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Even home-cooked food can be unhealthy if prepared with high fat, sugar or salt, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said in a new set of dietary guidelines.
The medical body has warned that foods high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) are harmful to health as they are mostly calorie-dense and low in micronutrients and fibre.
Researchers have mentioned in the guidelines that foods that are high in fat and sugar contain a lot of calories and can lead to obesity.
Also read: New ICMR directive: 10 important details on milk tea and coffee rules
According to the guidelines, “It also deprives healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fiber, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bioactive substances.”
“High-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes rapidly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. High-salt foods increase the risk of high blood pressure. And have adverse effects on the kidneys. Therefore, high salt intake is unhealthy,” it said.
ICMR also said that a diet deficient in essential amino acids, fatty acids and micronutrients can lead to conditions like anemia and affect cognition (brain function) and learning ability.
dietary supplements
The medical community also recommends avoiding protein supplements, limiting salt intake, and reducing sugar and ultra-processed foods for body building.
It also urged people to read information on food labels to make informed and healthy food choices.
Also read: Avoid tea with milk to reduce chances of cancer, ICMR warns
Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the apex health research body on Wednesday released revised ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGI)’ to meet essential nutrient requirements and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). .
It also says sugar should be less than 5 per cent of total energy intake and a balanced diet should not include more than 45 per cent of calories from cereals and millets and 15 per cent from pulses, beans and meat.
The guidelines say the remaining calories should come from nuts, vegetables, fruits and milk. Total fat intake should be less than or equal to 30 percent of energy.
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Published: May 15, 2024, 07:46 PM IST
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