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Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
Recently, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad has released the much-awaited Indian Dietary Guidelines 2024 which are meant for the general public and provide practical advice for nutrition professionals, however, they are not meant for people with existing medical conditions or those hospitalised. The guidelines highlight the critical issue of unhealthy dietary habits contributing to 56.4% of the disease burden in India, according to data from the publication.
The document emphasises the need to promote healthy eating patterns and prevent diet-related chronic diseases and includes addressing the increase in intake of highly processed foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats, as well as a decline in physical activity. In addition, limited access to diverse food groups and micronutrient deficiencies further exacerbate the problem, leading to concerns of overweight/obesity and malnutrition.
The main recommendations for healthy eating:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Edwina Raj, Service Head, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, explained –
- Reducing sugar: The guidelines recommend limiting sugar intake to 20-25 grams per day for a healthy individual. Additionally, they discourage the intake of high-sugar and saturated fat (HFSS) products in the daily diet.
- Healthy Fats: Although cooking oils are recommended to be used in moderation due to their processing, the guidelines also emphasize on increasing healthy fats obtained from nuts and fish.
- Safe and sustainable cooking methods:
- Clay pots are promoted due to their safety, eco-friendliness, ability to use less oil and ability to preserve nutrients.
- Granite cookware is considered safe as long as it does not have a Teflon coating.
- Non-stick pans with a Teflon coating can be hazardous if heated above 170°C, and should be discarded if the coating becomes worn or damaged.
- Millets for gut health: Guidelines recommend including 30-40% millet in daily cereal intake, as it is rich in fibre and also provides essential nutrients beneficial for gut health.
- Informed Food Choices: The guidelines provide information on food safety and labelling to enable consumers to make healthier choices when purchasing packaged foods.
- ‘My plate today’: The concept of “My Day’s Plate” has been re-emphasised to raise awareness about including ten different food groups in the diet.
- Microgreens for added nutrition: The guidelines recommend including microgreens in your daily diet.
- Responsible Protein Supplementation: A cautionary note discourages the routine use of protein supplements by healthy individuals and athletes. Long-term high intake of such supplements may increase health risks, including kidney damage, due to potential additives and artificial ingredients.
alcohol consumption:
- The guidelines warn against limiting weekly alcohol consumption to no more than 2 measures (30 ml of ethyl alcohol each). However, they acknowledge the lack of specific recommendations or safe limits for Indian men and women based on current clinical evidence.
The report emphasises that these guidelines are meant to bring awareness among the general public and prevent lifestyle diseases. These guidelines also serve as a basic reference for nutritionists, however, it is important to consult a qualified dietitian for personalised guidance, especially for those who are already ill or hospitalised.
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