, and sugary drinks. In terms of weight, it refers to being underweight, overweight, or obese. The report states that in India, 71 per cent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet — the lowest figure in the world and an average Indian diet lacks fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
Restructuring food systems to deliver better health and environmental outcomes is one the most significant global challenges of the 21st century. To assist in making changes, the EAT-Lancet Commission set out to identify a universal reference diet that is healthy for both humans and the planet, minimising chronic disease risks, and maximising human wellbeing.
EAT-Lancet’s reference diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, with protein and fat coming mainly from plant-based foods, unsaturated fats from fish, and carbohydrates coming from whole grains. With improved agricultural practices and less food waste and loss, the commission estimates this diet could meet the needs of the estimated 10 billion people by 2050. It, however, also points out that a healthy diet must be available and affordable to lower-income countries as well to make a real impact.
Include millets: Whole grains such as millets (jowar, bajra, ragi, nachni, etc.) are powerhouses of nutrition, packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. A variety of health benefits have been linked to whole grains, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Wheat flour and white rice can be replaced with millets for maximum health benefits. Additionally, millets are affordable, sustainable, and environment-friendly.
Hence the above tips are very helpful to our daily life
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