Nutrition is fundamental for good health and well-being. It promotes growth and development, ensuring proper physical and cognitive development. Nutrition provides the energy needed for daily activities and bodily functions. It is also linked to better mental and physiological health. In today’s era of artificial intelligence, everything seems to be artificial including our food and dietary habits. Just like information is so readily available; anywhere & everywhere, just in one click, we want our food in the same manner, just in one single click.

Reports suggest that most working professionals living in a tier-1 city order at least one meal from outside. With food delivery apps lodging a growth rate of 15.98% in India and projecting a rise to a 9.7-billion-dollar market by 2025, it seems a good startup venture but is alarming for health and wellness. On the contrary, it could be a good time to enter the health and wellness industry since the rise of food delivery apps will also lead to a rise in several lifestyle disorders and heart-related diseases. Due to changing food and lifestyle choices, people are forgetting their roots, traditional foods and eating methods. They are carelessly filling their plates and stomachs, ignoring the nutrition criteria. Let’s get a brief understanding of what nutrients are:

Nutrients

In layman’s language, nutrients are the compounds in food that provide us with energy that facilitates repair and growth and helps us carry out different life processes. Nutrients can be broadly categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients. These can be further classified as:

Macronutrients

• Carbohydrates: They are the body’s main sources of energy. They can be found in foods like bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and vegetables.
• Proteins: They are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Sources include pulses, beans, nuts, dairy products, etc.
• Fat: They are energy storehouses that protect organs and aid in the absorption of vitamins.

Micronutrients (Also known as vitals)

• Vitamins: These are organic compounds that are crucial for various bodily functions. For example, Vitamin C is important for the immune system, while Vitamin D is essential for bone health.
• Minerals: Inorganic elements like calcium, potassium and iron are vital for processes such as bone formation, nerve function and oxygen transport in the blood.

Nutrition Crisis

In a study, it was found that about 99.3 percent of the global population intake insufficient nutrients. The findings also suggested that around the world, almost 70 percent, or over five billion, people do not consume enough iodine, vitamin E and calcium. In India, while more women consumed insufficient amounts of iodine, vitamin B12 and iron, compared to men, more men consumed inadequate amounts of zinc and magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C, compared to women. This leads to a nutrition crisis where a significant portion of the population is unable to access or consume adequate nutrients necessary for maintaining health. This can result from various factors, including food insecurity or scarcity, economic instability, natural disasters, climate change, health crises such as pandemics, or conflicts and displacements due to wars causing food production and distribution disruptions.

A nutrition crisis that lasts for a long time can lead to various disruptions and issues. This includes malnutrition leading to wasting, stunting, or an underweight population. Severe malnutrition, especially in children, can lead to higher mortality rates. Chronic malnutrition can also affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in children. Malnutrition can reduce productivity and increase healthcare costs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. We need to implement sustainable agricultural practices, improve food systems and enhance economic resilience. This will also help us ensure access to healthcare and nutrition education to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Nutrition crisis is a complex issue

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving economic conditions, enhancing agricultural practices, strengthening healthcare and sanitation, ensuring effective implementation of government programmes and addressing social inequalities. Let’s discuss some major reasons for the nutrition crisis:

• In India, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, limiting their access to nutritious food. This also leads to economic disparities where while some regions and communities have better access to food, others struggle with severe shortages.
• Agricultural practices like cropping patterns of a country also hold significant importance when it comes to food availability. In India, the major focus remains on cultivating rice and wheat which often overshadows the production of more nutritious crops like millet and pulses. This also happens due to ineffective policy interventions and low minimum selling price policies.
• Limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas is the major reason for exacerbating malnutrition in India. These poor sanitation and hygiene practices lead to diseases that can worsen nutritional status.
• Insufficient public health expenditure is still only about 1.3% of India’s GDP, which is insufficient to address the widespread malnutrition. Adding to it, programs like the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and mid-day meal schemes have also faced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Social factors like gender inequality and low literacy rates are also responsible. Women, especially in rural areas, often have less access to nutritious food leading to higher rates of malnutrition among women and children. Similarly, a lack of knowledge and awareness affects their ability to make informed nutritional choices.
• Sometimes natural disasters, pandemics or extreme weather events leading to floods, drought and other climate-related events can destroy crops and reduce food availability.

Let food be your medicine

Ensuring access to nutritious food for all remains a challenge. This needs the combined efforts of the government, local self-help groups, nonprofits and other social organisations to ensure food security and awareness for all. Strengthening agricultural policies that promote sustainable farming, improving public distribution system (PDS) efficiency and expanding programmes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to ensure that nutritious food reaches marginalised populations. Nonprofits can also work with local organisations to spread nutrition education and awareness.

Smile Foundation also works in rural areas to spread nutritional awareness. We conduct school and community programmes to emphasise nutrition education from a young age, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits. Food available today lacks nutrition due to various uncertain reasons and the changing climate. In such cases, scaling up fortification efforts for common foods like rice, wheat and edible oils with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folic acid and vitamin A is crucial. This can also be added to food programmes like the Midday Meal Scheme. Government programmes like the Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Poshan Abhiyan should be reinforced with better monitoring and coverage, ensuring that iron, folic acid and other nutrient supplements reach those in need.

Smile Foundation’s Smile on Wheels initiative visits the remotest areas of the country with our mobile hospital and a great medical team that regularly checks treats and updates health-related issues of the residents providing them with the best facility at their doorsteps. The programme also covers maternal and child nutrition for long-term health improvements. The government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems and integrate nutrition counseling into routine healthcare services can encourage better dietary practices.

As Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” So, before you need to rely on medicines, make food your medicine to heal your body. Awareness about nutrition will go a long way and encourage mindful and conscious eating habits.

It has now become evident that India is grappling with a major diabetes problem. So much so that the country is now known as the diabetes capital of the world. The problem is directly linked to poor food and lifestyle choices. As per a recent study by Lancet, more than 101 million people or over 11 per cent of the population of India is living with diabetes. This number is highly concerning as it shows that more than one-tenth of the total population in the country is now dealing with an issue which can lead to some serious health problems.

This alarming number reiterates the need for immediately addressing the lifestyle factors and dietary patterns that are causing the diabetes epidemic in India. While diabetes is directly linked to consumption of sugar, it needs to be understood that it is caused by a diet which is mostly rich in carbohydrates which includes wheat, rice, etc. Therefore, merely reducing sugar consumption cannot solve the diabetes problem. India needs to address the challenges associated with the traditional diet which is dominated by chapatis and boiled rice as primary sources of calories.

At the same time, some may argue that this has been the traditional diet of Indians since decades, and probably even centuries. While this may be true, what needs to be factored in is the changes brought by modern living. More and more people are now living sedentary and stressful lives, not engaging in any type of hard labour. Additionally, there is a sudden rise in the availability of packaged foods that are high on sugar and other carbohydrates while not offering a healthy balance of other nutrients. This is the reason why it is crucial to know about the food on your plate and how it affects your overall health and nutrition.

Importance of an overall healthy diet

A healthy diet is fundamental to maintaining overall well-being and preventing lifestyle-related diseases. You should see your body as a machine which requires fuel to run. Now, think of a machine like a motorcycle. What does it need to run perfectly? It needs petrol as fuel, engine oil to keep it running smoothly, brake oil to ensure that safety is maintained, etc. What if you mix water with petrol and put it into your motorcycle? Or, if you keep putting adulterated petrol in? Eventually, it will cause the motorcycle to malfunction because its requirements are not fulfilled.

Similarly, the human body needs certain energy sources to fulfil its needs. While carbohydrates may offer a cheap and easy source of energy, it is protein that helps in building your muscles and fibre helps keep your gut healthy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps in managing weight, boosting immunity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. A nutritious diet provides the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to function optimally. It also plays an important role in improving and sustaining mental health, enhancing mood and cognitive function. By adopting healthy eating habits, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives and contribute to a healthier society.

What a healthy diet should look like

As mentioned above, a balanced diet is a healthy diet. Now, this balance is decided by varying factors. Your diet can be highly personalised and if you are dealing with a problem like diabetes or obesity, it may be a good idea to reach out to a professional dietitian who can assess you and provide a personalised diet chart. Also, if you are not suffering with any of the diet related diseases, it is still recommended that you follow professional advice. In this article, we will be covering a bird’s eye view of what a healthy diet should look like. We must clarify that this must not be taken as professional advice of any kind.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have outlined the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for different age groups and physiological states3. Here are the key components of a healthy diet:

1. Carbohydrates: An average diet should constitute 45-65 percent of carbs of daily calories. Even while consuming carbohydrates, you should prefer whole grains, legumes, vegetables, etc. instead of simple sugars.
2. Proteins: It is extremely essential for growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues. The best sources of protein are meat, eggs, dairy products, and pulses. The RDA for protein varies by age and activity level, with adults requiring about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
3. Fats: This should make up around 25 to 30 percent of your daily calories. You should consume healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocadoes, olive oil, etc. instead of trans fat and saturated fat found in processed foods.
4. Minerals and Vitamins: These are like the building blocks of your health as they are essential for vital body functions like healthy immunity, bone health, haemoglobin levels, etc. You must ensure intake of vitamins A, C, D, E and B-complex, along with minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. A diet deficient of these can lead to conditions such as anaemia, osteoporosis and impaired immune function.
5. Fibre: Lastly, this is another thing that you should be mindful of including in your diet. Fibre is important for healthy digestive health and avoiding constipation. It also helps in feeling full after eating and can help with lesser consumption of unhealthy calorie sources. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc. are a good source of fibre. You should aim to consume at least 25-30 grams daily.

Again, it should be noted that this is just an overview of the ICMR report. You can click on the link to read the entire report or consult a dietician.

Status of nutrition in India

There are several such deficiencies found in the average Indian diet. This is primarily because of lack of healthy food options, affordability, and awareness. This disparity is especially stark when it comes to urban-rural divide. Urban areas tend to have better access to a variety of foods, while rural areas often face challenges in affordability and availability of nutritious options. Food inflation further worsens the issue, making it difficult for low-income families to afford a balanced diet. The Global Hunger Index ranks India poorly, indicating widespread undernutrition and food insecurity.

Solutions for a healthier tomorrow

There are various ways in which this issue can be addressed. Here are some of the steps that can be taken immediately:

1. Education and awareness: The most important step is educating people about how their diet affects their health. Moreover, they need to understand what the food on their plate includes and whether it offers a balance of nutrition. This knowledge can be imparted in schools, through media campaigns, and social media. Additionally, we should encourage the culture of reading food labels and healthy cooking practices.
2. Government initiatives: Today, a large number of the Indian population receives food support from the government and it is extremely important that these schemes include healthy food options so that a nutritious diet is ensured for even the underprivileged citizens. We already have schemes like mid-day meals and Anganwadi in place through which children get access to nutritious food. Their implementation should be ensured.
3. Diversification of diet: Lately, there has been a push for millets to be included in our diets. There are many such healthier food options that are inspired from our traditional diets. An initiative to bring back the healthy practices from the past can help with diversifying the food that we have on our plate.
4. Diet options for vegetarians and vegans: While meat and dairy are the biggest sources of protein, India being a country with a large number of vegetarians, special emphasis should be placed on including fortified foods in diet. You should ensure adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids through plant-based sources. Some of the options are legumes, tofu, fortified plant milks, nuts, seeds and leafy greens.
5. Community support: Lastly, we should come together as a community to improve healthier farming practices and growing food which is diversified, pesticide-free, and offers a balance of nutrition. Additionally, we should support initiatives that provide nutrition education and resources to underserved communities.

Future with a healthy diet

A healthy diet not only prevents diseases but also supports overall development and well-being. Proper nutrition is crucial for children as it helps with their physical and cognitive development, impacting their academic performance and potential. Similarly for adults, maintaining a balanced diet can enhance productivity, improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. By prioritising nutrition, India can build a healthier, more resilient population capable of driving sustainable development.

By promoting healthy eating habits, ensuring access to nutritious foods and supporting vulnerable populations, we can make significant progress towards a healthier future. The journey towards better nutrition is a collective effort that involves individuals, communities and policymakers working together to create a more equitable food environment.