The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced 17 dietary guidelines on May 8 to meet the requirements of key nutrients and avoid non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes. The guidelines estimate that bad diets cause 56.4% of India’s overall illness burden. According to the leading health research organization, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), physical exercise and a nutritious diet can prevent up to 80% of type 2 diabetes and significantly lower the risk of hypertension (HTN) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
“A healthy lifestyle can prevent a significant portion of premature deaths,” the statement read. It went on to say that the rise in highly processed foods high in sugar and fat, along with decreased physical activity and restricted access to a variety of foods, exacerbates micronutrient deficiencies and overweight problems. The NIN advised reducing salt intake, using fats and oils sparingly, exercising appropriately, and consuming less sweets and highly processed meals.
ICMR’s 17 new dietary guidelines
- Consume an array of foods to guarantee a well-rounded diet.
- Extra food and healthcare should be available to pregnant women and new mothers.
- Be careful when breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months; continue nursing for at least two years.
- The baby should be provided homemade semi-solid supplementary foods after six months.
- Ensure kids and teenagers are eating enough and the right foods in good and bad health.
- Consume a lot of beans and vegetables.
- Use fats and oils sparingly. To satisfy daily requirements for lipids and essential fatty acids, select a range of oil seeds, nuts, etc.
- Get enough vital amino acids and proteins to gain muscle mass, but stay away from protein supplements.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle to avoid being overweight, obese overall, and abdominally obese.
- Engage in frequent exercise and be physically active.
- Limit your intake of salt.
- Eat healthful, clean foods.
- Make sure the right pre-cooking and cooking techniques are applied.
- Sip a lot of water.
- Reduce your intake of highly processed foods and foods heavy in fat, sugar, and salt.
- Give nutrient-rich foods a priority in senior citizens’ diets.
- Examine the information on food labels.
It was also advised to have a healthy lifestyle and read food labels to make educated and nutritious eating decisions to avoid obesity. A multidisciplinary expert team headed by Dr. Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN, established the Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs), which have passed many scientific reviews. The DGI has a list of 17 guidelines.
According to Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, Indian eating habits have changed significantly over the past few decades, increasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases while some undernutrition issues still exist. Regarding non-communicable diseases, the NIN reported that elevated triglycerides affect 34% of children aged 5 to 9. Cereals and millets should make up no more than 45% of the calories in a balanced diet, with pulses, beans, and meat accounting for up to 15% of total calories. According to the standards, the remaining calories should come from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and milk.
According to the NIN, a sizable section of the Indian population heavily relies on cereals due to the scarcity and high cost of meat and pulses. This results in inadequate consumption of critical macronutrients (essential fatty acids and necessary amino acids) and micronutrients. It stated that a diet deficient in vital nutrients can interfere with metabolism, raising the risk of insulin resistance and related illnesses from an early age.
