ICMR issues Dietary guidelines for Indians

The dietary guidelines advocate for consuming a well-balanced diet that incorporates a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups.

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Hygienic Food eating
Picture: Pixabay

Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by The Health Master

Dietary guidelines

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have taken a significant step towards promoting public health in India with respect to dietary guidelines.

They recently released a set of comprehensive dietary guidelines aimed at tackling both nutritional deficiencies and the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to a National Health Concern

These highly anticipated guidelines are the result of meticulous work by a multi-disciplinary committee of experts led by Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN.

Recognizing the dramatic shift in dietary patterns over recent decades, the committee crafted 17 practical and evidence-based recommendations.

Addressing the Dual Burden of Malnutrition

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, speaking at the launch event held at ICMR headquarters, highlighted the “dual burden of malnutrition” currently faced by India.

While undernutrition issues like deficiencies persist, there’s also a concerning rise in NCDs.

These new guidelines, Dr. Bahl emphasized, are designed to address both aspects effectively.

Key Features of the New Dietary Guidelines

  • Focus on Balanced Diets: The dietary guidelines advocate for consuming a well-balanced diet that incorporates a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups.
  • Prioritizing Physical Activity: Maintaining an active lifestyle is emphasized as a crucial component of overall health and disease prevention.
  • Minimizing Ultra-Processed Foods: The guidelines advise limiting consumption of highly processed foods, often laden with unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt.
  • Decoding Food Labels: Understanding food labels is encouraged to enable informed and healthy dietary choices.
  • Food Safety and Minimally Processed Options: The guidelines offer practical advice on safe food handling practices and choosing minimally processed alternatives.

A Sustainable Solution for a Healthier India

Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, expressed her belief that these Dietary Guidelines (DGIs) offer a “logical, sustainable, and long-term solution” to various forms of malnutrition.

By promoting a diverse and nutritious diet, the DGIs aim to ensure the “availability, accessibility, and affordability” of healthy food options for all Indians.

This initiative by the ICMR and ICMR-NIN represents a significant step forward in India’s fight against chronic diseases and malnutrition.

By empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices, these guidelines pave the way for a healthier future for the nation.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

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